Poor indoor air quality can result from numerous factors, including inadequate ventilation, poorly designed or maintained air conditioning systems, chemicals drawn in from outside, products used inside the building, leaking gas appliances, building materials, furnishings and microbial contamination.

Health effects of inadequate indoor air quality are poorly understood, due to the large number of potential indoor air contaminants, the possibility of interactions between contaminants and the significant variability in individual human responses to them.

Recommended solutions to indoor air quality issues will vary with the source of the problem. They may be as simple as opening windows to improve ventilation or replacing existing personal care and cleaning products with safer alternatives or more complex where changes to air conditioning systems or building materials are involved.

Nevertheless, illnesses which have been observed include:

• eye, nose and throat irritation
• skin rashes and itchiness
• fatigue
• asthma and allergies

Air sampling  

A standard indoor air quality assessment includes the use of professional meters to measure temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels and to detect gas leaks from  gas appliances.

Where testing is required for other gases or for dusts or specific chemicals (e.g. formaldehyde, VOC's), specialised air sampling equipment will be used. It may be necessary to forward air samples to a NATA accredited laboratory for analysis before results can be determined.

Building Wellness building biology service - Indoor air quality assessment procedure 

When conducting indoor air quality testing in a home or workplace, the consultant will

• Speak with you to determine your specific needs
• Visit your site at an agreed time
• Use the appropriate equipment to measure levels of the specified pollutants. Where necessary, samples will be taken for laboratory analysis.
• Determine sources of pollutants. This will include consideration of building materials, furnishings, paints and finishes, cleaning and personal care products and other chemicals used on the premises.
• Check for gas leaks from gas appliances
• Discuss findings
• Explain areas of concern
• Recommend the easiest and most cost effective ways to address areas of concern

A written summary of the major findings and recommendations will be provided electronically within 2 days of the assessment. 

A professionally bound written report, explaining the types and sources of indoor air pollutants and their possible adverse health effects and detailing all findings and recommended solutions, is optional.  If required, it will be provided within one week of the consultation.

Cost of services

The cost of an indoor air quality assessment varies according to the building size and location and the level of testing and reporting required. Prices start at $165 (including GST) for a standard indoor air quality assessment (excluding specialised air sampling and laboratory analysis) of a 1-2 bedroom apartment in the Melbourne metropolitan area. A summary of the major findings and recommendations will be provided electronically.

We will be happy to provide a quote for your specific circumstances after discussing your requirements with you. Please contact us for further information.