Old period buildings often suffer from small structural failures due to ground subsidence, timber sagging or material deterioration. These common failures are usually quickly recognised and repaired by the property owners. The situation get sometimes a bit more complicated if properties are tied in long term maintenance contracts. Even though the maintenance companies are trying [...]
Poor air qaulity in the office environment
Office environments are places which often suffer from indoor air quality problems. The reasons for poor air quality can range from insufficient fresh air supply, poor air filtration, off gassing from furniture and fittings, contaminants introduced by maintenance or cleaning personnel, building services failures, contaminants introduced by occupants them self, computers, photocopiers and many others. [...]
One problem masking another causing IAQ problems
Water leak in any property can have a have a long lasting effect and some unforeseen consequences. In this particulate case a substantial mould contamination to the part of the property was triggered by relatively small water leak to a modern boiler situated in the loft of a small bungalow. The leak has caused saturation [...]
Basement (crawlspace ) air causing indoor air quality problems
Air quality investigation is a complex task an only rarely the investigator come across immediately obvious answer to a problem. Typical investigation will usually involve sampling for most likely contaminants in the hope that some will be present at the concentration likely to cause the experienced adverse health symptoms. Preparation and consultation with the client [...]
Crawlspace a hidden source of indoor air contaminants
Crawlspace in a typical residential building is a relatively low or narrow space below the lower story of a building. It differs from a basement by its shallow depth which does not allow for a person to stand up. Crawl space is usually not accessible (not regularly) and is not meant for storage of materials. [...]
Pest and Mould contamination after boiler leak
Water damage to the property is not usually limited to the immediately obvious water staining and possible material deterioration but sometimes escalates into a more complex issue affecting the indoor air quality in the whole property and having negative effect on the health of the occupants. Water damage to a building is usually not a [...]
Moulds in wind turbines and risk to employees
Wind turbines are one of those odd and unusual places where you would not anticipate a mould problem. Their construction is of almost pure metal with synthetic coating and minimum of absorptive surfaces. In recent years employees working on wind turbines farms have started to encounter quite significant mould contamination problems. Typically internal surfaces of the [...]
Exposure to coppper sulphate at art exhibition
Chemicals substances are rarely used in pure form for creation of art. However when the artist finds the courage to experiment some spectacular results can be achieved. I have recently had the opportunity to visit a piece of stunning art where the artist has decided to transform a small flat with copper sulphate crystals. The [...]
Failed mould removal project
I have been appointed to carry out post project verification after a mould removal in a large property. A contractor has been appointed to thoroughly clean and decontaminate all internal areas of this property. The overall objectives were to reduce fungal spore level in the internal areas to normal conditions and remove any dust debris [...]
Dust and indoor air quality
Generally the levels of dust are not a problem in the indoor environment unless a close source is present in close vicinity. In this case I have been invited to investigate the indoor air quality in an office building located in an industrial part of the city. The indoor air quality in the building was not bad as [...]