New buildings or buildings with recent renovations in Metro Vancouver often have air quality problems related to the new materials used in the construction or renovation of the building. This is not a unique air quality problem to Metro Vancouver buildings but since we have a lot of new buildings and recently renovated buildings in Metro Vancouver it is a concern for many residents in the Vancouver area.
Air Quality testing in a new building or building recently renovated in Vancouver typically includes Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Total Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Formaldehyde, Particulate & Dust, Combustible Gases and Relative Humidity.
Carbon Dioxide concentrations in the indoor air can provide a good indication of the ventilation rate and the baseline air quality of an indoor space.
New buildings contain a large variety of Volatile Organic Compound sources such as the new building materials and even new furniture. Volatile Organic Compounds come from these products that produce chemical vapours into the air. When the organic vapours are produced or off gassed in an indoor environment they can build up in the indoor air and negatively impact air quality.
Many new building materials emit formaldehyde into the indoor air. Plywood, pressed wood products, adhesives, paints, and wood finishes may contain formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known irritant to people and a known carcinogen.
Drains, sinks, toilets, natural gas pipes and HVAC systems can be sources of combustible gases that may be entering the indoor space and impacting indoor air quality.
Excessive levels of particulates from construction can cause allergic reactions, such as dry eyes, nose, throat, and skin irritation, coughing, sneezing and respiratory difficulties.
ABM Environmental can conduct the necessary indoor air quality testing for your new building or and building with recent renovations. Call ABM Environmental at 604-568-5177 to arrange an assessment or see Indoor Air Quality to learn more. You can also complete our online assessment form to get more information.
ABM Environmental’s service areas include Abbotsford, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Squamish, Surrey, Vancouver, West Vancouver, Whistler and White Rock.