Construction Projects in Occupied Buildings and Indoor Environmental Quality Concerns
At some point, almost every commercial and institutional property will undergo some type of remodeling, renovation, or construction activity during the building’s usable lifetime. In most cases, property owners and managers do not have the ability or luxury to completely or partially vacate these buildings slated for improvement projects.
Construction activities in an occupied building can present a range of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) concerns. Some of these could even result in potential occupant and worker health issues if the proper precautions are not implemented.
These IEQ issues are often caused by the release of airborne particulates, biological contaminants, and gases. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), particulate material, such as dusts and fibers, are likely to be produced during construction and renovation activities. Nontoxic dusts are irritants and can exacerbate lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease. Materials that contain fibers, such as fiberglass composite materials or insulation, can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Toxic dusts, containing asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), or lead, can cause serious long-term health effects.
NIOSH also reports that chronic dampness from prior water intrusions is another concern and can lead to increased levels of bacteria, mold, and other microbes. If not handled properly, these microbial-contaminated materials could disperse in the air and into parts of the building. Another example of biological contamination is an accumulation of bird or rodent droppings. In both cases, uncontrolled disturbances could spread potentially allergenic or infectious dust.
“Even welding, cutting, and brazing activities during construction could release potentially harmful fumes and gases into the air,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “A number of new building materials, coatings, and furnishing may also release volatile organic compounds. At CTSI, our building science, construction safety, and industrial hygiene professionals help building owners, managers, and construction firms protect building occupants and workers from these types of exposure risks. Services include comprehensive indoor environmental quality assessments, inspections, audits, testing, and monitoring services for before, during, and after construction activities have been completed.”
To learn more about environmental, health, safety, and construction services offered by CTSI, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com, or call (212) 971-7016.
About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.