A Q-trak monitor is a valuable device to measure fluctuations in air quality conditions throughout the day. This can be conducted over multiple 8-hour workdays, if needed. It measures levels of CO, CO2, temperature and relative humidity, all of which can be caused by malfunctions in the mechanical systems, poor air circulation, insufficient fresh air intake, etc. They are the leading cause of most indoor air quality complaints in office buildings. Mold sampling via a Zefon sampling pump (photo not shown) is also part of our standard indoor air quality investigation when complaints are nonspecific.

Complaints and health effects which might be related to building environments are sometimes similar to those from colds, flu, stress and other causes. When the reported complaints are nonspecific and diverse, it can be difficult initially to determine if problems are caused by sources or conditions in the building, and what can be done to remedy the complaints. A building investigation is performed in an effort to make these determinations. In some instances, a specific source of contamination or a specific building condition causing the complaints is readily obvious. In the majority of the cases, however, the investigator must consider all the factors that relate to indoor air quality to identify possible contaminants and stressors which could be responsible for the reported complaints and effects. This requires that the inspecting agency must go through a process of identifying and eliminating numerous potential contaminants, sources and other factors in the hope that the true causal factor will eventually be identified. If requires time and patience on the part of both the building owner and it occupants.