Chair Testing News Today

When there is an unpleasant mystery odor in a home, school, office or other type of building, it could cause everything from a nuisance to something that signals potential short- or long-term health concerns for building occupants. These types of odors could even lower property values. In commercial and institutional settings, odors may result in decreased productivity, increased absenteeism and higher employee turnover rates., , , , Mystery odors could be coming from mold, bacteria, sewer ga....

Scoop Community provides New Zealand Community news and views

Mystery odors in the built environment could be everything from a nuisance to something that may signal potential short- or long-term health concerns for building occupants. These types of odors could even lower property values, and in commercial and institutional settings, may result in decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher employee turnover rates., , , , These odors could be coming from cigarette smoke or vaping; cooking; cleaning chemicals; and pets. They can also be th....

Scoop Auckland provides news and views from Auckland, New Zealand

Companies Encouraged to Reevaluate Drug and Alcohol Policies

The 20th Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) takes place this week from April 1st through the 7th. The annual event is meant to raise public awareness of asbestos hazards and diseases that continue to impact people around the globe, and promote ways to prevent exposure to deadly asbestos fibers., , , , Asbestos is a generic name given to six fibrous minerals that have been used in commercial products for decades. Asbestos is still used in some countries, but even in places like the United....

Aspergillosis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by a fungal pathogen known as Aspergillus. It is a common type of mold found outdoors and in indoor environments. It can be found at excessive concentrations indoors when buildings suffer water damage or elevated humidity levels., , , , Fortunately, most healthy people breathe Aspergillus spores without infection concerns. However, some species are known to be a serious infection risk for individuals with comorbidities such.....

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a diverse group of chemicals that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. These chemicals can be found in numerous products and materials used to build, furnish, clean, and maintain homes and buildings. They can also be found in a number of personal care products and consumer goods where they can become airborne pollutants., , , , Exposure to elevated levels of VOCs can cause health concerns. Unfortunately, concentrations of many VOCs are con....

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen as far back as 1987. In 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determined that formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen based on sufficient human and animal inhalation studies. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also classifies formaldehyde as a human carcinogen., , , , Formaldehyde is a chemical that is widely used by industry to manufacture buildin....

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation describes vapor intrusion as the process by which volatile chemicals move from a subsurface source into the indoor air of an overlying or adjacent building. They share the fact that the subsurface source can either be contaminated groundwater or contaminated soil which releases vapors into the pore spaces in the soil. Vapors can also sometimes enter a structure by migrating from contaminated bath, shower and drinking water., , , , Th....