Odors Cause Health Concerns and Impact Worker Productivity

The building science professionals at Clark Seif Clark (CSC) provide indoor air quality (IAQ) identification services and solutions for commercial and residential property owners plagued by problematic odors.

Indoor plumbing not only isolates us from the obvious undesirable liquids and solids we flush down our drains, but also safeguards us from the noxious and caustic gasses generated therein. Sewer gasses are diverse, often containing hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, methyl mercaptan and water vapor. When sewer gas enters a building, both the people and the structure can suffer.

At a minimum, sewer odors indoors are an unpleasant distraction. But, sewer gasses also irritate mucosal membranes in the eyes, nose and throat. These irritations can occur at concentrations undetectable to your sense of smell.

Acerbic sewer gasses can severely oxidize or rust metal building components resulting in system failure, costly repairs and onerous delays. Oxidized water supply pipes can burst and flood buildings. Critical electrical components in fire safety systems can become compromised and unable to perform when tragedy strikes.

Sewer gas is regularly mistaken for the mercaptan additive to natural gas. This leads to false reports of natural gas leaks, costly building evacuations and wild goose chases for gas companies and local fire departments.

The presence of sewer gas infiltration can be obvious. However, the source of the problem is often elusive. Diagnosis by building science experts is frequently the best solution to identify the causes and to develop solutions.

Clark Seif Clark, a leading provider of indoor air quality testing and consulting services, has extensive experience dealing with problematic odors in indoor environments. “Odors are commonly intermittent and difficult for occupants to describe. Contrary to popular belief, sewer gas does not always smell like a toilet,” reported Derrick A. Denis, V.P. Indoor Environmental Quality at CSC. “Identifying the sources of odors and noxious gasses, such as sewer gas, requires a global understanding of building systems and their complex interactions.”

To learn more about how CSC can help with odor or other indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark (CSC)
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both the public and private sectors address environmental issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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