Mold and Other Potential Biological Pollutants in the Built Environment

Biological pollutants can negatively impact the indoor environmental quality of a home, school, business, or any type of building. Some of the more common biological contaminants listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include bacteria, mold, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust, dust mites, cockroaches, and pollen.

EPA goes on to share:
There are many sources of these pollutants. Pollens originate from plants; viruses are transmitted by people and animals; bacteria are carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris; and household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander. The protein in urine from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne. Contaminated central air handling systems can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew and other sources of biological contaminants and can then distribute these contaminants through the home.

Possible health effects from exposure to some biological contaminants listed by the agency include hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), allergic rhinitis, and various forms of asthma. EPA also reports that symptoms of health problems caused by biological pollutants may include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, and even digestive problems.

“Some concentrations of biologicals in the built environment are present in all air and on all surfaces. An abundance of common biologicals, their proliferation, or the presence of atypical biologicals can degrade the indoor environmental quality (IEQ),” said Derrick A. Denis, Senior Vice President for Clark Seif Clark. “Understanding what is normal versus abnormal and giving consideration to the occupant population is CSC’s specialty. We assess the environment through trained eyes, through measurements, and through laboratory testing. We process the data considering applicable federal laws, state standards, and industry guidelines. As appropriate, we interpret the data through the lens of an asthmatic child, an immunocompromised patient, a frightened homeowner, a concerned property manager, or a confused insurance adjuster. We recommend pragmatic prevention, response, and recovery solutions.”

CSC has also sponsored an educational video about biological pollutants that can be found indoors that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/cz-h5XGYGNg

To learn more about this or other building science and industrial hygiene services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com, or call 800-807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC)
Since 1996, CSC has helped clients in both the public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational health, and environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) 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 industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers, and real estate professionals.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail