Transmission electron microscopy is preferably used for enhanced
accuracy when carrying out air sampling of asbestos under an O&M program.
While Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) is often employed for screening and for
personal analysis of air sample, the caveat with the latter is its relative inability to efficiently differentiate
asbestos from other particulate fibers
which can be detected in air samples. Further, PCM analysis is established to
be inaccurate in detecting thin asbestos fibers.
It also doesn’t count short asbestos fibers
which can be present in high concentrations when asbestos containing materials are disrupted. Thus, the
comprehensive and reliable report derived using Transmission Electron
Microscopy makes it more preferred for owners adopting supplemental air
monitoring in their scheduled asbestos management program.
The quality of indoor or outdoor
air can make a huge difference in the health of individuals. The term Indoor
Air Quality (IAQ) is used to define how high or low the quality of air is
within buildings and structures inhabited by individuals. It is essential in
ensuring that people breathe in safe air and stay clear of unwanted illnesses
or respiratory problems. This is important since we spend most of our time in
enclosed spaces; offices, schools and homes. Breathing in contaminated air will
endanger our health, causing untold illnesses and high financial burden. Some
pollutants are gases, and other agents might be living organisms such as pests
and mold. Chemicals can also detriment
indoor air quality.
While some effects might be
recorded soon after first time exposure to a pollutant, other symptoms may only
elicit upon repeated exposure. In many cases, air-related problems may be
symptomized by irritation of the eyes, throat, nose, dizziness, fatigue and
headaches. However, immediate symptoms are likely to be short-lived and will wane out or can be treated easily. In some
cases, individuals will be relieved by simply leaving the polluted area.
Symptoms of Asthma may also be experienced or aggravated soon after exposure to
contaminated air. The tendency of
individuals to show immediate reactions on exposure to pollutants is influenced
by a number of factors, including preexisting medical conditions and age. Individual
sensitivity can also play a great role, and this varies greatly from one person
to another. For instance, some individuals may show instant sensitivity when
repeatedly exposed to air containing high
levels of biological or chemical pollutants.
Common environments where
individuals are exposed to polluted air include homes, offices and schools.
While some pollutants trigger headaches, sore eyes, burning sensation in the
nose and fatigue, others can compound respiratory diseases and allergies, cancer,
heart disease and a host of chronic conditions.
In some cases, and upon exposure
to exceedingly high concentration of pollutants like carbon monoxide, death can
occur. We have a wide range of options for your Air Quality testing needs.
These include home and office assessment for pollutants like lead, asbestos, mold, radon, allergens and volatile organic
compounds.
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