Reston, VA

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Home inspectors are now testing for toxics, according to Interscan Corporation

Sick building syndrome is nothing new, although these days--jump-started by Chinese drywall concerns--much more attention is being paid to indoor air quality in residences. Office towers were the original sick buildings.

Typical measurements in the past would include temperature, relative humidity, and the concentrations of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Carbon monoxide occurs primarily from cigarette smoke, but can also come from defective gas appliances. A build-up of carbon dioxide is a good indication of insufficient ventilation, since the primary source is human and animal exhalation.

The infamous FEMA trailers put formaldehyde in the forefront, and many home inspectors started testing for this compound, as well. After all, formaldehyde is present in wood products, paint, drapery, carpets, paper, and insulation materials--to name just a few items.

Now, in the wake of two reports from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, and carbon disulfide are being blamed for the corrosion problems and health effects of Chinese drywall.

To make matters worse, these--and many other chemicals that can occur in residences--often exist in homes with grossly inadequate ventilation. Thus, their effects are literally concentrated even more.

And, as if that weren't bad enough, mixtures of toxic chemicals can have additive or even synergistic health effects. As such, concentrations of individual compounds that may be well below allowable regulatory guidelines could still combine to cause problems.

"We have been getting more calls from home inspectors, and from homeowners, ever since the Chinese drywall situation came to light," says Grant McClure, Interscan's director of special projects. "They are interested in measuring low levels of sulfides and formaldehyde in homes--and not only in homes affected by Chinese drywall. People seem to be much more concerned about indoor air quality, and we're here to help them. "

Michael D. Shaw

Executive VP/Director of Marketing

Interscan Corporation

Reston, VA

703-796-6063

First Url: Interscan Corporation main website

Second Url: Article on houses that are too tightly sealed