Midwest Environmental Consulting, LLC


Indoor Air Quality Assessment Service CMS

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems have become more prevalent as a result of changes in design features within buildings, energy considerations of the 1970s, changes in use patterns of a facility, presence of chemicals, and individual tolerances. Air quality can adversely affect the performance, health, and comfort of occupants. Problems with air quality can often be attributed to inadequate outside air, failing to retrofit the HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system to a renovation and/or remodeling project, or HVAC system not functioning properly, and, in some instances, microbiological or chemical contamination. Midwest Environmental Consulting, L.L.C. (MEC) offers services to address indoor air quality with a variety of options, depending on the needs of the client. These can include a pre-assessment of building materials to be incorporated into a building project, a pro-active investigation to evaluate air quality in a facility before it becomes a problem, and a complete investigation to address complaints and/or determine the cause of a specific IAQ problem.

Facility Profile

This service identifies potential problems with mechanical ventilation, microbial contamination, defects in the building envelope, and volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination. It includes reviewing building mechanical and architectural blueprints and interviewing the person(s) familiar with the HVAC system, building structure, recent renovations, and changes in use patterns. MEC conducts a walk-through of the building, including the interior, exterior, roof, and mechanical areas. The walk-through also includes sampling for carbon dioxide, temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide, and dew point in a limited number of areas. Areas are identified where probable microbial or volatile organic compounds may be present and require specialized sampling. The client receives a final report with findings and recommendations.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Investigation CMS

A building that has an identified problem affecting the occupants comfort or health needs this level of service. MEC initiates a complete investigation and analysis process to isolate specific problem(s) that are presented. The investigation includes a thorough study of those items listed in the facility profile but also includes additional analysis as determined during the evaluation, such as testing the ventilation system. Usually detailed air quality sampling is conducted on a broad scale. Once a determination of the causes has been made, MEC staff can provide on-going management plans, remedial project design, and project management to ensure that problems are corrected.

Building Product Profile

This service profiles building products that are being considered as part of the building project. An evaluation determines whether a manufacturer's products might emit VOCs. If so, MEC will provide options for alternative products, or ensure that proper procedures are implemented during the installation to minimize problems. One manufacturer's products may adversely affect the products of another and create an air quality issue.


##################################################### #####################################################