Odors in Indoor Environments can Cause Health Problems and Decrease Worker Productivity

Nov. 1, 2010 - PRLog -- Unpleasant odors in properties can not only be a distraction to building occupants, but they can also pose a health risk.  Quite often the source of the problem is not readily apparent.  Common sources of unpleasant odors in buildings include off-gassing from mold and other microbial contaminants and improperly vented sewer gases.  These problems can be fixed, but only after the source is identified.

Sewer gas is primarily methane, but it can include a host of other gases that may include ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and other gases.  They are a normal part of modern sewage systems, but their presence in indoor environments is unhealthy.  Sewer gases cause not only odors, but can also be dangerous to occupant’s health and in extreme situations could be a fire hazard.

When operating properly, plumbing traps and vents prevent sewer gas from entering structures, but these can malfunction.  Buildings with HVAC systems that bring outdoor air into the structure can pull escaping sewer gas back into a building if air intakes are placed too close to sewer vents.  Mold and bacteria can also create odors that at times can be misidentified as sewer gases.  Mold can emit a musty or earthy smell in properties with microbial growth and bacteria often causes “dirty sock” odors.  

One of the leading firms called to identify the source of odors in buildings across Illinois and the Chicago area is EC2, Inc.  EC2 has performed over 5,000 IAQ investigations, many of which began by building occupants noticing strange odors. “The first step in solving these types of problems is identifying the source of the odor,” reported Mr. Chambers.  “At EC2 we utilize the most advanced instrumentation and decades of building science experience to quickly and efficiently resolve these types of problems for our customers.”

To learn more about IAQ or other environmental testing services please visit http://www.4ec2inc.com, email info@4ec2inc.com or call (815) 703-9000.

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About EC2, Inc.
EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States. Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to international Fortune 500 corporations.