HOW BUILDING SCIENCE RELATES TO INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Building science, though often the responsibility of a project’s architect, is a far-reaching field requiring a certain level of understanding of architecture, engineering, and construction. However, building science also has a more human element, quite literally, as so much of the practice focuses on how the many elements of a building impact the health and…
WHEN PRESENTATIONS FALL SHORT
Historically, I tend not to travel much during April. As the weather starts to change in Houston, the phone can get pretty busy. However, this year will be different: I’ll be visiting my daughter in Seoul, South Korea. Meanwhile, the business will be in good hands. I look forward to seeing my daughter and experiencing the South Korean culture.
THE RISKS OF OVER-THE-COUNTER MOLD TEST KITS
From Pinterest to the DIY Network, we live in the era of do-it-yourself projects. This can be great for wedding planning or retiling your bathroom, but when it comes to your health, some things should be left in the hands of experts. DIY mold test kits boast a
HOW TO DETERMINE IF A COMPANY IS WORTH YOUR TIME
“Is there a standard that must be met to verify we’ve successfully cleaned up everything after a fire?” This is the question I needed to answer after three separate management companies called me for help in the wake of a fire in their buildings. Thankfully, they
WHY YOU NEED TO MEASURE THE CARBON DIOXIDE IN YOUR BUILDING
Each time you exhale, you’re releasing between 35,000 and 50,000 parts per million (ppm) of the asphyxiate gas carbon dioxide (CO2). While carbon dioxide is a trace gas, occurring naturally in our atmosphere, concentrations of 7 percent to 10 percent (70,000–100,000 ppm) can cause
MY TRIP TO THE ASHRAE WINTER CONFERENCE IN LAS VEGAS
I’m just now getting back from the Indoor Air Quality Association’s annual conference, one of my favorite events each year. I’m not sure how I got sucked into being a planning committee member for the event six years ago, but I’m glad it happened. Since
TESTING FOR AND PREVENTING RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA
There are all sorts of particles that present health risks to workers when inhaled. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is constantly on the lookout for ways to limit disease through monitoring and regulating the levels of contaminants in the air. One particular particle that poses
MY WORK AS A CONSULTANT TO FOH
Twelve years ago, I received a call from a building owner in the Dallas area. He was having some problems with mold in his building and called a friend for a referral. I was the person who was referred. It turned out that the building having the problem was occupied by the Social Security
WOOD FIREPLACES AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY
‘Tis the season for chestnuts roasting by the open fire, yule logs burning bright, and fireplaces of all sorts. When used properly, a wood-burning fireplace can reduce the cost of your heating bill and create a nice ambience during the holidays. However, burning wood can have a negative impact
WHY I LOVE WORKING WITH PROFESSIONAL PROPERTY MANAGERS
When I started working with indoor air quality — IAQ — in 1988, the field was surprisingly broad. IAQ was a relatively new topic, and I was willing to take any job that came up. However, by 1990, it became obvious I had a choice to make.