INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (IEQ)
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Investigation Strategies in Response to IEQ Concerns
Developed and implemented investigation strategies for more than 100 comprehensive indoor environmental quality (IEQ) assessments, including evaluations of chemical and microbial contamination in a wide variety of building types. Served as lead scientist and/or project manager on complex field studies involving chemical sources and exposures, helping resolve employee / occupant odor complaints and other health and comfort concerns.
In conjunction with field studies, applied knowledge of product emissions to identify VOC and odor sources. Many of these investigations were conducted in response to occupant complaints of sensory (upper respiratory), eye, and skin irritation, odors, asthma, allergic responses, and others. Investigation strategies included visual observations, direct reading measurements, and appropriate sampling and analysis plans for identifying sources of indoor pollutants, interpreting analytical data, recommending effective control strategies, and assisting clients with risk communication efforts.
IEQ Investigations - Chemical
Senior consultant for a high profile IEQ chemical evaluation of a mid-rise office building. Occupants complained of upper respiratory, eye, and skin irritation as well as alleged increase in cancer rates. The project spanned several years and required gaining an understanding of the building’s ventilation system as well as the client’s business culture, developing and implementing an effective sampling and analysis strategy including periodic surveillance and follow-up, coordination and communication with outside medical experts, recommendations for remedial measures, and ongoing sensitive communications with building management and building occupants.
Project manager for a complex IEQ risk assessment at select residential sites in various parts of the eastern US. Determined and implemented appropriate sampling and analysis strategies to identify and measure extremely low-level concentrations of chemicals causing noxious odors. These compounds were formed through the environmental breakdown of a proprietary raw material used in certain interior latex paint products.
Conducted a comprehensive IEQ investigation of a multi-story medical office building located adjacent to a large, urban hospital, including chemical and microbial sampling and analysis of air and settled dust, and evaluation of the ventilation system focusing on delivery and distribution of conditioned air to out-patient surgery units, prosthesis laboratories, and medical offices.
Conducted a pilot study using dustborne VOCs to characterize indoor dust in residential environments. Analyzed data to quantify overall chemical load in dust as well as range of concentrations (micrograms per gram) across multiple environments and source locations (types of surfaces) within those environments. Evaluated most prevalent chemicals in samples and chemicals of concern from odor, irritation, and/or other health standpoint. Also determined most likely and/or important or interesting sources of identified chemicals.
Conducted sampling of settled dust in residences on the Gulf Coast to determine the presence of residual pesticides due to flooding following Hurricane Katrina.
IEQ Investigations – Microbial
Project manager for disaster response efforts provided on Territory of Guam following Supertyphoon Pongsana for a resort hotel and university campus, including on-site assessment of mold growth and remediation oversight. Met the challenges of communicating and coordinating work activities across 14 time zones as well as on-site coordination among multiple parties including environmental consultants, building management and staff, outside contractors, insurance representatives, and others, while minimizing business disruption.
Conducted a microbial investigation of multiple patient floors in a large, urban hospital to identify potential courses and/or conditions that could promote the growth of opportunistic fungi. The investigation required regular coordination and communication with infection control representatives. Investigation strategy included visual observations in occupied areas and mechanical system components, collection and analysis of air, surface wipe and bulk / settled dust samples, airborne particle size distributions, temperature and relative humidity measurements, and qualitative determination of patient room pressurization. Resultant recommendations made included improvements in housekeeping practices, preventive maintenance measures for air handling units serving the subject areas, sealing windows, and periodic surveillance and monitoring.
Managed and conducted visual assessment of mold growth and remediation oversight during the construction of a high-rise luxury condominium complex located on the southeastern U.S. Atlantic coast. Advised on procedures to minimize moisture damage to prevent recurrence of mold growth during construction.
Managed a two-year contract plus two-year extension providing mold / mildew consulting services and training for a public housing authority.
Proactive, Green Building Initiatives
Have advised clients on reducing potential environmental liability through proactive approaches for managing IEQ including “green building” initiatives for new construction and renovation, as well as operations and maintenance programs in existing buildings.
Representative projects include:
New construction / renovation
- Pre-occupancy clearance testing for commissioning of a county government complex;
- Pre-occupancy IEQ testing pursuant to U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification criteria in a variety of building types; and
- Advising on selection and procurement of building materials, furnishings, and finishes such as low VOC-emitting products and microbial resistant building materials.
Existing buildings
- Drafted an IEQ operations and maintenance program for a university campus including procedures for recognizing potential concerns, provisions for employee training, response protocols, and communication channels.
- Developed a checklist and accompanying guidance document for a public housing authority’s facilities engineering staff to incorporate into their periodic site inspection and audit program. As a result they were better able to identify and prioritize potential and existing IEQ concerns, institute appropriate preventive measures and incident responses, and effectively document and track findings, outcomes, and follow-up information.
Epstien Environmental Resources, LLC
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