Indoor Air Quality Investigation
ENW’s Indoor Air Quality Division can be a valuable consulting resource by providing solutions to help eliminate and improve Indoor Air Quality problems. ENW provides a wide range of services to address Indoor Air Quality problems, including testing, mitigation, renovation, and demolition, as either independent project supervision or as a turnkey solution.
ENW offers the assessment and remediation of:
- Mold and mildew
- Vapors of volatile organic compounds
- Asbestos
- Radon
- Dust
- Lead-based paints
ENW performed, contracted, and supervised these services in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The staff have performed numerous assessments of asbestos, lead-based paint and radon, typically as part of an extended scope Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, or as part of an additional phase of investigation associated with multi-family dwellings and/or single-family dwellings throughout the Northwest and Northern California.
Prominent Indoor Air Quality Projects
School Building, Eugene, Oregon
When several on-site workers complained about health impacts potentially related to indoor air quality issues, ENW was consulted to evaluate previously conducted indoor air quality assessments. ENW collected several additional samples of indoor air, following national standards of practice and implementing strict Quality Control/Quality Assurance measures. The investigation confirmed that indoor air quality issues were related to elevated levels of nuisance dust in the HVAC system, and confirmed the work completed by a duct-cleaning contractor. The project was documented in a final report approved by the client.
School Building, Sandy, Oregon
In response to a teacher’s complaint with regards to health impacts potentially related to indoor air quality issues, ENW was consulted to evaluate indoor air in a specific area of the school building. ENW collected several samples of indoor and outdoor air, following national standards of practice and implementing strict Quality Control/Quality Assurance measures. In addition, ENW assessed the general air quality in relation to conditions necessary to support mold growth (moisture, relative humidity and temperature). ENW surveyed accessible areas of the building for possible indications of moisture intrusion and moisture impacted building materials using a moisture probe. The project was documented in a final report approved by the client.
Residence, Portland, Oregon
The residence at this property had caused health impacts to the residents. ENW, acting on behalf of a national insurance company, performed the mold assessment and remediation of the site. Strict Quality Control/Quality Assurance measures were implemented. Each article in the house was inventoried, cleaned, wrapped, and either restored after remediation or isolated for future disposal. The project was documented in a final report approved by the insurance carrier.
Residence, Clackamas County, Oregon
An assessment performed in this dwelling identified areas of the attic and kitchen ceiling and window as impacted with toxic microbial growth. ENW supervised the contractors in performing the mold remediation, implementing Quality Control/Quality Assurance measures to prevent re-infestation from previously treated areas of the structure. ENW also ensured that all impacted areas were addressed by remedial measures. Baseline samples were compared with the closure sampling results in the final project report, thereby documenting the effectiveness of the remediation.
Residence, Portland, Oregon
A mold assessment, consisting of a visual inspection and temperature and relative humidity (both dry and wet bulb) measurements using a digital sling psychrometer multi-meter, were used to determine baseline conditions. Areas of high moisture content and potential growth media were identified.
Radon
ENW has provided independent unbiased evaluation and analysis of radon problems in the Northwest since 1990. We specialize in radon testing and radon entry analysis in homes, condos, apartments, schools and complex commercial buildings. Services we offer include:
- Radon Analysis and Radon Measurement
- Radon test program development, execution and monitoring
- Large project, short & long term protocol radon testing
- Apartment, multi-family & commercial building radon testing
- Radon potential evaluation for building sites & unimproved land
- Radon soil gas measurements
- Gamma radiation surveys
- Mitigation system design, testing, evaluation & certification
- Utilizing HVAC modifications & air pressurization
- Radon source and entry path investigations in complex buildings including apartment complexes, commercial buildings, schools, and specialty types of construction
- Pre-construction radon mitigation system design
Prominent Radon Projects
Low Income Apartment Complex, Portland, Oregon
Provided professional consulting services to confirm indoor radon exposure issue at a low-income apartment complex in SE Portland. Working with a non-profit organization, ENW provide discounted consulting services to install a sub-slab depressurization system to mitigate radon exposure. Functionality of the system was confirmed by post-mitigation assessment.
Public-Private Apartment Complex, Portland, Oregon
Provided professional consulting services to the City of Portland. Radon was suspected to be an issue during a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment and post-construction monitoring was recommended. When radon concentrations were confirmed to exceed compliance levels, ENW provide consulting services to install a sub-slab depressurization system to mitigate radon exposure. The operation of the system was confirmed by post-mitigation assessment.