Blog

Do you know if you are living or working in a sick building? Just as humans get sick, buildings are able to get sick also. This phenomena is know as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). SBS, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a term ‘used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in the building’ (n.p.). What makes a sick building a sick building? Derived

Damp odours, musty odours. Sometimes it feels like buildings are just meant to have that odour because it is so commonplace. We sometimes associate basements with “naturally” having a musty odour. Entering a home that has been shut for a while, the assumption is that that odour is on account of the “stale air.” But what if there is more to it than just being a nuisance odour? That thing that you are smelling is called mVOCs (Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds). According t

The dominant barometer of good air quality is a physically clean space that “smells nice”. Once these bases have been covered, it is perceived that everything is okay in a building. Arising symptomology of poor indoor air quality like headaches or chest pains are characterized then as “weird” and deemed normal, pushed to the side as building occupants engage in daily tasks. It is always assumed that rudimentary maintenance schedules have been put in place for HVAC systems, he

What is better than filling your home or office with a scent that is either calming or invigorating? Whatever mood or atmosphere we wish to be curated, we have our trusty diffusers to set the tone as desired. That feeling of all our stressors and anxieties melting away and shifting mood and thoughts can actually be priceless. As great as this all is, the unfortunate reality is that our efforts towards improvement of wellbeing in the form of essential oils and diffusers, if no

There has been much conversation around mould in homes in relation to spore emission during the process of growth, but while there is ongoing research on mycotoxins, very little is known publicly about this additional possible aspect of mould growth indoors. According to Bennett and Kilch (2003), “Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by microfungi.” We know that mould impacts human health but the HOW is still undergoing research as this blog is being written. Mycotox

Written by: Irvin Herman Respirable crystalline silica, or RCS, is a microscopic hazard found naturally in soil & sand, stone, mortar, concrete, engineered stone, bricks, and ceramics. On the job site, these materials produce dust when those materials are cut, grinded, and crushed. These tiny fragments of silica are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they can cause lasting damage (Eurofins, 2026). But what can be done do to reduce staff exposure to RCS? Eli

Written by: Irvin Herman Respirable crystalline silica, or RCS, is a microscopic hazard that hides in plain sight across countless industries. These tiny fragments of silica are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they can cause lasting damage. Particle size dictates the severity of health risks; larger fragments irritate the throat, while smaller ones penetrate deeper into the lungs, with particles under 4 microns reaching the alveoli and causing chronic di

Did you know that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in your workplace can have a major impact on both the health and productivity of your employees? Here’s why it matters and how you can improve it. (Freepik, 2026) The Impact of Poor Indoor Air Quality on Health Indoor air quality plays a vital role in your employees’ well-being. Poor IAQ can lead to: Respiratory Problems : Inadequate ventilation or airborne pollutants can cause symptoms like coughing, asthma, and allergic reacti

Smart air quality monitors are essential tools for tracking indoor air pollution and managing your home or office environment effectively. By providing real-time data on air quality, these devices offer insight into the pollutants in your space, enabling you to make informed decisions. But what exactly makes them so useful for improving indoor air quality? Key Benefits of Smart Air Quality Monitors: Real-Time Feedback on Air Quality With smart air quality monitors, you can in

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature, a characteristic known as volatility. These harmful chemicals are commonly found in household products and can significantly degrade indoor air quality (IAQ) while posing serious health risks. Understanding where VOCs are found and how to reduce them can help improve the air in your home and protect your health. (Freepik, 2025) Where Are VOCs Found?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality inside a home, office, or building, particularly as it affects the health and comfort...

Written by: Jorissia Barnett Within commercial buildings and homes, indoor air quality (IAQ) is often overlooked until visible indicators...

by Irvin Herman 27/07/2023 An IAQ assessment is the process of evaluating the indoor air quality of a building or a space. It involves...

Collaboration: Tricia Herman, Ermine Herman and Terry Atkins Do you have suspected mould growth in your home? Learn more about types of...

One of the most essential strategies of a business place is to ensure that employees are safe and satisfied in their work environment....

by Irvin Herman 22/05/2023 Mould is a common problem in many homes and commercial spaces. But how do you know when you need a...