Mould / Asbestos / IAQ

Mould

Mould is ubiquitous. Mould spores are commonly transported by wind currents and, with every breath a person takes, they will almost certainly inhale a small number of these spores. When spores land on damp/wet organic material (food, wood, paper, furniture, clothing etc) the spores can become immediately active and growth can be visible within 48hrs.

During the mould growth cycle spores are often released, while some mould species are renown for producing toxins.

In a natural open environment, these spores and toxins will often be dispersed by the wind. However, in a closed environment (eg dwelling), these dispersion vectors can be very limited and the concentration of spores and toxins can increase to levels where they can impact a persons health.

CDE Sciences works with remediators and cleaners across Australia, performing analysis and independent assessments for properties including

- Domestic Houses / Industrial / Office Buildings

- Record Management Areas /Archives / Libraries

- Food Storage Areas

- Health Facilities

Asbestos

Since the 1980's over 10,000 Australians have died from Asbestos-related diseases including Mesothelioma. This number continues to rise. The principle source of these cases has been employees who worked with asbestos during construction projects or working with or around asbestos insulation systems.

While legislation against the use of types of asbestos began in in 1960's, there remains thousands of premises in Australia, including schools, warehouse and domestic houses, that still contain asbestos. When work is performed on these structures appropriate precautions must be taken to ensure that persons working at

CDE Sciences have qualified scientists that can perform inspections and collect solid samples, and can perform air monitoring during the project.

We can also be engaged to perform Waste Management Audits to ensure all asbestos related materials are appropriately managed while on site and disposed of at an appropriately licensed solid waste management facility.

Indoor Air Quality

With an increasing amount of time that people are spending indoors due to living choices or employment requirements, (IAQ) is becoming a growing concern in many areas.

One of the principle IAQ concerns is associated with carcinogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) These compounds include formaldehyde and benzene. In confined area with poor ventilation, these compounds can quickly accumulate to make a workplace unsafe. Formaldehyde has been commonly associated with carpet glues and artificial wood products, while paints, dyes and inks can result in solvent related IAQ issues.

High concentrations of carbon dioxide can result in head aches and the inability to concentrate, while elevated relative humidity can result in condensation on internal surfaces and exacerbate mould grow. Both of these problems are often related to air conditioner maintenance and/or the poor management of recycled air.

Problems associated with methane and hydrogen sulfide are usually a result of a sewerage breach which allows sewer gas to into a building. These problems are uncommon however can quickly result in a very dangerous environment.

CDE Sciences provides monitoring services for all principle indoor contaminants and also performs quality control sampling of cooling towers