Inspecting Air Ducts and Testing Air Quality to Determine Its Impact on Indoor Environmental Quality

The  New York Daily News  recently published an article that reported the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is launching a $50 million program to clean ventilation systems and upgrade equipment in hundreds of apartment complexes. According to the report, many of the air duct systems have likely not been cleaned in many decades.

The air ducts in an apartment, house or any type of building make up a crucial component of the HVAC system. Air ducts allow for ventilation and a path for conditioned warm or cool air to provide a comfortable indoor environment for families and building occupants. However, if the ducts become dirty and contaminated over time, they may not operate efficiently and could create indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns.

Air ducts can accumulate dust, dander, dirt, pollen, chemicals and other materials over time. If elevated humidity levels or water incursions take place, mold can begin to grow in them. Although some of these pollutants are caught by the HVAC system’s air filter, re-circulation often causes a build-up of the contaminants. While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air, they are often an indication of potential air quality issues.

“Anytime people are exposed to elevated levels of particulate matter, mold or other substances through inhalation, it can lead to respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma and other conditions,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “As the HVAC system operates, these substances can become airborne in homes and buildings with dirty ducts and have a direct impact on IAQ. At EMSL, we help to identify indoor air quality issues and air duct contamination by offering comprehensive air and surface testing services for microbial and chemical contaminants. We even provide air monitoring instruments to measure particulate matter and carry inspection tools, such as borescopes, to help people assess the condition of their air ducts.”

EMSL has also sponsored an educational video with tips to help prevent air duct contamination that can be seen at:  https://youtu.be/w9om_GZXJL0 .

To learn more about air ducts and indoor air quality or other environmental testing services and monitoring equipment, please visit  www.EMSL.com , call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To access indoor environmental quality (IEQ) test kits, visit  www.EMSLTestKits.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria,  Legionella , USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at  www.EMSL.com  for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail