Common Biological Pollutants Found in the Built Environment

The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a hospital, school, business, or any type of building can be negatively impacted by numerous biological pollutants. Some of the more common ones listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include bacteria, mold, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, dust, dust mites, cockroaches, and pollen.

EPA goes on to share:

There are many sources of these pollutants. Pollens originate from plants; viruses are transmitted by people and animals; bacteria are carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris; and household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander. The protein in urine from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne.

Exposure to biological contaminants in the built environment can cause various health effects for building occupants. Some of those listed by EPA include hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and forms of asthma. The agency also reports that symptoms of health problems caused by biological pollutants may include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, and even digestive problems.

“Every building is unique and has the potential for biological pollutants to be an issue,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “Many factors are part of this equation. These often include the people that occupy the building and their behaviors, and the type, design, and maintenance of the building. Building materials and the location of the building, along with what activities take place indoors, are also components. Even the climate and other local conditions can play a role.”

Working with building owners, facility managers, and tenants to optimize indoor conditions are the building science, infection control, and IEQ professionals at CTSI. They offer comprehensive building inspections, testing, and monitoring for mold, bacteria, viruses, and other biological and chemical pollutants. If a problem is discovered, their experts can help to mitigate or eliminate the concern.

CTSI recently sponsored an educational video about biological pollutants that can be found indoors that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/cz-h5XGYGNg

To learn more about this or other building science, industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email

contactus@ctsiweb.com, or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI

Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail