IAQ is Singapore’s leading specialist in the field of Indoor Environmental Quality (“IEQ”).IAQ has a vast experienceof indoor environment testing, and providing customized solutions specific for the problems encountered. Concerns about Indoor Air Quality is a prime concern among building owners, designers and companies in general as it has implications on the health, quality of life and the overall productivity of organizations. This has called for professional agencies like IAQ consultants who can clinically prevent, diagnose, and take remedial measures to maintain an ideal indoor environment.

Singapore’s tropical climate, highly built environment, and energy conservation requirements pose special constraints and challenges to the building industry in ensuring that indoor air quality remains acceptable. As the energy prices shot up, buildings were made more energy efficient with better insulation and sealing techniques that made the building tighter, reducing the amount of fresh air into the buildings and increasing indoor pollution. Increasingly people spend a major part of the day in air-conditioned offices.

Poor indoor air quality gives rise to common complaints such as headaches, sneezing, coughing, nausea, fatigue, skin rashes, blurred vision, shortness of breath, drowsiness, vomiting, and difficulty in concentrating to more severe health effects include convulsions, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, liver and kidney problems and even cancer. When indoor air quality issues emerged a system of scientific techniques has been put in place to maintain microbes free building interiors.

Proud on achieving the coveted accreditation, Mr. Satish Bakdha, of IAQ Consultants, says “this status is a testimony to our perfectionism which is a habit more than a practice at IAQ consultants. Our experience & knowledge of environmental solutions isrigorously reinforcedby the application of local & international standards Most of the Singapore companies as well as building owners have realized that improving the work environment to achieve greater productivity is a sound investment, and from our side to ensure a sustainable indoor environment condition we provide our clients with practical, cost-effective solutions. Hence we are the preferred partners for organizations and institutions that are keen on cost effective solutions for maintaining clean working & living environment without compromising on the quality”.

To read more on Indoor air quality and environmental health issues, please click on the following link: More on Indoor air quality Singapore

Maximum Threshold Limits for potential indoor air contaminants, as published in the Singapore NEA “Guidelines for Good Indoor Air Quality in Office Premises”

• Test Parameter Info Maximum Threshold Limit
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2)  1000 ppm
• Carbon Monoxide (CO)   9 ppm
• Formaldehyde (HCHO)  0.1 ppm
• Ozone (O3)  0.05 ppm
• Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC)  3 ppm
• Suspended Particulate Matter   150 µg/m3
• Air Temperature   22.5°C – 25.5°C
• Relative Humidity   ?70%
• Air Velocity   ?0.25m/s
• Total Bacterial Counts   500 Cfu/m3
• Total Fungal Counts   500 Cfu/m3

Indoor levels of air pollutants can be 2-5 times higher, and occasionally 100 times higher, than outdoor levels. IAQ’s expertise is in identifying and eliminating environment -related reactions or allergies.

To read more on Indoor air quality and environmental health issues, please click on the following link: More on Indoor air quality Singapore

There have been reports of an illness commonly known as the “sick building syndrome’ that is associated with a variety of indoor environments. It is however difficult to diagnose IAQ complaints because of the number and variety of possible sources and causes and varying individual sensitivities when exposed to the same source.

What we do?

IAQ is Singapore’s leading specialist in the field of Indoor Environmental Quality testing(“IEQ”). Our Mission is to provide our clients with practical, cost-effective solutions to Indoor Air Quality problems, and help them achieve  sustainable and safer indoor working and living environments

IAQ has a vast experience of indoor environment testing, and providing customised solutions specific for the problems encountered. This has earned us a reputation for delivering Solutions for Healthier Environments – because  IAQ always attacks the root cause of a problem, not just its symptoms.

We are a multi-disciplinary, environmental testing & consultancy provider. Our experience & knowledge of environmental solutions is rigourously reinforced by the application of local & international standards.

Ride on the IAQ Advantage

Our proven multi-disciplinary approach addresses all potential environmental and social-responsibility requirements, providing our clients with:

Proven combination of local know-how and international experience

Effective and cost-efficient solutions, which meet regulatory and corporate requirements

Single source responsibility

To read more on Indoor air quality and environmental health issues, please click on the following link: More on Indoor air quality Singapore

The range of health effects is broad, but are predominantly to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.Indoor Air Quality has become a major issue around the world,, since an increasing range of adverse health effects has been linked to air pollution, and at ever-lower concentrations.

This is especially true of airborne particulate matter which now makes  culturable sampling more important.These relationships are invaluable for health impact assessments and allow insights into the mortality and morbidity burdens from current levels of air pollution, as well as what health improvements could be expected under different air pollution reduction scenarios.

Culturable sampling methods require that the spores in the air are alive, survive the sampling process, germinate on the sampling media, and compete well with other species present on the growth media. The non selective growth media may favor growth of some fast growing micro organisms. It also provides counts indicative of how many spores are viable and present in the air.

Culturable sampling does not indicate the presence of non-viable spores, which may also be capable of producing allergies or irritation.

Overview

Non-culturable spore trap samplers draw measured volumes of air through the sampling device for a specified length of time. The collection surface is a coated glass slide. Particles in the air (spores, dust, etc.) impact onto the sticky surface and are “trapped” for later analysis. Spore trap samplers are capable of capturing all spores and particulate matter in the air. Consequently, it is possible to accurately characterize problem environments where spores are present but either are no longer viable or are species that do not culture well (i.e. Stachybotrys). These are two situations where culturable sampling techniques, if used alone, may miss a potential IAQ problem.

Culturable sampling

Culturable sampling is one of the most common methods of volumetric air sampling, and the most commonly used culturable sampling devices. The sampler works by drawing measured volumes of air through an instrument that contains a petri dish with culture media. Spores that impact onto the plate are then allowed to incubate and grow, after which the colonies may be counted and identified.

Our philosophy regarding the interpretation of biological air samples is formed
primarily by two guiding principles. First, an effective interpretation is based on the
comparison of indoor and outdoor samples. There are currently no guidelines or
regulations to indicate “safe” or “normal” spore levels, however, we typically expect indoor counts to be 30 to 80 percent of outdoor spore counts, with the same general distribution of spore types present.

To read more on Indoor air quality and environmental health issues, please click on the following link: More on Indoor air quality Singapore

It’s so easy to use – just rub suspected area for 60 seconds, apply solution and have the  results withinr 10 minutes.

Dust mites: Common cause of allergy symptoms

House mite allergy is a hypersensitive reaction to proteins in the excretion of dust mites. The protein attacks the respiratory passages causing hay fever, (otherwise known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to airborne substances that get into the upper respiratory passages – the nose, sinus, throat – and also the eyes. and asthma.) It will aggravate atopic dermatitis (a form of eczema -skin inflammation) that won’t stop itching.

How dust mites cause allergies and asthma

As dust mites proliferate, so do concentrations of the residue from their feces and decaying bodies. If you’re sensitive to this residue, you may develop signs and symptoms of hay fever, such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.
If you have asthma, high concentrations of dust mite residue can trigger frequent and severe asthma signs and symptoms such as lung congestion, wheezing and shortness of breath. You may be especially prone to asthma attacks at night, when you’re lounging on a mite-infested sofa or sleeping in a mite-infested bed.

They are microscopic creatures thrive in warm and humid environment and feed on flakes of human skin, fungi, bacteria, and animal dander. The mites prefer to live in upholstered furniture, carpets, mattresses, bedding and soft toys and, because we spend about a third of the day in bed, we inhale and come in contacts with the dust mite allergens. Dust mite droppings (Proteins) are known as allergens.

If you’re sensitive to house dust, you know that even a single whiff of dusty air can trigger allergy symptoms and asthma. But dust itself probably isn’t the cause of your misery. Instead, dust mites microscopic creatures that live in dust are the most likely culprits. To learn more about Allergies and Dust Mites, please click here

Dust mites inhibits even the cleanest homes. The residue dust mites leave behind — droppings and decaying carcasses — mix with dust and become airborne. If you aren’t allergic to dust mite residue, it’s not harmful. But if you are, it can make you sneeze and wheeze year-round. Dust mites are one of the most common causes of perennial asthma and allergy symptoms.

To read more on Indoor air quality and environmental health issues, please click on the following link: More on Indoor air quality Singapore

Buildings are awarded the BCA Green Mark based on five key criteria:-

• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Site/Project Development & Management (Building Management & Operation for existing buildings)
• Good Indoor Environmental Quality & Environmental Protection
  Innovation

Under the Green Mark assessment system, points are awarded for incorporating environment-friendly elements which go beyond normal practice. The assessment identifies design features where specific targets are met. Meeting one or more targets indicates that the building is likely to be more environmental friendly than buildings where the issues have not been addressed. The total number of points obtained during the assessment provides an indication of the environmental friendliness of the building design.

Healthy Indoor Environment

Green Mark building occupants are assured of a healthy and comfortable environment. Building performance in areas such as indoor air quality, thermal comfort and ventilation rates are measured against the relevant indoor environmental quality standards – to ensure they are met, before the Green Mark Label is awarded.

The Green Mark assessment process consists of an initial audit inspection leading to the award of the Green Mark Label qualification. Subsequently, buildings are required to have biennial assessments. This is to ensure that the building continues to be well-maintained and compliant with the Green Mark recommendations.

Buildings are awarded Platinum, Gold PLUS , Gold or Certified rating depending on the number of points scored at assessment. Apart from achieving the minimum points in each rating scale, the building has to meet various mandatory requirements, and score a minimum of 50% of the points in each category, except the Innovation category. to learn more on Green Building, please click here

BENEFITS OF GREEN MARK

BCA Green Mark provides a meaningful differentiation of buildings in the real estate market. It is a benchmarking scheme which incorporates internationally recognized best practices in environmental design and performance. This can have positive effects on corporate image, and on the leasing and resale value of buildings. Benefits of BCA Green Mark include:

• Facilitate reduction in water and energy bills,
• Reduce potential environmental impact,
• Improve indoor environmental quality for a healthy and productive workplace,
• Provide clear direction for continual improvement

To read more on Indoor air quality and environmental health issues, please click on the following link: More on Indoor air quality Singapore

Microbiological , as sources of irritants, sensitizers, discomforting products, toxicants and as disease causing agents, have enormous consequences on human productivity, comfort, health, and general well being. This fact clearly links microbes to the cause, effect, and remedy equation needed for establishing and maintaining indoor environmental quality.

But, as important and necessary as antimicrobials are, they cannot be used without serious safety considerations. Many chemical agents can and do exhibit excellent biocidal and antimicrobial properties, yet often with dangerous side effects and severe human and animal toxicity problems. The antimicrobial agent must not introduce toxicants into the environment, lose its effectiveness by dissipating before filter life expires, adversely affect filter efficiencies or static pressure characteristics, or allow for microbial adaptation. For treatment in Singapore, please contact our Singapore distributor: BIG RED ENVIRONMENTAL

The ÆGIS Microbe Shield Technology addresses these criteria completely. This technology has an outstanding toxicological and safety profile. Due to the chemical bonding of the active  ingredient, the ÆGIS Microbe Shield Technology assures long lasting effectiveness without migration of the active ingredient into the environment.

The ÆGIS Microbe Shield Technology provides a powerful tool on air filters for dealing with one key element in the battle for improved indoor environmental quality – minimizing microbial infiltration via the air handling system.

Friendly to the Environment & You

The ÆGIS Microbe Shield is environmentally friendly. No heavy metals means no worries. The ÆGIS Microbe Shield addresses the two main ecological concerns associated with leaching antimicrobials: bleeding harmful toxins into the environment and the generation of adaptive organisms (super bugs). The mode of action of the ÆGIS Microbe Shield is physical and its molecular makeup alleviates these concerns.