Indoor Air Quality Audit Summary – Commercial Office Space Heritage Property

Toronto and Area’s Asbestos, Indoor Air Quality and Mold Inspection Professionals

Introduction

Environmental Services Group Inc. (ESG) conducted an indoor air quality (IAQ) audit for the heritage buildings in downtown Toronto. The audit was commissioned to meet BOMA BEST certification requirements and evaluate IAQ parameters in office and medical clinic spaces.

Scope of Work

The IAQ audit included:

  • Visual assessment of occupied and unoccupied areas.
  • Air sampling for temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold spores, and dust particulate and indoor pollutants.
  • Inspection of air handling units (AHUs) and HVAC systems.

Key Findings

  1. Temperature and Relative Humidity (RH):
    • Address 1: Temperature ranged from 22.6–24.6°C, within ASHRAE comfort guidelines. RH levels were 49.8%–64%, with several readings above the recommended 50%.
    • Address 2: Temperature ranged from 21.8–25.8°C, with slight exceedance in one area due to frequent door usage. RH levels ranged from 51.1%–69.7%, influenced by external weather conditions (outdoor RH >80%).
  2. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂):
    • Levels ranged from 440–957 ppm at Address 1 and 573–1200 ppm at Address 2.
    • Elevated levels in Address 2 reception areas were temporary and caused by atypical occupant density during the audit. Ventilation was otherwise adequate, with all levels below Ontario OELs (5000 ppm).
  3. Carbon Monoxide (CO):
    • CO levels were consistently below 1 ppm in all areas, well within acceptable limits.
  4. Formaldehyde:
    • Elevated formaldehyde levels at Address 2 exceeded Health Canada’s 0.1 ppm guideline but remained below Ontario OELs. The highest reading was 0.52 ppm in the reception area, likely due to healthcare facility activities.
  5. Dust Particulate:
    • PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10 levels were all below US EPA NAAQS and Ontario OELs.
  6. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
    • Slightly higher VOC levels at Address 2, attributed to healthcare-related products and disinfectants, but within acceptable limits.
  7. Mold and Moisture:
    • Mold spore concentrations were comparable to outdoor levels, with no evidence of contamination.
    • Wood rot was noted on windows at Address 2 due to water intrusion; repair and improved drainage are recommended.
  8. Air Handling Units (AHUs):
    • AHUs were observed to be in good condition, with routine maintenance documented. Issues included:
      • Blocked condensate drain at Address 1’s rooftop unit.
      • Bird netting and protective grates requiring repair at Address 2’s AHUs.
  9. Indoor Pollutants:
    • Ammonia, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone were all below detection limits.

Recommendations

  1. Temperature and Humidity:
    • Monitor RH levels regularly to prevent mold growth.
    • Reassess the temperature set point at Address 2 to ensure occupant comfort.
  2. Formaldehyde and VOCs:
    • Review chemical use in Address 2 to identify potential formaldehyde sources and implement exposure reduction strategies.
  3. Air Handling Units:
    • Clear the blocked condensate drain at Address 1’s rooftop AHU and ensure no stagnant water remains.
    • Repair bird netting and protective grates at Address 2’s rooftop AHUs.
  4. Moisture Control:
    • Replace wood windows at Address 2 with metal-framed alternatives and improve drainage in window wells.
  5. Routine Monitoring:
    • Conduct periodic IAQ assessments during peak occupancy to ensure consistent air quality and comfort.

Conclusions

The audit revealed acceptable IAQ conditions across most parameters. Temporary elevations in humidity, CO₂, and formaldehyde at Address 2 were identified and attributed to environmental conditions and building usage. Implementation of the recommended measures will ensure sustained compliance with BOMA BEST standards and occupant comfort.

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