• the most frequently reported characteristic of problem buildings are associated with the ventilation systems (64% to 75%) and the distribution of ventilation air (46% to 75%)

• indoor air pollutant sources

• airborne contaminants that may cause a problem for sensitive individuals but are not a problem for coworkers

• workplace environment (ergonomics) that results in complaints about poor air quality

• other problems

Professionals involved in building air quality problems typically include ventilation engineers, industrial hygienists, analytical laboratories and university research professors.

Sigma Psi Consulting personnel have been certified specifically as Indoor Air Quality Professionals and has allied with other professionals such as Industrial Hygienists, Analytical Labs and University Research Personnel. An indoor air quality assessment conducted by Sigma Psi Consulting may involve several professionals depending on the problem description. The depth of an indoor air quality assessment is usually determined after several telephone conversations, requests for initial information and perhaps a site visit.

• A summary of the known occupancy history of the structure.

• A summary of the complaints based upon interviews with building occupants, managers and the building owner.

• A review of chemicals used in the building.

• A preliminary survey might be issued to the building occupants and analyzed to recommend air testing for specific contaminants.

• A review of the working atmosphere to evaluate sources of possible stress caused by lighting, noise, room layout or symptoms from non-office causes.

• A review of the building ventilation systems and operation. Possibly, airflow measurements would be taken. Building personnel who are familiar with the building's ventilation systems may be interviewed.

• Tests for suspected air contaminants might be conducted.

• There would also be a detailed discussion of the basis used to compare any air quality test results. Since there are few regulatory guidelines, it would be explained where the referenced standards come from that are used to compare against any test results. This is probably one of the most controversial areas of IAQ work, so the report would reference only scientific studies or data from nationally accepted engineering guidelines.

• There would be a summary of any test results, and discussion of the results.

• The report would conclude with bulleted recommendations that can be developed by the building owner into an action plan.

An indoor air quality consultant is usually not contacted until there are threats of lawsuits, occupants are refusing to work in the building, a physician has related a patient's symptoms to their place of occupation or home, or a store is losing customers due to strange odors.

Perhaps, an employer or landlord believes the occupants are overreacting. The occupants may believe that their concerns or health are being ignored.

The situation may reach a point where any action taken to improve the indoor air quality will be perceived as "too little, too late," or the occupants are "never going to be satisfied."

An IAQ assessment must be objective, open to all possibilities, address all concerns and provide realistic recommendations.

A consultant should provide specific recommendations for remediation - not just test results or identification of problems.

A consultant must also have an intimate knowledge of building systems and building construction. At least 75% of indoor air quality problems are traced to or solved by building systems and construction details.