Services
Our Core Focus: Assessing & Resolving Concerns in Built Environments
We help homeowners, businesses, and contractors understand their buildings or worksites and related exposure concerns so they may make informed decisions. We provide scientifically backed testing and clear, actionable solutions, giving you the knowledge you need for a healthy space.
Hazardous Material Identification
Protect your project, your workers, and your building from hidden risks. These services are essential before any demolition, renovation, or restoration project, especially for buildings constructed before 1990.
Asbestos & Controlled Materials Testing:
- Need: Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and many older buildings (pre-1990) contain it. Regulations require property owners to identify and manage these materials (including Asbestos, Lead, Mercury, CFC/ODS and PCBs) before renovation or demolition permits are issued.
- Our Service: We specialize in Hazardous Material Surveys and Bulk Sample Testing. We quickly and safely conduct sampling and laboratory analysis to identify hazardous materials, allowing you to create a legally compliant management plan.
- Action: Need fast, affordable results for a project? Contact us for a pre-
demolition survey.
Project Management for High-Risk Procedures:
- Need: Managing high-risk procedures involving hazardous materials requires expert oversight to prevent contamination, limit liability, and ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Our Service: We manage the entire process to ensure high-risk procedures or building upgrades are completed safely, correctly, and efficiently the first time.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Testing
When you suspect an issue, we provide the facts. Our services identify unseen airborne contaminants that affect health, comfort, and productivity.
Mould & Microbial Contamination Testing:
- Need: Moisture issues (from leaks, excessive humidity, etc.) allow mould and harmful bacteria to thrive on organic materials. Exposure significantly increases the risk of respiratory problems, especially in children and the elderly.
- Our Service: We use Air Sampling (spore traps, swabs, bulk samples) and advanced laboratory analysis to identify the presence and type of microbial growth. We help identify and resolve the underlying moisture issue to prevent recurrence.
Chemical Vapours & VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds):
- Need: Chemicals like VOCs (from new construction materials, furniture, glues, and cleaning products) and other vapours can cause symptoms such as headaches and respiratory irritation. Carbon Monoxide is also a critical, common concern.
- Our Service: We monitor total VOC levels and specific compounds (like Formaldehyde) via on-site and remote data logging. We determine if exposure levels are safe and if your ventilation system is adequate.
Dust, Particulate Matter, & Allergens:
- Need: Fine inhalable dust, silica, and allergens like pollen can penetrate the lungs, increasing sensitivity and risk of illness. Facilities must control particulate matter to maintain a healthy environment.
- Our Service: We use specialized equipment to determine particle counts in the inhalable and respirable ranges. This testing is crucial for facility safety, filter performance testing, and clean room certification.
Environmental Sensitivities:
- Need: Certain individuals are more susceptible to pollutants and experience severe physical reactions (e.g., migraines, nausea, respiratory distress).
- Our Service: We specialize in investigating and resolving environmental sensitivity issues by isolating the pollutant causing the adverse health effect.
Building Performance & Efficiency
Optimize your building’s health, energy efficiency, and compliance.
Ventilation Assessment & Optimization:
- Need: Inadequate ventilation leads to increased humidity, odours, and high levels of Carbon Dioxide, which can cause occupant fatigue, decreased productivity, and irritability during the workday.
- Our Service: We assess the use of space and mechanical systems along with general indoor air quality checks to determine if there are existing concerns and action that may be taken to address identified issues. We commonly address deficiencies in older buildings that have been upgraded with modern, high-efficiency furnaces. Improving ventilation is key to vastly improving both air quality and occupant productivity.
Building Science & Condition Assessment:
- Need: We study the physical phenomena (moisture, temperature, air movement) affecting your building to maximize efficiency and meet health/safety codes. Changing one system often affects others.
- Our Service: We resolve moisture issues, assess ventilation, and use Thermal Imaging to identify deficiencies, helping you select healthy materials or achieve LEED certification benchmarks.
Ready to Investigate Your Environment?
If you have concerns about air quality, hazardous materials, or the performance of your building, contact Built Environments Canada today to schedule a consultation.