IAQ Testing Services

With millions of students and educators spending the majority of their weekdays inside schools, maintaining a healthy indoor environment is critical. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has outlined seven technical strategies to help schools address common indoor air quality (IAQ) challenges and promote safer, more productive learning spaces.

The EPA’s recommended solutions include:

1. Provide Quality HVAC – Ensure HVAC systems are designed, operated, and maintained properly to deliver adequate ventilation, control odors, and reduce airborne pollutants.
2. Mold and Moisture Control – Conduct routine inspections, maintain indoor humidity between 30%–60%, resolve leaks promptly, and dry wet areas within 24–48 hours.
3. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Monitor facilities regularly, use targeted treatments over widespread pesticides, notify occupants before applications, and clearly mark treated areas.
4. Clean and Maintain Effectively – Consistent cleaning and building maintenance protect both facility systems and occupants’ health.
5. Make Smart Material Selections – Choose products that limit pollutant emissions and are safer for people and the environment.
6. Source Control and Chemical Management – Reduce IAQ risks by removing pollution sources and minimizing emissions from hazardous chemicals.
7. Integrated Energy Management – Balance energy efficiency with air quality by maintaining HVAC systems, managing moisture, and commissioning systems post-renovation.

“Poor indoor air quality can affect comfort, health, and academic performance,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To support schools, EMSL provides comprehensive laboratory testing for mold, bacteria, viruses, asbestos, lead, radon, chemicals, and other exposure risks. With laboratories across North America, we also supply sampling tools, test kits, air monitoring devices, and building inspection equipment.”

To further raise awareness, EMSL recently sponsored an educational video highlighting the EPA’s seven IAQ strategies, available here: https://youtu.be/D1YHtvpUsUk 

For more information on IAQ testing services and resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To view the complete line of test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.