Your Indoor Air Quality Experts in Ithaca, Rochester, & Nearby

Sick building syndrome solutions

The World Health Organization first coined the term "sick building syndrome" to refer to a variety of indoor air pollutants that have been linked to certain health problems. These contaminants became more concentrated as innovations in energy efficiency created tighter, more sealed homes. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde, were among the first major indoor air pollutants.

Manufacturers started removing VOCs from upholstery, carpeting, adhesives, cleaners, furniture, and other household products. But other pollutants were impacting indoor air quality, including mold spores, pollen, bacteria, viruses, particulates, dust, combustion byproducts, carbon monoxide, and radon. Today, indoor air pollution is recognized as a major health issue by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and many other health, safety, and environmental organizations.

If your concerned about your home's air quality, schedule an assessment with Halco. We proudly serve New York areas throughout Syracuse, Ithaca, Rochester, and nearby.

How indoor air quality affects allergies & asthma

Recent studies show that damp houses may be the cause of asthma attacks and allergic reactions - this can also be the reason for developing asthma in the first place, as excess moisture allows mold to grow and spread. The studies suggest that mold spores, dead mold particles, and the digested bits of the substrate upon which the mold grew can all contribute to aggravated symptoms. Dust mites also thrive in warm, humid conditions. They die when the humidity falls below 40 to 50% and usually do not survive in dry climates.

Halco can identify sources of moisture and recommend ways to reduce them. In some cases, eliminate it altogether. Common sources of moisture include high humidity, condensation on uninsulated pipes, ducts, and heating and cooling equipment, and water leaks in plumbing, foundations, roofs, or anywhere else in the building envelope.

Dehumidifiers, duct and pipe sealing, insulation, basement waterproofing, crawlspace encapsulation, and a thorough inspection of the home's HVAC, plumbing, roofing, siding, and flashing can help eliminate water leaks and reduce mold populations.

How unhealthy indoor air causes flu viruses & the common cold

Low humidity can make people more susceptible to catching flu viruses and the common cold. This is because viruses can travel and progress faster in the air. According to experts, the closest thing to a cure for these problems is to successfully and efficiently prevent them by controlling the humidity, air purity, and ventilation:

"Prevention of the common cold at present is our nearest approach to a cure. The most important prevention measure would appear to be proper regulation of the humidity, especially during the heating season with its distressing drying of the indoor air and the creation of an environment favorable to the cold bug." - Dr. Joseph Lubart, an expert on the common cold, New York State Journal of Medicine

Halco can provide quality solutions that take care of humidity, air impurities, and improper ventilation and make sure that the relative humidity in your home is at the recommended levels.

Halco can diagnose & treat sick building syndrome

Medical doctors can easily misdiagnose sick building syndrome because many of the symptoms resemble flu-like illnesses and ailments. To accurately diagnose indoor air quality issues and resolve them with proven solutions, call Halco. Guided by building science principles, our technicians will identify your home's air quality issues, propose the most effective solutions, and provide the upgrades you need.

Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter can affect both your lungs and your heart. Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems. That is why we offer our many services throughout New York, including Ithaca, Rochester, Auburn, Webster, Lansing, Pittsford, Cortland, Canandaigua, Fairport, and areas nearby.

Also, check out our home energy assessment, which we use to diagnose your home's energy problems.