RME Building Sciences
At A Glance
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IAQ Chemical
How RME Clarifies Indoor Contamination Issues on Behalf of Clients
Vapor Intrusion Into Youth Center – RME investigated a “moth-ball” odor in a youth center operated by a municipality. RME prepared an investigation plan that included air quality sampling using USEPA canister methods and camera surveys of HVAC ducting. Based on this preliminary information, RME identified the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons (including napthalene) in the indoor air and no deposit of “moth-balls” or other strange materials in the HVAC ducts. RME did identify an HVAC mechanical room operating at a significant negative pressure with slab penetrations, and a records review identified the presence of several closed LUST projects at adjacent properties. Subsequent soil borings confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons in the soil adjacent to the foundation. Plugging the slab cracks resulted in a decrease in contaminant concentrations inside the mechanical room. RME also prepared a feasibility study to address the residual contamination.
Chorine Contamination – RME investigated claims that the use of common remediation chemicals including sodium hypochlorite (i.e. bleach) and terpenes in a mold remediation project resulted in homeowner exposure to chlorine gas. RME reviewed records of chemical application, conducted sampling, and prepared chemical equilibrium calculations. RME’s analysis showed that chlorine gas could not result from sodium hypochlorite solutions at hazardous concentrations unless the pH of the solution is very low; and that the pH of the solution used by the remediation contractor could not have been low enough to result in the evolution of chlorine gas.
Building Clearance Post Hazardous Material Emergencies - RME principles have investigated hundreds of buildings in connection with hazardous material releases caused by train derailments. Samples of indoor air were collected and compared to health-based clearance levels in order to clear buildings for occupancy at the conclusion of the incident.