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Application of Indoor Air Quality testing

Our bodies are designed to handle and even host low levels of bacteria and chemical substances. We are not designed to handle viruses, toxic bacteria and harmful chemicals. Bacteria in drinking water, indoor air, food and household surfaces cannot be seen, tasted or even smelled. Pathogenic microorganisms can cause serious health problems such as gastrointestinal disorders, typhoid, cholera, dysentery and hepatitis.

A recent call to a city office required testing several points on an air handling system. This was a standard ducted system supplying 5 small offices. These offices all had a different tenancy, and were part of a larger rented space facility occupied by small business entities. Simple observation showed the site had a common corridor area, and although the air supply facility to each set of small offices was unique, the return air vents were all fitted into the common area.

This means that there is a potential for cross contamination, if one air handling system becomes contaminated.

The testing involved using Melaklean’s Indoor Air Quality Bacteria test kit (trade pack) and saw samples taken from the supply vent in complaint’s office, the return air grille outside the office and from the ducting sides and box of the return air.

For comparison’s purposes samples were taken from another air handler, which supplied a different set of 5 offices but on the same floor. An empty untenanted office was used, the assumption being that there was no human or paper product interaction with the environment, so any contamination found here could potentially be attributed to contaminated air arriving from the other air handlers.

The results were clear, as shown by the photos below.

Initial color of test ampoules.

Color of ampoules is orange after 48 hours.

If the system was free of bacteria and mould the ampoule color would still have been yellow after 48 hours.

These results indicate the ducted system needs cleaning, and as expected the second air handling system (also a ducted unit) was showing similar signs of needing a clean. Here at Melaklean, we sell an organic, biodegradable coil and filter cleaning agent, which is very easy to use. By following this cleaning service with the installation of Melaklean’s Sanitizer, your air handling system will:

• Easily comply with the requirements of Australian Standards for microbial control of air conditioners.
• Provide your customers with an environment fully compliant with the best practice indoor air quality standards.
• Provide your customers and staff with a healthier environment.

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