Industrial Hygiene | TEM Environmental, Inc.

Industrial Hygiene Services

At TEM Environmental, our Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) leads a team dedicated to protecting the health and safety of workers and communities. We assess and control exposure to chemicals, noise, biohazards, and other workplace hazards through effective evaluation and prevention strategies. Our experience spans industrial facilities, hospitals, schools, and office environments.

Indoor Air Quality Services

TEM Environmental, Inc. provides expert IAQ testing services designed to identify and mitigate pollutants that impact the air you breathe. From particulate matter to temperature and humidity levels, our advanced testing ensures a safer and more comfortable indoor environment.

Poor indoor air quality can negatively affect occupant health, productivity, and well-being. Contaminants and imbalances in air composition can cause:

Respiratory and cardiovascular health issues.
Worsening of asthma and allergies.
Fatigue, headaches, and reduced focus.
Long-term exposure risks from certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Regular IAQ testing helps identify problem areas, improve air quality, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Temperature and Relative Humidity

Imbalanced temperature and humidity levels can lead to discomfort, promote mold growth, and increase the spread of airborne contaminants.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Elevated CO2 levels indicate poor ventilation and can result in drowsiness, reduced cognitive function, and discomfort.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion, CO is odorless and dangerous even at low concentrations.

Flow Rate

Evaluating airflow rates ensures proper ventilation, a key factor in maintaining healthy indoor air quality.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)

Fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM10) can penetrate respiratory systems, causing short-term irritation and long-term health risks.

Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs)

TVOCs include harmful gases emitted from building materials, paints, cleaners, and furnishings, contributing to poor air quality and potential long-term health effects.

Water Quality Assessment

Water contamination can have serious health implications and often goes unnoticed without proper testing. Contaminants may originate from corroded plumbing, industrial runoff, or biological sources. Regular water quality testing is essential to:

Protect the health of occupants from harmful pollutants.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal water safety regulations.
Identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

TEM Environmental, Inc. helps protect your water quality through reliable testing and analysis. For homes, businesses, and industrial sites, we identify contaminants such as lead, copper, and bacteria like Legionella and E. coli—providing clear results and guidance to keep your water safe.

Lead

A toxic metal that can leach into water through corroded pipes and fixtures.
Long-term exposure to lead can lead to developmental delays in children and kidney or neurological damage in adults.

Copper

Commonly leaches from plumbing systems, particularly in homes with older pipes.
High levels of copper can cause gastrointestinal distress and, in severe cases, liver or kidney damage.

Legionella

A harmful bacteria found in water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing.
Exposure to Legionella can lead to Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia.

E. coli and Coliform Bacteria

Indicators of fecal contamination in water, typically caused by agricultural runoff, septic system leakage, or poor water treatment.
E. coli contamination can result in severe gastrointestinal illness.

Radon Testing Services

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for approximately 22,000 cases annually. One of the primary sources of radon in buildings is the surrounding soil. Radon levels can vary greatly even between adjacent buildings, making individual radon measurement essential. In the Chicagoland area, radon levels are generally high due to the region's bedrock layer. However, there is no way to know the concentration of any single building without testing.

TEM Environmental, Inc. proudly uses Electret Ion Chamber Radon Detectors. The Rad Elec Inc. E-perm is a patented passive radon monitor widely used in more than 30 countries and is the most used device in the USA for long- and short-term radon measurements. By using this advanced technique, TEM Environmental, Inc. ensures precise and timely radon testing results, helping you take necessary actions to protect your building's occupants from radon exposure. Here’s how it works:

Diffusion

Only radon gas, not radon decay products, diffuses through the filtered inlet into the chamber volume until the concentration inside matches the room.

Ionization

Radiation from the decay of radon and its products ionizes the air inside the chamber.

Electret Reaction

The positively charged electret attracts negative ions generated by the radiation, resulting in a net decrease of the electret voltage. Positive ions dissipate on the chamber wall.

Measurement

The decrease in electret voltage is proportional to the radon concentration, measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). This immediate measurement technique allows for expedited results compared to other methods.

Mold Inspections

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp and humid conditions. It spreads through airborne spores and can grow on virtually any surface, including wood, drywall, carpets, and insulation. Common types of indoor mold include Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys (commonly known as black mold). While mold plays a natural role in breaking down organic material outdoors, its presence indoors can be problematic.

Mold can be hidden behind walls, under flooring, or in other inaccessible areas. Here are some signs that indicate the need for a professional mold inspection:

Persistent musty odors
Visible mold growth on surfaces
Discoloration or staining on walls or ceilings
Water damage or recent flooding incidents
Increased allergy or respiratory symptoms among occupants

Initial Assessment

Our licensed inspectors will discuss your concerns, review the property’s history, and identify areas of potential moisture intrusion.

Visual Inspection

We thoroughly examine all accessible areas of the building, including basements, attics, crawl spaces, and HVAC systems.

Moisture Detection

Using advanced moisture meters and thermal imaging technology, we identify hidden sources of water that may be promoting mold growth.

Air and Surface Sampling

To confirm the presence of mold and determine its type, we collect air and surface samples for laboratory analysis.

Comprehensive Reporting

Once the inspection is complete, we provide a detailed report that includes our findings, lab results, and recommendations for remediation or prevention.