Billions of dollars are paid out each year to settle commercial property damage claims. These claims are often due to damage caused by water, fire, smoke, and wind. Quite often, the damage from any one of these leaves behind visible signs, but they can also create potential indoor environmental quality (IEQ) hazards that many business owners and property managers may not recognize.
These potential hazards could be due to the actual building damage, or result from clean-up and repair activities. Depending upon the type of damage, the building’s age, and the materials used to construct and furnish it, the possible indoor environmental issues can be wide-ranging.
For example, buildings with natural gas or propane lines could have leaks. Damage to a building’s HVAC system or boiler equipment could cause carbon monoxide concerns. Even chemicals stored inside and used for cleaning, manufacturing, or industrial processes may pose chemical exposure risks after some events. Buildings that experience water damage due to flooding or faulty plumbing frequently experience microbial contamination issues from mold and bacteria, and in some circumstances, may even contain chemical pollutants.
“Smoke damage from a fire is another common issue,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “Smoke and soot residues can cause damage to property through etching and discoloration, not to mention the unpleasant odors and particulate matter that can act as a respiratory irritant for building occupants. Even repairing a damaged building can create health and safety concerns due to lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials. These are all important considerations for property managers and building owners to consider.”
In Florida and the New York metropolitan area, the building science, industrial hygiene, and IEQ professionals at CTSI are available to rapidly respond to property damage events involving commercial, industrial, healthcare, and institutional buildings. CTSI’s services help to protect building occupants and workers from exposure risks, and can be instrumental for ensuring that property damage claims take into account indoor issues that may otherwise be overlooked during the claims process.
To learn more about this or other building science, industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email [email protected] , or call (212) 971-7016.
About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.
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