Indoor Air Quality Testing (IAQ) Laboratory

Comprehensive indoor air quality testing and analysis for commercial buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities. ASHRAE 62.1, EPA, and LEED v4 compliance testing from our AIHA LAP accredited laboratory.

ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited AIHA LAP · ID: LAP-101470 LEED v4 IAQ Certified Rush Turnaround Available
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What's onthis page Quick links to page sections
Why It MattersHealth & compliance
What Is IAQ?Testing explained
6 IAQ ParametersCO2 · VOCs · PM
StandardsASHRAE · LEED
Lab LogisticsTAT & Media
WorkflowSubmit samples
Who We ServeFacilities
FAQCommon questions
Why IAQ Testing Matters

Poor indoor air quality drives up absenteeism, decreases productivity, and invites legal liability

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

Occupants experiencing headaches, fatigue, and respiratory irritation often suffer from SBS linked to poor ventilation, mold, or VOCs. Indoor air quality testing identifies the exact chemical or biological culprits.

Employee Productivity

Elevated CO₂ levels directly correlate with cognitive decline and reduced decision-making capability. Routine IAQ testing ensures HVAC systems are delivering adequate fresh air per ASHRAE 62.1.

Green Building Certifications

LEED v4, WELL, and Fitwel building standards require rigorous indoor air quality testing for specific VOCs, particulates, and formaldehyde before a building can be certified for occupancy.

Liability & Tenant Complaints

Unresolved air quality complaints can lead to lease breaks, workers' compensation claims, and litigation. Accredited laboratory IAQ testing provides the defensible data needed to protect property owners.

Defensible Analytical Data

What Is Indoor Air Quality Testing?

Indoor air quality testing (IAQ testing) is the systematic measurement of a building's internal environment to assess the health and comfort of its occupants. It combines real-time field measurements (like temperature, humidity, and CO₂) with precise laboratory analysis for complex contaminants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and mold.

As an AIHA LAP accredited laboratory, AGT Labs partners with industrial hygienists and facility managers to provide the laboratory analysis portion of IAQ investigations. We supply the specialized sampling media—such as SUMMA canisters for EPA TO-15 and sorbent tubes for formaldehyde—and deliver certified results compared against recognized standards like ASHRAE, EPA, and LEED.

  • Laboratory analysis of TO-15 VOCs, formaldehyde, and airborne mold spores
  • Comparison against LEED v4, ASHRAE 62.1, and EPA guidelines
  • Support for Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) investigations
  • Post-construction material off-gassing assessments
  • Sampling media and kits provided to field consultants
Environmental scientist conducting indoor air quality testing in an office building
Key IAQ Metrics

The 6 Core Parameters of IAQ Testing

A comprehensive indoor air quality testing survey evaluates these six critical parameters to provide a complete picture of building health.

VOCs & TVOC

Volatile Organic Compounds off-gas from paints, carpets, furniture, and cleaning supplies. We analyze whole-air samples via EPA TO-15 (SUMMA canisters) to speciate 60+ individual VOCs down to ppb levels.

Method:EPA TO-15 / GC-MS
LEED Limit:TVOC < 500 µg/m³

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

CO₂ is the primary indicator of ventilation efficiency. High levels indicate inadequate fresh air intake, leading to occupant fatigue and "stuffy" air. Typically measured in the field using direct-read NDIR monitors.

Source:Human respiration
ASHRAE 62.1:< 700 ppm above outdoor

Mold & Bioaerosols

Airborne fungal spores indicate moisture intrusion or HVAC hygiene issues. We analyze Air-O-Cell spore traps for non-viable spore counts and culture plates for viable species identification.

Method:Microscopy / Culture
Guideline:Indoor < Outdoor levels

Formaldehyde

A specific, highly irritating VOC found in pressed wood products, glues, and insulation. Because it is highly reactive, it requires specialized sorbent tube collection and HPLC analysis, separate from a standard TO-15 scan.

Method:NIOSH 2016 / EPA TO-11A
LEED Limit:< 27 ppb

Particulate Matter (PM2.5 / PM10)

Fine dust and aerosols from outdoor pollution, copiers, or construction. PM2.5 penetrates deep into the lungs. Measured via real-time laser photometers in the field or gravimetric filter analysis in the lab.

Method:Direct-read / Gravimetric
EPA Standard:PM2.5 < 12 µg/m³ (annual)

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

An odorless, deadly gas produced by incomplete combustion. Sources include vehicle exhaust entrainment into HVAC intakes, faulty furnaces, or generators. Typically monitored via real-time electrochemical sensors.

Source:Combustion / Exhaust
EPA Limit:9 ppm (8-hour)
Regulatory & Certification Frameworks

Standards Governing Indoor Air Quality Testing

Unlike industrial occupational settings governed strictly by OSHA, commercial and residential IAQ testing relies on consensus guidelines from ASHRAE, the EPA, and green building councils.

LEED v4 / v4.1 IAQ Assessment
The USGBC requires rigorous indoor air quality testing before building occupancy. AGT Labs provides the EPA TO-15 and TO-11A analysis required to prove TVOCs, Formaldehyde, and target chemicals meet the strict LEED thresholds.
ASHRAE Standard 62.1
"Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality" is the primary standard for commercial HVAC design. It specifies minimum ventilation rates and uses CO₂ differentials as the primary metric for adequate fresh air delivery.
EPA IAQ Guidelines
The EPA provides comprehensive guidelines for managing IAQ in schools and commercial buildings, setting the baseline recommendations for parameter limits (like PM2.5 and CO) when specific occupational regulations do not apply.
Lab AccreditationISO/IEC 17025:2017
IH Lab AccreditationAIHA LAP · ID: LAP-101470
IAQ MethodologiesEPA TO-15 · NIOSH 2016
Lab LocationHouston TX · In-House
Laboratory Logistics

Turnaround Times & IAQ Sampling Media

We supply consultants and facility teams with the necessary analytical media to conduct comprehensive indoor air quality testing.

Turnaround Options
1-Day Rush1 business day+100%
2-Day Rush2 business days+75%
3-Day Rush3 business days+50%
4-Day Rush4 business days+25%
Standard7+ business daysNo Surcharge
Samples received before 2:00 PM CST are logged same day. Call (713) 453-6090 to confirm rush availability for TO-15 canisters.

IAQ Testing Kits & Media

  • Certified SUMMA Canisters (1L and 6L) for VOC testing
  • Calibrated flow controllers for integrated sampling
  • DNPH cartridges for Formaldehyde (NIOSH 2016)
  • Air-O-Cell spore trap cassettes for airborne mold
  • Pre-weighed PVC filters for gravimetric particulate
  • Calibrated personal/area air sampling pumps (loaner)
  • Pre-paid return shipping and Chain of Custody forms
Download IH COC Form
Submission Workflow

How to Submit IAQ Samples

1

Request Media

Contact AGT Labs to request SUMMA canisters, flow controllers, and specific sorbent tubes for your indoor air quality testing plan.

2

Deploy in Field

Set up canisters or pumps in representative indoor zones. Ensure HVAC is operating normally to simulate typical occupant exposure.

3

Ship to Houston Lab

Close canister valves securely. Complete the COC. Ship via UPS or use our local Houston courier pickup service.

4

Laboratory Analysis

Samples undergo GC-MS (TO-15), HPLC (Formaldehyde), or microscopy (Mold) in our AIHA LAP accredited facility.

5

IAQ Report Delivered

Access your certified results via our secure portal, complete with relevant concentration data and method detection limits.

Industries & Clients

Facilities Requiring Indoor Air Quality Testing

Commercial Office Buildings

Investigating tenant complaints, "stuffy air" reports, and Sick Building Syndrome symptoms by verifying HVAC ventilation rates and analyzing for VOC off-gassing from office furniture or recent renovations.

Healthcare Facilities & Hospitals

Protecting vulnerable patients by ensuring strict indoor air quality testing compliance, verifying cleanroom particle counts, and monitoring for anesthetic gases or sterilization chemicals (like ethylene oxide) in the ambient air.

Schools & Universities

Assessing classroom CO₂ levels to ensure optimal learning environments, testing for legacy hazards (like asbestos or lead dust), and performing mold testing after plumbing leaks or storm water intrusion.

Client Support

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Testing — FAQ

What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing involves measuring the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of air within commercial buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities. Testing typically assesses parameters such as Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC), Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Formaldehyde, and airborne mold spores to ensure the environment is healthy and comfortable for occupants.
When should I conduct indoor air quality testing?
IAQ testing should be conducted when building occupants report health complaints (such as headaches, fatigue, or respiratory irritation) often linked to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). It is also required for achieving green building certifications like LEED v4 or WELL, after major renovations to check for off-gassing of new materials, following a water damage event to check for mold, or as part of routine HVAC maintenance to verify ASHRAE 62.1 ventilation compliance.
What are the acceptable levels for CO2 in an office building?
While OSHA's PEL for CO₂ is 5,000 ppm, this is an industrial limit. For indoor air quality and comfort, ASHRAE Standard 62.1 recommends maintaining indoor CO₂ levels no greater than 700 ppm above the outdoor ambient level. Since outdoor CO₂ is typically around 400 ppm, indoor levels should ideally remain below 1,000 to 1,200 ppm to indicate adequate fresh air ventilation and prevent occupant drowsiness.
Does AGT Labs provide testing for LEED v4 IAQ certification?
Yes. AGT Labs provides the laboratory analysis required for LEED v4/v4.1 Indoor Air Quality Assessment credits. We analyze SUMMA canisters for TVOC and speciated target VOCs (EPA TO-15), as well as specific sorbent tubes for Formaldehyde (EPA TO-11A / NIOSH 2016) to ensure post-construction airborne contaminant levels meet the strict USGBC thresholds prior to occupancy.
How are VOCs tested in an indoor environment?
Total VOCs (TVOC) can be screened in real-time using a handheld PID meter. However, for defensible indoor air quality testing and identification of specific chemical sources, a 'whole air' sample is collected over an 8- to 24-hour period using an evacuated SUMMA canister. The canister is then sent to our lab for EPA TO-15 GC-MS analysis, which identifies and quantifies 60+ specific volatile organic compounds down to the parts-per-billion (ppb) level.
What media is required for formaldehyde testing?
Formaldehyde is a common indoor pollutant off-gassing from pressed wood, glues, and insulation. It requires specific sampling media, typically a DNPH-coated silica gel cartridge (e.g., SKC 226-119) with a personal or area sampling pump, or a passive diffusion badge. The sample is then analyzed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) per NIOSH 2016 or EPA TO-11A.
What turnaround times do you offer for IAQ laboratory analysis?
For lab-based IAQ testing parameters like TO-15 VOCs, Formaldehyde, and Mold Spore Traps, our standard turnaround is 7+ business days at no surcharge. Rush options are available at 4-day (+25%), 3-day (+50%), 2-day (+75%), and 1-day (+100%). Samples received before 2:00 PM CST are logged on the same day.
Can AGT Labs supply sampling equipment for IAQ investigations?
Yes. With 5 business days' notice, AGT Labs can provide sampling kits including certified SUMMA canisters with flow controllers, formaldehyde media, mold spore trap cassettes, and calibrated air sampling pumps. This allows industrial hygiene consultants and facility managers to conduct comprehensive indoor air quality testing surveys.

Ready to Analyze Your IAQ Samples?

ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited · EPA TO-15 · Formaldehyde · Mold Spores · Rush TAT Available · Houston TX

Get a Quote Call (713) 453-6090
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