18 | FEATURE— November/December 2017
data to back up the findings. Plus, let's face it – every
IH enjoys using the new technology.
Gary Ritter is an EHS Manager for the University
of Massachusetts and has been conducting indoor
environmental investigations since 1985. Prior to
coming to Umass he worked for TRC Environmental
Consultants. He has been a CIH since 1990 and is a
Certified Safety Professional and Qualified Environ-
mental Professional.
want to do their job and when they feel that the in-
door air quality is impacting their health or triggering
allergic responses, they want the issue resolved. It
does not matter that we have equipment that shows
them the fresh air supply is adequate or that the air
handling system is balanced and providing proper
filtration. So what if LEED, WEEL or ASHRAE stan-
dards or guidelines are met? They still perceive the
air quality as "poor."
When there are significant building issues such as
high dust levels, poor air circulation, the lack of ad-
equate fresh air, or air intakes impacted by outdoor
sources, the instrumentation that we have available
will help in identifying and quantifying these problems.
After having conducted indoor air investigations all
over the US as a consultant I have now transitioned to
an academic setting. I have still been able to resolve
many indoor air complaints on campus through the
interview process, although it is still nice to have the
i
