Case Study: Testing for Secondhand Smoke Exposure
- Caroline Grogan
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
Introduction
Maypole is NYC’s most trusted partner for environmental inspection management for a reason: our clients’ health and happiness is central to how we operate, at every level. We thrive on seeing the positive impact our services have on our clients’ lives.
In this blog series, we break down real, anonymized versions of our more impactful projects, detailing how Maypole crafts tailored solutions for even the most difficult client problems.
*Disclaimer: This information is provided in layman's terms for ease of understanding and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. The full scope of our findings has been redacted for clarity and client confidentiality.
Background
When an apartment owner in NYC reached out to Maypole to conduct an IAQ (indoor air quality) evaluation, they were looking for answers to a longtime concern regarding exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke.
This particular client experiences persistent ENT (ears, nose, and throat) symptoms. Even after they hired a professional cleaning service and purchased a HEPA air purifier with carbon equipped filtration systems, their symptoms persisted. Therefore, they wanted to explore the possibility that the cause of their symptoms could be attributed to secondhand smoke.
Determined to get to the bottom of whether their symptoms were caused by ETS exposure, the client turned to Maypole for help.
Scope
Based on the client's concerns and observations as well as established science regarding ETS, Maypole identified PM 2.5 and HCHO (formaldehyde) as two of the target pollutants when measuring indoor air quality.
Maypole used the EPA's AQI (Air Quality Index) Calculator as a guideline to determine whether, if present, these pollutants posed a significant risk to the client's health.
Objectives
Determine whether there is PM 2.5 and/or HCHO present in the client’s unit and/or common areas.
If PM 2.5 and/or HCHO are detected, evaluate whether they pose a health risk to the client.
Findings
Are PM 2.5 and/or HCHO present in the client's unit? In the common area?
Yes, both PM 2.5 and HCHO are present in the clients unit as well as the lobby area.
If yes, are PM 2.5 and/or HCHO present at a level that poses a health risk to the client?
Based on the results of the IAQ testing, Maypole determined that, although both pollutants are present throughout the building, air quality is better in the client's unit compared to the building's common areas.
To assess our air quality samples, Maypole used the AQI Calculator, which categorizes air quality numerically by level of health concern, from good (0-50) to hazardous (301-500+).
The AQI results based on our testing were as follows:
Building lobby: 57 - moderate
Client's kitchen: 47 - good
Client's living area
Window closed: 53 - moderate
Window open: 42 - good
Key Takeaways:
Though the client was concerned about the air quality in his apartment, Maypole was able to reassure them that their unit was a respite for better air quality compared to the rest of the building.
Maypole also demonstrated that the simple act of opening the living room window for ten minutes improved air quality in the client's living room from 'moderate' to 'good.'
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