IEQ Testing Services

As the use of portable classrooms continues to grow across the United States, concerns about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) within these temporary structures have become increasingly prominent. In fact, according to a 2024 report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 31% of public schools currently utilize one or more portable classrooms.

Often used far longer than originally intended, portable classrooms have drawn scrutiny from teachers, parents, and school administrators due to their unique construction and site challenges. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies several common issues associated with these spaces, including:

• Inadequate HVAC systems with limited fresh air ventilation
• Excessive noise from loud ventilation systems
• Off-gassing from pressed wood and high-emission materials
• Water intrusion and mold development
• Proximity to site pollutants like vehicle exhaust from parking lots or loading zones

Factory-built portables also frequently incorporate pressed wood products that may contain higher levels of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces, especially when classrooms are quickly occupied after delivery.

“The indoor environment plays a critical role in student performance and well-being,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “From air quality and acoustics to temperature and moisture control, portable classrooms present a unique set of challenges. EMSL provides the resources schools need to evaluate and improve these conditions. We offer laboratory testing services for mold, formaldehyde, diesel exhaust, particulate matter, asbestos, lead, and more. EMSL also provides easy-to-use test kits, monitoring instruments, and professional-grade sampling supplies.”

To help raise awareness, EMSL has sponsored an educational video about IEQ concerns in portable classrooms, available here: https://youtu.be/wWNxnYPrlH0 

To learn more about indoor environmental quality testing services and resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To access IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.