Indoor Issues: Mold, Pests, Odors

For information on indoor air quality, please visit our IAQ page.

 

Report Indoor Air Odors

Extremely strong and acutely irritating odors immediately dangerous to life or health (burning smell or visible smoke, odor of gas leak):

  • Evacuate the area, and call the EH&S main office number at: (413) 545-2682. For medical evaluation if suspected chemical inhalation, call University Health Services (UHS) Urgent Care at: (413) 577-5000.
  • Should an “imminent danger” situation exist such as a significant chemical spill or evidence of smoke, an IAQ investigation may be conducted with the assistance of the Amherst Fire Department. If necessary, the involved parties will be directed to seek medical attention at UHS.

Chemical use or spills, natural gas, electrical burning smells and other non-life-threatening odors:

Call EH&S at: (413) 545-2682, and UMass Amherst Physical Plant (PP) at: (413) 545-6401.

Temperature, humidity, dust and musty odor issues:

Call EH&S at: (413) 545-2682, and PP at: (413) 545-6401.

Report Other Indoor Air Quality Problems:

Any campus office worker who believes that he or she is being adversely affected by the quality of their indoor air should contact EH&S at: (413) 545-2682. The reporting party can remain anonymous, if desired.

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Air conditioning (AC) units typically consist of a compressor, fan, evaporator coils, and... read more

Many people often turn to air fresheners (such as sprays, candles, incense, diffusers, etc.) to... read more

Air Purifiers

This fact sheet provides information on air purifiers, including the different... read more

Allergies are among the United States’ most common, but most overlooked, diseases. Allergic... read more

Allergic reactions occur in people with sensitivities from exposure to allergens such as food,... read more

Regular office housekeeping can help to improve workplace indoor air quality. Custodians will... read more

Humidity is an important parameter for overall indoor air quality.  Indoor relative humidity (RH... read more

What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and why is it important?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the... read more

 What is Particulate Matter (PM)?

Particulate matter (PM), also called particle pollution, is a... read more

Where Can You Find Mold?

Molds and mildews are fungi that are found almost everywhere, both ... read more

Broadly defined, ventilation is a method of controlling the environment with air flow.  For... read more

Emergencies

Contact

Environmental Health & Safety
117 Draper Hall
40 Campus Center Way
Amherst, MA 01003

413.545.2682 
413.545.2600 (Fax)

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