Most of us never stop to consider how the air in our home differs from the fresh air we breathe when we step outside. While it may be hard to believe, the truth is that the quality of the air inside our homes is often much worse than the air outside of it.
Even with a high-quality air conditioner and additional filtration systems, monitoring the air quality indoors can be a difficult job that requires insight from a trained and certified professional. Without proper guidance, you can be setting yourself and your family up for a wide range of health issues resulting from poor air quality before you even identify the source of the problem.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about indoor air quality testing so that you can make informed decisions about the well-being of your family, including signs of poor air quality, what to look for in an inspection, and more.
Indicators of Substandard Air Quality in Your Residence
Have you ever detected an unusual, musky scent in your home without identifying its origin? It’s possible that the overall air quality is responsible. Often, these odours are the result of mould and other particulates present in the air, necessitating prompt attention from an air quality specialist.
Headaches
Beyond your sense of smell, you can also identify air quality issues by paying attention to other physical symptoms. Headaches, for example, can be an indicator that unseen particles are causing irritation in your home.
Coughing
Another physical symptom of poor indoor air quality is coughing, which is usually due to the presence of allergens, mould, and other unwanted particles in the air. This type of cough will be persistent and may not respond to traditional cold and flu remedies.
Fatigue
The easier it is to breathe, the easier it is to energize our bodies. Without good quality air, you could find yourself becoming lethargic or tired more quickly than before, even if your lifestyle has remained the same.
Sleep Disturbances
Conversely, you might also find yourself waking up more frequently during the night. This could be a sign that your body is attempting to warn about the presence of harmful particles in the air.
Itchy Sinuses
When allergens aren’t being filtered out of your home effectively, the result can lead to itchy sinuses, watery eyes, and other common symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Weakened Immune System
Finally, if you or someone in your family suffers from chronic health issues, poor air quality in your home can cause their symptoms to worsen or even render their treatments ineffective. This can lead to devastating consequences if not handled quickly and appropriately by a trained professional.
When To Have Your Indoor Air Quality Tested
Indeed, despite being aware of these indicators, there are instances when detecting an air quality problem in your home is virtually unfeasible without the data from a dependable indoor air quality test. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct such a test under any of the following conditions:
After Water Damage
Water damage can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, whether it’s a case of minor flooding or a severe incident. It can cause significant harm to the structure of your home and may also result in mould and other detrimental particles that affect your indoor air quality. It is advisable to test your air quality after any instance of water damage, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
Pre-Childbirth
Preparing your home for the arrival of a new born is both thrilling and sometimes overwhelming. Infants, with their naturally delicate immune systems, benefit from a home with clean air. It’s wise to test the air quality in your home during pregnancy to ensure that both mother and baby will breathe comfortably.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation offers numerous advantages, particularly in enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. However, it also presents certain drawbacks, notably concerning air quality. This type of insulation is prone to trapping particles inside your home, as opposed to allowing them to filter out. Therefore, if spray foam insulation is present in your property, it is advisable to conduct regular home air quality tests.
Post-Hospitalization
Indeed, poor air quality is a significant health risk, particularly for those with compromised immune systems. If you’re recovering from hospitalization or surgery, maintaining high air quality in your home is crucial for an effective recovery and can swiftly restore you to your normal state of health.
Seasonal Changes
It’s well-known that seasonal allergies fluctuate throughout the year. Therefore, it’s advisable to test your indoor air quality with each changing season. Doing so can mitigate the effects of outdoor allergens infiltrating your home and alleviate the associated irritations. This is a crucial step in managing risk factors.
How Indoor Air Quality Testing Works?
It’s crucial to remember that many companies advertise indoor air quality testing services without the necessary accreditations and expertise to conduct these tests properly. Before selecting a company for your air quality testing requirements, it’s wise to acquaint yourself with the essential parameters needed for a thorough indoor air quality assessment.
Moisture and Mould Screening
First and foremost, moisture and mould are a top contributor to poor air quality in residential homes. Mould produces dangerous spores and can linger in the air when left untreated, which is why mould testing is a crucial component of an air quality test.
Ultrafine Particulates (PM)
There are many types of fine particles that can impact the air quality in your home, but the most common are PM 2.5 and PM 10. Testing for these specific particles is essential to understanding the overall air quality in any space.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOC, are particles that are emitted from many everyday household items, including cleaning products, paints, and other furnishings. Typically, these VOCs are filtered out through your ventilation system but still need to be tested to ensure good air quality.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is present in a wide range of commercial and residential building materials, and it is relatively harmless at low levels. However, if high levels are present in your home, this can lead to serious health issues for your family.
Carbon Dioxide
Most of us are well aware that carbon dioxide is highly hazardous at high levels, but in reality, even low levels of this gas can be dangerous in your home. A good indoor air quality test will be able to detect when the carbon dioxide levels in your home have become higher than they should.
Carbon Monoxide
Similar to carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide is another colourless, odourless gas that is dangerous to humans when inhaled at high levels. In fact, carbon monoxide poisoning can be lethal within a matter of minutes, which is why testing for this substance is critical in your home.
Allergens
Common allergens can range from outdoor pollen to dander from our furry family members and are usually filtered out through your home’s ventilation system. Unfortunately, these allergens can also build up when your home is not being filtered correctly, causing increased allergic reactions for you and your family.
Noxious Gases
Lastly, noxious gases are a type of gas that is considered to be highly toxic when inhaled. The most common noxious gases include NOx, SO2, H2S, and NH3, and all of these should be included in your indoor air quality test.
