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A Complete Guide to Indoor Air Quality Testing

A complete guide to indoor air quality testing

In this guide to indoor air quality testing, we’ll look at the different contaminants that may be in the air you breathe and how to find them. These can include dust, pollen, mold, particulates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can affect your comfort and health, but knowing what’s polluting your home can help find solutions. Here’s a closer look at indoor air quality testing and the options available.

Know the Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality

There are far too many pollutants to test for all at once. But various indicators can point to certain IAQ issues, so start by recognizing these signs of a potential issue:

  • Health Symptoms: Coughing, congestion, and other respiratory symptoms are the most common issues associated with polluted air. Eye, nose, and throat irritation can also point to a problem. Other signs of bad IAQ include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fatigue.
  • Poor Ventilation: If there’s reduced airflow from HVAC vents or your home seems stuffy, check for musty odors that can indicate mold is growing or for condensation on walls or windows.
  • Aging Home: Older homes often contain materials that can emit VOCs and have persistent ventilation issues. They may have also been constructed before modern building codes were introduced.

Schedule professional IAQ testing if any of these issues are familiar to you.

Types of Testing

Aside from what to test for (which we’ll discuss soon), there are different types of IAQ testing to consider. Some methods can check for several pollutants; others are intended to check for a specific contaminant. These are the most common methods used:

  • Ambient Air Quality Testing: Measures the types and levels of pollutants outside your home to identify potential sources of pollution.
  • Indoor Air Quality Testing: The level of pollution inside your home or office is measured along with the risk of exposure to harmful substances.
  • Particulate Matter Testing: This can determine the concentrations of dust, smoke, and other minute particles and help find ways to address the problem.

If there are pollution sources near your home contributing to IAQ concerns, source testing or stack emission testing can be performed at specific locations, such as industrial facilities. Mobile source testing measures pollution from vehicles and other modes of transportation. These methods can help find ways to reduce the risks and amount of pollution in your home.

IAQ Monitors

An indoor air quality monitor is a simple and inexpensive way to determine if your home has any IAQ problems. Depending on the model, it can measure temperature and humidity or toxins in the air (via electrochemical sensors). Some units can estimate the level of particulate matter using a laser or volatile organic compounds from building materials such as carpeting. An IAQ monitor may determine the Air Quality Index (AQI), a measurement devised by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine the health risks of outdoor and indoor pollution.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless and colorless but can cause sickness and death. It has many sources, including malfunctioning heating systems. Required near bedrooms and on every floor of your home, a CO detector should be placed wherever there’s a smoke detector (some units combine both functions) about 5 feet above the floor or near the ceiling.

Mold Testing Kits

Various types of mold tests are available. Swabs and tape strips allow you to collect samples from surfaces. Some swab tests yield results in minutes, although they won’t reveal the type of mold. Tape strips and petri dish tests must be analyzed in a lab. Nonetheless, contamination by other particles can skew the results. An air pump test is closed off and less likely to be contaminated.

For the most accurate mold testing, hire a professional if you think your home is infested.

Radon Testers

Found naturally in soil and rocks, radon gas can seep through tiny cracks in your home’s foundation. High levels can have long-term health effects, including cancer. But radon testing takes time. Depending on the test, it can take 90 days to several months, and even then, a lab must interpret the results. You can also install a continuous radon monitor that will alert you if levels get too high.

Know What Is Polluting Your Home

Indoor air quality testing can identify pollutants such as pollen, mold, or dust. Tobacco smoke and fuel combustion sources can severely reduce IAQ. But there may be many pollution sources you don’t know about. For example, aerosol sprays, paints, pesticides, disinfectants, scented candles, dry cleaning, and manufactured furniture can contain harmful compounds and contribute to pollution inside your home.

Hire an Indoor Air Quality Testing Professional

At NexGen, our licensed professionals can test for VOCs, mold, carbon monoxide, and other contaminants. We are Google Certified for Home Services. Our team can identify and address IAQ issues in your home or business. For fast and accurate indoor air quality testing and proven solutions, book your appointment online or call.

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