We know that outdoor air quality may be poor especially due to persistent pollution in an environment. But we sometimes forget that even indoor air quality might be polluted. Most homes today are constructed to conserve energy, so they make the space airtight. This is important, but it comes with a price.
Since there is less ventilation in such homes, there will be poor air quality. This will in turn have adverse effects on health and properties. According to a study conducted by EPA, circulated air inside homes is more likely to be five times more polluted than outside air.
If your home is already showing signs of being polluted, there is a way out. You can hire a testing service for your home. You shouldn’t just get any of such services; quality and professionalism are the foremost features to consider. You can check out the indoor air quality testing service by Climate King for a professional perspective on pollution detection.
Indoor Pollutants That Your Home May Contain
Here are some pollutants that you may find when you test your indoor air:
1. Organic Compounds
These are not just any organic compounds, they are volatile. These chemicals are harmful and could cause severe migraines and other adverse health issues. Sadly, they can be found in everyday items in a home and easily enter the lung tracts and cause other serious problems in the body.
2. Radon
This is a noble gas that occurs naturally, but accumulated portions can result in toxicity. With no proper ventilation, it can aggravate into something serious. The gas is harmful because it has no color or odor. It can only be discovered through pro-quality testing. If you expose yourself to radon for a long time, it could lead to cancerous growth.
3. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide or CO is a poisonous gas. It is gotten from the combustion created from appliances that use fuel. Equipment such as water heater, incinerator, and the fireplace make use of natural gas. The combustion if not allowed to vent outside can increase the level of CO inside your house, which is dangerous to health.
4. Asbestos
Before now, asbestos was used as an insulation material in homes. It gives off specks of dust and when it accumulates in the body, it can affect respiratory organs and lead to cancer.
5. Formaldehyde Gases
This pollutant is commonly used in preserving wood and other building materials. As years go by, the coating of formaldehyde on these surfaces breaks down and converts into toxic gases. These gases affect the eye, skin, and even lead to respiratory problems.
6. Mold and Bacteria Growth
Lack of ventilation increases humidity which causes mold growth on your clothes and other belongings. These mold spores cause respiratory diseases and prolong viral infections.
7. Smoking
Smoke fumes could get trapped in the air and cause acute and chronic health issues to humans.
8. Lead Particles
Some finishes and paints contain lead particles. Lead is very toxic and dangerous to our health. It can cause lung diseases and other terminal issues.
9. Pesticides
Pesticides are used in killing dangerous insects. But they are pollutants that can affect us adversely. An effective pesticide has a lethal dose of 50 (Ld50) which is why it kills pests effectively.
However, consistent use of pesticides can cause a build-up of toxins in the home. They can create health problems that are harmful to the body.
Importance of Indoor Air Quality Testing
Here’s why you should test the quality of your indoor air:
1. Early Radon Detection
It leads to early detection of radon which will prevent it from causing severe health problems later on. Radon cannot be seen, neither does it have an odor. Using advanced equipment, a pro will be able to detect its presence after the test.
2. Tests for the Presence of Asbestos
Regular testing will indicate asbestos presence. Many times, it is old homes that are built with asbestos. This is because, in recent years, the danger of asbestos has been proven. The once ‘helpful’ material is now known to cause cancer and other respiratory diseases.
It might be hard to detect it at first, but consequent test results will show its presence. You can click here to learn more about the dangers of asbestos.
3. Prevents Asthma Attack
People who suffer from Asthma are especially encouraged to test the quality of air in their homes. This is because dust, organic particles, and pollutants are asthma attack triggers. If young children are exposed to poor quality of air for prolonged periods, they could develop asthma. But frequent testing can avert such health problems.
4. Detects Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide can get trapped in the atmosphere due to leakage in a home’s venting system. Using advanced testing methods at an early stage will quickly detect this leakage before it causes further damage to humans.
5. Discovers the Root Cause of Allergies
If someone in the family has allergy problems, with an air quality test, you can know which pollutant has been causing the allergies. Tests help you identify the source and type of pollutants. This will then be used to create solutions that will reduce the allergens and improve the atmosphere.
Furthermore, it could be the family pet causing poor atmospheric quality. Although pet hair is visible and can be swept away, there are still some particles that can only be seen through a microscopic lens. These particles might cause serious health problems to humans. Therefore, carrying out tests will help you determine how severe the particles are and craft out solutions that will help out.
6. Saves Energy Costs
Poor air can affect filters, block the exchangers, and cause HVAC machines to work more while consuming a lot of energy. However, testing the air often will clear these issues. With an efficient HVAC system, you will reduce power consumption, get cleaner air, and save operational costs.
Conclusion
The quality of the air we breathe contributes to our well-being. Therefore, we don’t want to take chances with our indoor air condition. It is important to hire only trained and experienced professionals for your indoor air testing services. They will not only assess the quality of the air, but they will also provide quick solutions to solve the issue(s).