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You are what you breathe…
The above illustration shows common indoor dust particles that make up the air that you breathe. It also shows what could be contained in the settled dust in a typical home, office or indoor space. Many of the larger particles of 5 microns or larger usually settle out on surfaces and can be caught by most common air filters and pleated furnace filters. However, many allergens and pathogens that are smaller than 2.5 microns in size can be inhaled deep into your respiratory system and lead to serious sinus and respiratory diseases.
Mold/Biological Growth
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Where can Mold hide?
Everywhere! Mold growth is not always visible. In most cases, mold growth can be behind walls, above ceiling and under floors. A professional and competent mold inspection along with mold testing that is sent to a qualified mold laboratory can show you if you have a mold growth problem.
What should I do?
The most important thing is not to panic! More harm can be done without a plan and without the right information. Mold can be spread to other areas making the mold issue more difficult, more costly to remove and put occupants at higher risk. A detailed mold inspection should be considered.
What should I not do?
Don’t touch it! Mold growth can release tens of thousands of mold spores into the air if disturbed.
If you have had any history of excessive moisture or water leaks, a mold inspection is highly recommended.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands.
Sources of VOCs
Household products, including:
- Aerosol sprays
- Wood preservatives
- Paints, paint strippers and other solvents
- Cleansers and disinfectants
- Pesticide
- Dry-cleaned clothing
- Hobby supplies
- Moth repellents and air fresheners
- Stored fuels and automotive products
Volatile Organic Compounds can be emitted by decorating materials such as paint, adhesives and flooring as well as furniture and contents. VOC testing is not always required but might be important in the case of a noticeable odour.
VOC’s can be dangerous to your health or could just be a nuisance. A VOC laboratory test can determine if the odor you smell is harmful.
Water Quality
How safe is your tap water?
We analyze drinking water samples for Total Coliform, E. coli, Lead, Nitrate, Nitrite, and Turbidity plus Iron, Manganese, and pH.
The corresponding informational water quality testing report will compare your sample results to national standards that are defined within the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Regulations.
Indoor Particulate Matter
Particulate matter (also referred to as PM or particle pollution) is a complex mixture of solid and/or liquid particles suspended in air. These particles can vary in size, shape and composition. EPA is especially concerned about particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller because these particles are inhalable. Once inhaled, particles can affect the heart and lungs and in some cases cause serious health effects.
Airborne particulate can include bioaerosols (mold, bacteria and viruses) as well as household dust. These can come from the HVAC system or ducts, vacuum cleaners, poor furnace filtration as well as contents and furnishings in the room or home. Not all air filtration devices work as advertised. In some cases, air filtration devices and air filters actually pollute the home. Air quality testing should include testing vacuum cleaners and air filtration devices to ensure they don’t pollute the air. An abundance of particulate can cause a variety of breathing and respiratory issues.
Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation in any home, whether it is a detached home, semi-detached residence or condominium apartment unit can lead to a build up of air pollutants such as dust, gases, chemicals and humidity. Over time this can cause a variety of negative health issues. Poor ventilation can also lead to an increase in CO2 (produced by people breathing) which causes headaches, nausea, irritability as well as odor perception and a feeling the there is something wrong with the indoor air quality
Odors indoors are usually an indicator you’re not getting enough fresh air.
Most common Air
Quality sources
- Poor Ventilation
- Airborne Particles
- Chemicals (VOC's)
- Mold
- Bacteria
- Sewer Gases
- Plumbing Leaks
- Foundation Leaks
- Vacuum Cleaners
- Temperature and Humidity variances
Most common causes
of mold growth
- Plumbing Leaks
- Foundation Leaks
- Sewer back up
- Condensation
- Shifting insulation
- Poor insulation
- Roof leak
- Flood
- Water heater leak
- Ventilation
Most common adverse health reactions to poor Indoor Air Quality
- Asthma, breathing issues
- Coughing, sore throat
- Sinus issues, infection
- Skin irritation, infection
- Stomach issues, digestion
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Lethargy, poor concentration
- Sleep disorders
- Diseases such as cancer