Best Professional Indoor Air Quality Testing Service

What Is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is defined as the quality of air inside buildings and structures. The EPA estimates people spend about 90% of the time indoors, which means poor IAQ can negatively impact people’s health, well-being and comfort. Poor air quality in homes has been linked to sick building syndrome, respiratory issues, and reduced productivity. Children, the elderly, and those with health conditions are especially vulnerable to ill health effects of poor indoor air quality.

How Does Poor Indoor Air Quality Affect Human Health?

Indoor air pollution can have significant negative impacts and consequences on people’s health and well-being. Poor indoor air quality is associated with respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, exposure to indoor pollutants may contribute to heart problems, and long-term exposure could increase the risk of certain cancers. The American Lung Association states, “Poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of infections, lung cancer and chronic lung diseases such as asthma. People who already have lung disease are at greater risk.” According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health on the U.S. National Institutes of Health website, “Indoor air pollution is a serious threat to human health… and it is very important to identify their [pollutants] main sources and concentrations and to devise strategies for the control and enhancement of indoor air quality.” Other common symptoms include headaches, fatigue, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. If you are suffering from these symptoms, talk to your medical doctor and consider having the indoor air quality tested in your home.

What Are Common Pollutants That Affect Indoor Air Quality?

Common pollutants including radon, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and carbon monoxide affect the air quality in homes. These indoor air quality pollutants can come from building materials, furniture, chemicals in household cleaning products, and combustion appliances (e.g., gas stoves, heaters).

Indoor pollutants also originate from biological contaminants like mold, dust, pet dander, pollen and allergens. Human activities such as smoking, cooking, and cleaning can release harmful chemicals that contaminate indoor air quality. Water intrusion or high humidity (e.g., consistent foggy weather) can lead to mold growth. Proper ventilation is important because inadequate airflow can worsen IAQ. Any or all of these common pollutants can contaminate the indoor air quality in homes.

If you are concerned about the air quality in your home, you may want to have a professional company like EZ Mold Inspections perform IAQ testing and review the report analysis with you.

How Can I Improve The Air Quality In My Home?

You can improve the indoor air quality in your home through proper ventilation, regular cleaning, controlling moisture and humidity, and minimizing pollutant sources. Here are specific tips to help you improve the air quality in your home:

Proper Ventilation Tips To Improve Indoor Air Quality

• Open windows and doors to allow fresh air circulation as much as possible when the weather allows. Ventilation and airflow are important keys in helping control the inside air quality, humidity, and odors. Natural airflow helps remove pollutants and brings in oxygen.
• If the outside air during the daytime causes any allergy concerns for anyone living in the house, try opening the house in the evening when the sun goes down.
• Keep an air gap between the walls and furniture so air may flow freely.
• Always utilize exhaust fans/windows in bathrooms & laundry areas when available.
• When applicable: Keep the crawlspace dry; make certain all ventilation ports are clear and open for proper airflow and air circulation. Installing a fan at the crawlspace is suggested; the fan will help with airflow and air circulation.
• Whole house fans help promote cleaner air throughout the house.

Cleaning Tips To Control Indoor Air Quality

• Dust, vacuum, and mop regularly to reduce dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens.
• Removing your shoes before entering the house will help improve indoor air quality.
• Carpet, live plants, pets, and stuffed animals, etc. are items that may cause allergy symptoms with anyone having allergy concerns.
• Air purifiers are a good source for cleaning large particles from the indoor air.
• Installing a good allergen-type air filter in the HVAC system will help capture large particles from the inside air.

Humidity and Moisture Control Tips To Prevent Mold Growth Indoor Air Quality

• High humidity can lead to mold growth. Use dehumidifiers or ensure proper ventilation in damp areas.
• During the wet seasons, condensation on the windows and window frames attract any particles in the air such as dirt, dust, pollen and mold spores. Cleaning the windows and window frames regularly will help improve the air quality in your home.
• Using moisture control beads, portable dehumidifiers, and similar devices is suggested in closets, cabinets and small areas.
• Control the drainage around your house and adjust any sprinklers off the house. When watering plants close to the house use a drip system.

Additional Tips To Maintain Good Indoor Air Quality

• Periodically inspect the rubber seals at the washer/dryer for damage and microbial growth, keep the doors open when not in use for proper ventilation.
• Wood chips can be a source of mold/fungi concerns when wet or dried out.
• Place activated charcoal bags near sources of odors or pollutants to absorb impurities and help freshen the air.
• Avoid synthetic fragrances in air fresheners and scented candles that often contain harmful chemicals. Instead, use natural alternatives like essential oils.

Should I Have The Air Quality Tested for My Home?

If your health is suffering, you should first talk to your medical doctor. If your medical doctor recommends testing the air quality in your home, contact EZ Mold Inspections. Poor indoor air can cause or worsen respiratory conditions and trigger allergies among other health conditions.

If you are worried about potential health problems that poor air quality may cause, or if someone in your home has asthma or existing health conditions, you should consider having the air quality in your home tested. Through air quality testing, you can learn more about what is in the air you breathe, including any mold, mildew, dust, or dander as well as other air pollutants that can irritate your skin, induce allergic reactions, or cause breathing difficulties.

If you use air cleaners in your home, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cautions that “the use of air cleaners alone cannot ensure adequate indoor air quality, especially if you have significant sources of pollutants and insufficient ventilation.” EZ Mold Inspections performs air quality testing and provides a thorough evaluation of your house.

If you are concerned or worried about your indoor air quality, testing your home can lower your stress and give you peace of mind. Indoor air quality testing helps you know the types and levels of pollutants that you might not notice and allows you to address any issues that may be present.

Is Indoor Air Quality Testing Worth It?

If you have health issues and are particularly sensitive to indoor air pollution, professional air quality testing is worth the money. When you hired trained professionals like EZ Mold Inspections, you will get your questions answered, be given accurate results, and receive a proper explanation of the lab report. Most people worry and stress over the unknown, especially when they are concerned about mold exposure or contaminants polluting the air quality in their home. If you’re spending time worrying and stressing, you should call EZ Mold Inspections and schedule indoor air quality testing for your home. You’ll get honest answers and peace of mind.

What Does Professional Indoor Air Quality Testing Involve?

During air quality testing, EZ Mold Inspections will assess your indoor environment and collect air samples around your home. We send the air samples to an environmental laboratory for analysis to identify levels of indoor air contaminants, including mold, pollen, and other allergens. Based on the lab report, we provide recommendations to improve your indoor air quality, including proper ventilation or utilizing air purifiers. You will have peace of mind knowing what levels of air pollutants exist in your home and how to remedy any issues that may arise.

Does EZ Mold Inspections Offer Indoor Air Quality Testing In My Area?

For the current list of areas where we offer professional Indoor Air Quality testing services, view our Areas We Serve page. Alternatively, you can fill out our contact form or call us at (951) 401-0565 to schedule your IAQ testing appointment.