We spend most of our time in homes, but have you ever wondered if the air you are breathing indoors is safe or not? According to the EPA, Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.

Indoor air quality testing is essential in order to maintain a healthy living environment. It involves detecting and evaluating the concentrations of different irritants and pollutants in the air inside a structure. 

These include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold, dust, and pollen. By regular air quality testing in home, you can identify and fix any problems that could severely impact health and well-being. 

In this blog, we will understand the causes of poor indoor air quality and the types of tests available to find that out. Also, we will give an overview of how you can improve your indoor air quality and why professional air quality testing could be one of the best options when it comes to safeguarding your home.

Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality

The president of the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), Lisa Rogers, says You must keep balance to ensure healthy, comfortable indoor air quality. 

Your indoor air quality must be determined together with other factors, such as temperature and humidity, pressurization and ventilation, and chemical and biological components. Poor indoor air quality results when there is a failure in the balance and regular air quality testing in home is necessary to keep things in check.

Let us understand how these components cause poor indoor air quality in your home and put your health in danger.

Pollutants and Chemicals

Substances like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and ozone can come from carpeting, paint, furniture, cleaning supplies, and even the ground beneath our living building. 

Excessive moisture caused by plumbing leaks and high relative humidity, animals, and indoor plants, can lead to biological pollutants, such as allergies, fungi, and bacteria. 

Poor housekeeping, inefficient heating systems, and inferior building materials are linked to inorganic sources such as dust, combustion, asbestos, and lead.

Humidity, Circulation and Temperature

These contaminants might seem like the only apparent risks, but there are other things that can make your place unhealthy. If you notice you’re home weirdly feeling too hot or too cold, then chances are there is not enough air circulation. 

Due to insufficient air movement, your home will have humidity issues, eventually resulting in mold growth.

If you suspect mold growth already, go for a professional mold inspection. Check our blog Mold Inspection for Renters, and find out everything you need to know.  

Ventilation

Poor ventilation can concentrate low-level contaminants, and changes in lighting, temperature, and humidity can all contribute to perceived indoor air quality issues.

Numerous factors that contaminate the air we breathe and reduce comfort in our homes and workplaces might impact the interior environment.

Types of Air Quality Testing

The method of assessing the amount of contaminants in the air is known as indoor air quality testing in home or workspace. You may use several air quality testing methods to determine the level of various contaminants in the air.

Ambient Air Quality Testing: This test assesses the amount of contaminants in the open air, usually at ground level. It tracks the region’s overall air quality and locates any sources of pollution. 

Indoor Air Quality Testing: This analyzes the contaminants inside buildings like residences, workplaces, and educational institutions. It can determine the sources of indoor pollution and evaluate the danger of exposure to dangerous pollutants. 

A professional mold remediation service in Florida uses this test to assess the chances of mold growth in your home.

Stack Emissions Testing: This measures the quantities of pollutants emitted from manufacturing sites and power stations. It further guarantees that these facilities abide by federal and state regulations.

Mobile Sources Testing: Testing of mobile sources quantifies the amount of pollutants released from moving sources, such as vehicles. It is employed to evaluate how transportation affects air quality and to determine how to lessen emissions.

Source Testing: This form of testing is done at specific places, including companies and power plants, to measure the quantities of pollutants emitted by particular sources. It is used to develop ways to reduce emissions and make sure that the legislation is followed.

Particulate Matter Testing: This type of testing looks at the levels of tiny airborne particles like smoke, dust, and dirt. It is used to identify the causes of particle pollution and assess the dangers of being exposed to dangerous particles.

How to Improve The Indoor Air Quality of Your Home?

According to Our World in Data, 4.1% of global deaths are attributed to indoor air pollution.

That’s why ensuring clean air and keeping your house as healthy as possible is very important. Air purifiers, enhanced air circulation, and a few easy lifestyle modifications can help you to keep your home’s air quality at its peak.

Invest In Air Purifier

Investing in an air purifier is a smart decision if you want to improve air quality in your home or office. A whole-room purifier with an efficient filter system can capture pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and allergens, helping you breathe easier and reducing the risk of respiratory problems. 

With a good air purifier, you can enjoy cleaner and fresher air, contributing to better overall health and well-being. So, if you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to improve the air quality in your surroundings, investing in an air purifier is definitely worth considering.

Improve Circulation

Improving air circulation is important to ensure that dirty air doesn’t stay in a room. One easy way to promote better air circulation is to turn on a fan or keep the windows open. 

This will help to circulate fresh air and reduce the risk of respiratory problems. You can also use an exhaust fan in places like the kitchen and toilets to keep the humidity in check and maintain a smooth airflow.

Keep Air Clean

One great way to maintain clean air in your home is by assessing activities that may be contributing to poor air quality and taking measures to reduce or minimize them. For instance, cooking on a gas stove can lead to a spike in air pollution. 

To address this, you may want to consider grilling outdoors or installing a vent over the stove. By being mindful of potential sources of air pollution, you can help ensure that the air in your home is fresh and healthy.

Why Should You Hire a Professional?

When you hire a professional mold remediation service in Florida, they will assess your indoor air quality, inspect for mold, and remediate any mold growth.

When you hire a professional air quality testing service, they will collect samples and use specialized equipment to test the air quality. However, they will also thoroughly inspect your home to identify any areas of concern. For example, they may find that storing bleach and ammonia together can create an unpleasant odor that you might not be able to detect.

It is important to hire a qualified professional to test and remediate mold and air quality issues. Mold can be harmful to your health, and poor air quality can cause respiratory problems. A professional can help you identify and address these issues so that you can create a safe and healthy home.

This is where the value of a professional comes in – they can provide a comprehensive assessment that includes identifying the source of the problem, interpreting the data based on their experience, and providing recommendations for how to address the issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, indoor air quality testing is extremely important to avoid dangerous respiratory issues and maintain a healthy living environment. With pollutants and chemicals being major contributors to poor indoor air quality, it is important to identify and fix any problems that could seriously impact our health and well-being. 

Investing in an air purifier, improving air circulation, and being mindful of potential sources of air pollution are all effective ways to maintain clean air in your home. However, when it comes to investigating indoor air quality problems, hiring a professional service is the best option. 

With their specialized equipment and expertise, they can provide a complete assessment that identifies the problem’s source and recommendations for how to address it. Don’t compromise on your health, and prioritize indoor air quality testing today!