Indoor Air Quality Testing: Three Tips on Controlling Health Hazards
Indoor air quality testing measures the air quality within and around buildings and other structures, particularly as it relates to the health and comfort of the building occupants. Gases, particulates, microbial contaminants, or any mass or energy stressor can have an effect on indoor air quality and bring on undesirable health conditions. Here are some ideas on the typical health hazards that show up when indoor air quality testing is done:
Three Tips to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality Testing Results Now
- Identify the sources of air pollutants in your home.
Combustion sources such as oil, gas, coal, wood, and tobacco products; building materials and furniture; new carpeting and vinyl flooring; cleaning products; personal care products; glues and adhesives; paints and varnishes; and pesticides are some of the products that will influence your indoor air quality testing results. Humidifiers, leaking pipes and roofs, wet carpets, and air conditioning can all aid in releasing and spreading these pollutants into the air inside your home.
- Hire an indoor air quality consultant.
Air conditioning technicians, home inspectors, pest control operators, and even lead, asbestos and mold experts may do indoor air testing. Your consultant should be trained and certified in mold testing and air quality by a recognized organization, such as the Association of Energy Engineers, the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (which certifies industrial hygienists), and the Indoor Air Quality Association.
- Do mold remediation and duct cleaning if necessary.
Your indoor air quality consultant will do some environmental testing on your premises, and based on the results of this audit, he or she will determine what protocols should be followed. Duct cleaning entails cleaning the various cooling system components of forced air systems. Mold remediation is the process of removal and/or cleanup of mold from the indoor environment.