Everyone knows that it is important to perform regular residential air quality testing to help identify problems before they become serious issues. However, the importance of the kind of device you use during testing cannot be overemphasized. Regularly testing the purity of the air you breathe in is comparable to walking in a dark forest without a flashlight. You will never know where they are hiding until you use a specialized device to determine their presence. Similarly, when doing residential air quality testing, you must always remember the three main categories of pollutants which discussed above as the process will differ depending on what category you want to check.
The first category of pollutants in residential air quality testing is synthetic. This includes VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds, such as benzene, toluene and other organic compounds. Though, VOCs are not considered hazardous to human health, they are known to aggravate respiratory and reproductive disorders, cause asthmatic episodes and can even be carcinogenic. A high concentration of VOCs in your house may result in severe respiratory and allergic symptoms. Therefore, it is important to regularly measure the amount of VOCs in your home using an inexpensive gas meter.
The second category of common pollutants in residential air quality testing is mold spores. Although, mold spores are not considered harmful to humans, they can cause severe respiratory and other immune system disorders and can even lead to life-threatening diseases. In fact, single mold spores can multiply within 24 hours, making them potent allergens that can trigger allergic reactions and cause breathing problems. During mold testing, mold spores are easily detected using a spore counter, but it is necessary to take precautionary measures to eliminate the problem before it gets worse.
There are also several types of particulates in our indoor air quality. These include pollen, which are produced by various species of plants; smoke and carbon monoxide; and dust and mold spores. All of these gases produce health problems for people living in the same room, which is why it is important to regularly test the quality of your indoor air. Even if you are not having problems with any of the above-mentioned pollutants, it is recommended to perform annual inspections for the prevention of respiratory illnesses caused by pollutants.
Relative humidity is also a key element of residential air quality testing. Relative humidity is the rate of water vapor in a room. It is expressed as a percentage of water vapor per unit of air and represents the average water level in the air. The higher the percentage, the humid environment inside your room. Relative humidity is useful to identify areas of concern, especially if you have young children or elderly individuals staying over.
If you do not feel comfortable testing your house yourself, there are many professionals who offer this service. You can get an estimate from a local HVAC company in your area about how much money will be needed for monthly ventilation services. In order to get a true picture of what the air quality of your home is like, it is recommended to hire an expert who will test your roof, duct work, heating and cooling systems, and lighting fixtures. You can also request samples from the different contaminants for testing.