Air Quality Testing
Indoor air quality testing in St. Louis can show why the air inside our homes is getting polluted.
Is Your HomeBeing Polluted?
An increase in respiratory problems may be due to indoor air pollution. According to a recent study, millions of Americans suffer from respiratory ailments, including hay fever, asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and lung cancer. Indoor air is polluted by any number of irritants that may only affect certain occupants of a home. Seasonal allergies are usually associated with outdoor conditions that we can not control. Here is a list of some of the most common contaminants that can be found inside your home year-round.
Different Contaminants In Your Home
Air Contaminants Can Include:
- Tobacco products
- Asbestos containing insulation
- Wood work made from pressed wood
- Spores from Fungal growth
- Household cleaning products
- Combustion appliances
- Pesticides and radon
- Outdoor air pollution
- Improperly functioning appliances
Some of these, such as formaldehyde from new pressed wood furniture, will dissipate over time and some, such as outdoor air pollution, are not easily controlled. The US EPA recommends radon testing for all homes every two years. Click here for more information on radon testing.
Mold, mildew, and other fungal growth (mushrooms) not only contribute to poor indoor air quality by emitting irritating spores, but they can also damage building materials. These fungi are often found in poorly vented attics, attics with roof leaks, crawl spaces, basements, laundry areas, and bathrooms. In general, fungi need moisture, warmth, and a food source. Removing any one of these three will stop their growth.
Unfortunately, the fungi often grow in walls, behind appliances, and other normally inaccessible areas. Fungi growing in accessible areas can be swabbed, and a sample sent to a laboratory for analysis. Our test for invisible fungi consists of taking a series of air samples in the home and comparing the results with the outside air as a control. Our laboratory will analyze the samples and provide a detailed report of what fungi are active and the known health or structural issues commonly associated with the fungi observed.
