Indoor environmental safety is becoming increasingly important to property owners. The one issue with air pollutants and designated substances is that, most of the time, they are not always visible to the naked eye. As a result, some property owners are left in the dark about harmful gases or substances on their property until they start impacting their health. This is where designated substance surveys (DSS) and even air quality testing in Toronto can help. Both of these services can help identify harmful substances in your home. But how do you know which one is needed? At Inch by Inch Inspections, we offer both air testing and designated substance surveys in Toronto to ensure that your home is safe against hidden and airborne contaminants. Call now to get started.
Here is a breakdown of the best applications for air quality testing and DSS.
What Is Designated Substance Testing?
A designated substance survey is a test that looks for one of the eleven major designated substances in Ontario. These substances include:
- Acrylonitrile
- Arsenic
- Asbestos
- Benzene
- Coke oven emissions
- Ethylene oxide
- Isocyanates
- Lead
- Mercury
- Silica
- Vinyl chloride
A designated substance survey is often required before major renovations or demolition projects to assess the chances of workers being exposed to one of these harmful substances while on the job.
What Is Air Quality Testing?
During air quality testing in Toronto, air samples are taken and assessed for high concentrations of airborne pollutants like:
- Airborne spores and bacteria from mold
- Allergens are created by poor air circulation
- Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)
- Off-gassing from old asbestos installations
- CO2 buildup from improper venting
Many property owners will elect to get air quality testing done when they have noticed persistent odours or physical symptoms of VOC exposure. Air quality testing is often recommended after installing new floors, upholstery, insulation or building materials to ensure that they aren’t off-gassing.
Key Differences Between the Two
Designated substance surveys in Toronto tend to test building materials, whereas air quality testing is focused on airborne contaminants. Generally speaking, a DSS is almost always conducted before major renovations to help identify sources of hazardous material on your property. If detected, they can be safely removed before work is done to limit exposure to harmful chemicals. Air quality testing can be performed after renovations to confirm that the air in your building is free from contaminants and can be continually used as a way to verify the safety of your indoor air. To be entirely sure about which option is best for your property, reach out to the experts at Inch by Inch Inspections.
Receive Reliable Testing Services from Inch by Inch Inspections
If you are concerned about the presence of asbestos, VOC’s, mold or other contaminants on your property, Inch by Inch Inspections can provide tailored solutions. With both professional air quality testing and designated substance surveys in Toronto, you can feel confident that hidden substances will be successfully uncovered. Contact our team today to book a designated substance survey in Toronto.
