Although children are known for being resilient, young children are known for being sensitive when it comes to respiratory illnesses. If your child suffers from asthma or allergies, it is incredibly crucial that you foster a safe environment for them to live in. One excellent way to create a healthy home that supports respiratory health is by conducting air quality testing in Toronto. This testing helps identify any air pollutants that may be circulating in your home. These tests are especially effective when paired with a designated substance survey, as this will allow for accurate identification of the allergens, mold or bacteria that may be present. If you have children and are concerned about their respiratory health and well-being, contact Inch by Inch Inspections. We conduct thorough air quality tests in Toronto to ensure your family can breathe better. Contact us today to book!
Why are Children Impacted by Poor Air Quality?
Children’s bodies are much smaller than adults, so when they breathe in poor-quality air, they receive a higher dose of contaminants per kilogram of body weight compared to older individuals. This makes them more susceptible to the adverse health effects of pollutants like mold, bacteria or viruses.
Children’s bodies and lungs are still developing, making it more difficult for them to fight off respiratory illness. This makes poor air quality especially dangerous to young children. Exposure to low air quality for an extended period has been associated with cancer, asthma, chronic diseases and even mortality in very young kids. This is why parents must make an effort to keep the air quality in their homes pristine. It will both improve the quality of life of your children and keep them healthy.
Signs of Poor Air Quality
In order to effectively address air quality issues, you’ll need to know how poor air quality manifests itself in your child’s health. Depending on what contaminants are lurking in your air, the symptoms of poor air quality may vary. If your child has asthma or allergies, they may be more sensitive to poor indoor air quality. Some of the many health-related symptoms of poor air quality include:
- Experiencing frequent sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose while at home.
- Asthma symptoms or flare-ups become more severe indoors.
- Sinus infections, bronchitis, or other respiratory issues occur repeatedly.
- Itchy or irritated throat and nose with no apparent reason why
- Having persistent headaches or feeling dizzy at home.
- Experiencing unexplained fatigue or difficulty concentrating indoors.
There may also be some other visual or experiential indications of poor air quality. Some of these signs may include:
- Persistent odours that are musty, chemical-like, or cooking-related lingering in your home.
- Dust builds up quickly on surfaces or around air vents despite regular cleaning.
- Mold or mildew growth is visible on walls, ceilings, or windowsills.
- Condensation frequently appears on windows due to high humidity levels.
- The air feels heavy, stale, or stuffy, indicating poor ventilation.
- Smoke or floating particles are visible in sunlight or near light sources.
Common Air Contaminants
- Dust: This compound is commonly found on untouched surfaces, and when disturbed, dust can enter the air, causing allergy symptoms.
- Mold: This is the result of excess moisture or a leak in your home. Mold spores can reproduce and spread throughout the air of your home.
- Volatile Organic Compounds: These are gases that are naturally emitted from various materials like paints, candles, cleaners, etc. These gases can be toxic and ruin your air quality.
- Pollen: This is usually found outdoors but can linger on clothes and shoes. When brought into your home, pollen can cause allergic reactions.
How Air Quality Testing Helps
Air quality testing works by actively identifying what contaminants are present in your home’s air. Once you have identified the problematic compounds, you can effectively address the root of the issue. For example, if it is determined that your air is filled with mold you know that you have some kind of moisture problem that needs to be addressed. Once your air quality reading is complete, Inch by Inch Inspections will work with you to improve your quality to support your children’s health.
Protect Your Children with Air Quality Testing in Toronto
In order to protect your children against the danger of poor air quality, you must conduct air quality testing in your Toronto home. Children are especially vulnerable to air contaminants like mold and VOCs, making quick identification especially important. If you notice any of the many signs and symptoms of poor air quality in your home, contact Inch by Inch inspections for air quality testing or a designated substance survey in Toronto.