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Good air quality in the home is one of the key elements for a healthy life. When someone mentions air pollution, the first thing that comes to mind to many people is smog, a visible mass of gasses and airborne particles that is usually a result of fossil fuel combustion and industrial activities. However, if you cannot see the pollution it doesn’t mean that it isn’t there. It is easy to overlook the problem in indoor environments, as many indoor air pollutants are invisible, and some also odourless. For this reason, only a good home air quality test can tell you precisely whether the problem exists or not.
Why Should I Get an Air Quality Test?
Even if you live in parts of Toronto that have very low levels of air pollution, it doesn’t mean that the air quality in your home is good. There are many potential sources of pollutants indoors, and most of these do not depend on outside conditions. Older homes are especially susceptible to poor air quality due to the wearing of the building materials. Cracks in the roof and house siding, leaky pipes, damaged insulation and long-term use of home appliances that utilize combustion as a source of energy can all breed very serious air quality issues.
Here are the five most common indoor air pollutants you need to look out for:
1. Molds – These persistent fungi thrive in areas that are abundant in moisture. Room temperature is very favourable for their growth, so it is no wonder why they are common residents of humid areas in the home, like bathrooms, basements, attics and kitchens. Mold spores can cause respiratory issues and symptoms of allergy with long-term exposure.
2. Radon – Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally. If if escapes from its underground reservoir, radon can get into the buildings above, and linger in basements. It is invisible and odourless, so it is impossible to detect it without adequate equipment.
3. Asbestos – This silicate mineral was widely used for insulation a few decades ago, before it was discovered that its microfibrils can cause serious lung diseases and different types of cancer. Many buildings built before 1990 have asbestos-containing materials, which is another reason why they are more susceptible to poor air quality.
4. Fossil fuel combustion – Furnaces, heaters and other home appliances that use combustion as an energy source can release different harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
5. VOCs – Volatile organic compounds include a range of harmful chemicals commonly found in paints, wood preservatives, repellents, cleaning products, air fresheners, solvents, glues, and similar products.
Professional air quality testing can reveal the presence of these and other air pollutants in your home, so you can prevent or stop any harmful effects they cause. If you are looking for a certified inspector, reach out to Inch by Inch Inspections. Our experienced, friendly staff is always ready to provide high-quality service all over Toronto and the GTA. Call Inch by Inch and schedule your air quality testing today.
