Air Quality Testing in Oakville

Although good air quality is one of the basic requirements for a healthy life, most homeowners don’t consider what contaminants might be present at their property. Because of this, the presence of indoor air contaminants often flies under the radar. What makes their detection even harder is that quite a few of them are odourless and invisible to the naked eye. As such, these contaminants require special tools for detection. 

The best way to determine whether your Oakville home is at risk is to get professional air quality testing. Hiring an air quality testing company in Oakville and getting a home air quality test will help you reveal the presence of all major air pollutants, as well as their concentration. But what are these major indoor pollutants in the first place? Let’s find out.

Types of Indoor Air Pollutants

Depending on their physical state and content, there are three basic types of indoor air pollutants:

• Fumes – gaseous pollutants that include humidity, radon (naturally-occurring odourless radioactive gas), VOCs (emitted from adhesives, paints, solvents, wood preservatives, and similar), carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide
• Particulates – very fine solid particles like pollen, dander, dust, asbestos microfibrils, lead and smoke
• Biological agents – various species of mold and bacteria

The level of contamination in the home depends on the concentration and number of pollutants that are present. It is important to note that some pollutants are more dangerous than others, for example, asbestos, carbon monoxide, and lead. Such contaminants require strict safety procedures and professional removal.

Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Although indoor air quality is far more complex than it initially seems, worry not – there are a few simple ways to keep the air quality in your home within healthy levels:

• Regularly clean and vacuum your home to get rid of dust, pollen, dander, mold spores, and other solid contaminants
• Avoid smoking inside or using the fireplace.
• Ensure good air circulation by opening windows or turning up ventilation to eliminate gaseous contaminants.
• Take off your shoes as soon as you get home to avoid spreading bacteria or mold spores around.
• Keep the windows open or the ventilation turned on during activities like showering, cooking and drying laundry to decrease air humidity.
• Have your home tested for radon and asbestos
• When using materials that emit VOCs (cleaning products, glues, etc.), open your windows wide and turn on ventilation fans.
• Getting equipment like carbon monoxide detectors, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers can significantly help to improve indoor air quality.
• Residential and Commercial Indoor Air Quality Testing 

Considering how important clean air is, any doubts about poor air quality should be cleared with professional testing. Older residential and commercial buildings in Oakville are especially prone to such problems because of their age and building materials used in their construction. Hire an experienced, trusted inspector and reach out to Inch by Inch Inspections. Inch by Inch’s certified staff is always ready to provide quality service in Oakville and neighbouring communities. Call today and schedule your home air quality test at 416-568-9702 or 888-445-0737.