subject: What Is Indoor Air Quality Testing? [print this page] What is indoor air quality? What is indoor air quality?
As the name suggests, indoor air quality (IAQ) is the quality of air inside a house or building. Indoor air quality is often associated with the health and comfort of the buildings occupants.
What is air quality testing?
Indoor air quality testing is a way of measuring the quality of air in an indoor environment. Testing indoor air acts as both precautionary as well as remediation measures for ensuring good health to the home occupants.
Why is indoor air quality important?
The quality of air we breathe has a huge impact on our health and well-being. Therefore, maintaining good indoor air quality is essential, especially since research has shown that Canadians spend an average of 90% of their times indoors. It is crucial that indoor air remain free of pollutants (VOCs, PCBs, formaldehyde, tobacco smoke, bacteria, fungi and mold).
Mold, also known as the silent killer, is one of the most common factors that decrease IAQ. Often, mold remains unnoticedhiding behind walls, under floors, in carpets and curtains, and in the air around usuntil it causes costly, structural damage to the home. Thats why you should get professional indoor air quality testing at the first signs of a mold problem.
Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, eye/nose/throat irritation, respiratory infection, asthma, allergies and even lung cancer are all mild to serious health hazards associated with poor IAQ.
How does an air quality test work?
During an indoor air quality test, a professional mold inspector uses an air sampling pump to take a 75-L sample of compressed air from the area/room in question. This sample is then sent to a government-accredited laboratory for analysis. The results of the air quality test will reveal the presence of any pollutants in the air along with their concentrations. Based on the results, the mold inspector can then recommend the appropriate steps for remediation.
During your indoor air quality testing appointment, it is always highly recommended to take at least two testsone test indoors (in the suspected area/room) and another test outdoors (which will act as a control group due to the continuous exchange of indoor and outdoor air).
Controlling indoor air quality
Once you have gotten the results of your indoor air quality inspection (and perhaps even completed a mold remediation), it is important to maintain good air quality. This includes ensuring the following:
Moisture control: Moisture, humidity and damp environments are favourable for mold growth. Thats why it is important to eliminate and repair sources of moisture (roof and pipe leakage, flooded basements, cracks and fissures in walls and foundation) and reduce relative humidity indoors. In addition, an effective ventilation system should be ensured in places like the kitchen and bathroom. Use exhaust fans to remove excess moisture when cooking, doing laundry or showering. Also, properly functioning HVAC systems should be installed to ensure sufficient air exchange. Windows should also be upgraded to be energy-efficient to prevent condensation. Dehumidifiers should be used in rooms like the basement to remove excess moisture from the air.
Proper ventilation: There are four ways of ensuring proper ventilation to reduce moisture and prevent mold: passive ventilation (opening windows in winter); exhaust-only ventilation (installing and using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom); balanced ventilation (exhaust fans combined with fresh air intake to the furnace circulating air system); heat recovery ventilation (combustion appliances with matched intakes and exhausts running smoothly)
Air exchange: Exchanging air between the indoor and outdoor environment is just as important as ventilation. Without proper air exchange, homes tend to accumulate moisture, causing mold problems and poor IAQ. According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), all moist and stale air should be replaced with fresh air every 3 to 4 hours.
Cleanliness: A simple way to reduce moisture, dust, dirt and other pollutants that reduce IAQ is by regular cleaning (e.g. vacuuming, washing, wiping, dusting, and avoiding clutter).
Mold Busters, Canadas leading mold inspection and mold remediation company provides thorough, fast and accurate indoor air quality testing at affordable prices. If you suspect that your house has a mold or air quality problem, call Mold Busters. Mold Busters is now in Montreal.
