What Causes Indoor Air Quality Problems?
Our company is committed to providing honest and upfront assessments of your property. As such, we have provided some helpful facts and information about air quality, VOCs, and mold and mildew. If you believe that your home may be compromised by these contaminants, do not hesitate to request an indoor air quality inspection. We’ll set the record straight so you may make the necessary adjustments to your property.
What Causes Indoor Air Quality Problems?
Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.
VOC 74 Compound Test
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands.
Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.
EPA's Office of Research and Development's "Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study" (Volumes I through IV, completed in 1985) found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. TEAM studies indicated that while people are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed.
Airborne Mold and Allergen Test
Find out what particles are drifting around the air in your home. This test includes a comprehensive test that will give you actual particle counts of dust borne pollutants such as mold, pollen, mites, dander and others.
Mold and Your Health
Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to mold. These people should stay away from areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas.
In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.
In addition, in 2004 the IOM found sufficient evidence to link exposure to damp indoor environments in general to upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people and with asthma symptoms in people with asthma. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking exposure to damp indoor environments in general to shortness of breath, to respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children and to potential development of asthma in susceptible individuals. In 2009, the World Health Organization issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development.
What You Can Do to Fight Back against Mold
The simple fact of the matter is that mold in your home can spell discomfort and danger for each member of your family. As a microorganism, mold can infiltrate your property and propagate to dangerous levels. In order to deter mold growth, it’s important to maintain a clean, dry, and sanitary home.
Knowing the warning signs beforehand can also save you time, money, and undue stress. A mold air test by an experienced team can give you the information you need to make sound and rational decisions. Our company has the resources, materials, and equipment to screen your property for the presence of mold.
By utilizing sophisticated technology and thorough testing procedures, we can provide upfront, in-depth analysis of your home and the presence of mold. Our reports can also inform you of potential threats and what you can do to address them.
Don’t compromise the health and safety of your family. Arrange a building safety inspection [link to Home] with our team and get the right information. The results of our indoor air quality tests can help you make the proper decisions to guard your home against volatile compounds, microorganisms, mold, mildew, and more.
Contact us at (503) 430-5290 or (360) 852-8936, to be connected to our Vancouver location,to arrange testing for indoor air quality, VOCs, and mold. Our company proudly serves property owners throughout the Portland metro area and Southwest Washington.
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