Indoor Air Quality Testing and Asbestos Training

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Indoor Air Quality Testing and Asbestos Training
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• Taking an indoor air quality test is one of the
  safest steps that you can take if you have
  concerns about the air in your home. A
  professional inspector can conduct a test to show
  you the level of pollutants in your home. This
  can help you identify the source of the problem
  and resolve it.
• Many factors contribute to a poor indoor air
  quality. These include excess moisture and dust.
  It can also contain harmful chemicals and toxic
  substances. In addition, there are biological
  pollutants that are created by living things in
  your home.

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• If you are experiencing respiratory problems or
  fatigue, it may be time to have your air tested.
  If you have a history of heart disease, cancer,
  or lung disease, you might want to get your air
  tested to see if there are any pollutants that
  could be making your symptoms worse.
• Several types of indoor air quality testing are
  available. Some kits can measure carbon monoxide
  and other potentially harmful gases. Other kits
  are geared toward looking for allergens and dust.
  The Environmental Protection Agency sets
  standards for these tests. A radon test can be
  done by collecting samples for several days. The
  device is then sent back to the lab for analysis.

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• A mold test can identify the presence of mold
  spores in your air. Typically, a standard mold
  test will give you a quantitative estimate of the
  amount of mold spores present in your home. It
  will also provide you with a count of the
  background debris and skin cells in the air.
• Some of the contaminants that can be found in
  your indoor air are allergens, benzene,
  formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and other
  volatile organic compounds. These chemicals can
  be found in household items and construction
  materials. They should not be present at
  concentrations that are unsafe for you. Other
  substances such as lead can also be present in
  your air. These are usually found in certain
  paints.

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• Other common indoor pollutants are bacteria,
  viruses, and combustion products. These can be
  carried in the air from people, pets, and other
  sources. Other plant spores can be found in the
  air as well. If your home has windows, these
  contaminants can come inside.
• It is important to have your air tested because
  it can affect the health of those in your home.
  The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates
  that indoor air pollutants can be two to five
  times more harmful than the air outdoors. A test
  can help you find the source of the problem.

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• A good AQI is below 50. The higher the AQI, the
  more likely it is that your breathing will be
  uncomfortable. This can be especially problematic
  for individuals with asthma or other respiratory
  conditions. Having a good AQI will allow you to
  breathe easier and will help you avoid illnesses.
• If you are considering testing your home's air,
  it is best to hire a trained, certified
  inspector. These professionals will perform a
  thorough test to ensure that your home's air is
  clean and safe. They will also provide you with
  actionable next steps to improve the condition of
  your home's indoor air.