When to test your Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality, or lack of, can affect your family’s health; especially infants, toddlers, elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

• When someone has trouble breathing or experiences “asthma” like symptoms

• Testing for air quality in a new residence or commercial building

• When you smell unusual odors or that “musty” smell

• If someone has a weakened immune system

• When someone is constantly sick or feeling suppressed while indoors

 

Effects of Poor Quality Air

Everyone reacts differently to different levels of different irritants/pollutants. People have different tolerance levels to environmental, industrial, and household elements which affect Air Quality. Symptoms caused by irritants vary according to a person’s sensitivity but may include:

chills, fevers, sweating, eye irritation or tenderness, allergies (seasonal or chronic), coughing, sneezing, nausea, fatigue, skin irritations, difficulty in breathing, asthma, sinusitis, and others.

 

 

Types of common Irritants/Pollutants

• Biological—bacteria, fungi, viruses, molds, pollen

• Chemical—cleaners, solvents, fuels, adhesives, by-products, emissions, and chemicals

• Particles and Aerosols — solids or liquids (dust) light enough to be suspended in air

• VOC's - Volatile Organic Compounds

 

 

Sick Building Syndrome

Symptoms may occur shortly after entering the building and usually disappear after leaving it.

Often there are no easily identifiable causes. Inadequate ventilation or building maintenance, misuse of chemical products, or building activities may be the cause. It’s often advisable to contact an independent indoor air quality specialist to conduct investigations and recommend solutions.

This has been described as a set of symptoms that affect a significant portion of building occupants.

• Irritation of mucous membranes (eyes, mouth and nose).

• Upper respiratory irritation.

• Headaches.