WHY TEST FOR ALLERGENS INSIDE A HOME?

Most people who search for indoor air quality testing are experiencing symptoms when spending time in a building, and those symptoms abate when they leave the property. This is often referred to as “sick building syndrome”.

Unfortunately, we cannot test for all indoor pollutants in one go–if we could, you would not need to read this article! Testing for several contaminants can be expensive and overwhelming, but if you approach the problem like a detective, basing your choice of air quality test kits on informed suspicions, you are likely to solve the mystery.

The EPA describes common indoor pollutants that might be present in your home:

1. Biological pollutants, like mold, dander, pollen, dust mites, and bacteria
2. Chemical pollutants, which include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, and the other chemical pollutants lead and radon
3. Combustion pollutants, like carbon monoxide and tobacco smoke (incidentally, VOCs and other chemical pollutants may result from combustion)

Identifying the causes of building-related symptoms is quite challenging. There are so many varying types of air quality issues that a comprehensive approach is required. Some people use the term “Air Quality Testing” to describe mold sampling or VOC tests. 

Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors than outdoors since they are emitted from so many products found in modern homes and buildings. Examples of common sources include paints, paint strippers, and other solvents; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleaning supplies, disinfectants, and pesticides; air fresheners; stored fuels and automotive products; hobby supplies; dry-cleaned clothing; building materials and furnishings; glues and adhesives.

For indoor air quality allergen air sampling, the approach we prefer collects an air sample for 5 days. A device is set up so that it continuously runs for that time period. During that time, air passes through the apparatus, and allergens are collected on an electrostatically charged plate. This type of sampling is very simple, but it requires a sampling time that is longer than dust sampling. 

The indoor air quality sample is sent to a laboratory that analyzes the dust found inside the device. Once it’s analyzed, the results tell us the number of certain allergens per volume of air. Allergens included in the results are weed pollen, tree pollen, grass pollen, mouse, roach, dust mite, cat, and dog. We prefer to collect a sample in the bedroom, but it can also be helpful to test other areas of the home. 

Why cleaning the ductwork is imported?

Cleaning the ductwork is important because, over time, the ductwork in a building can become clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris. This can negatively impact the air quality within the building and can cause a range of health problems for the people who inhabit it.

When the ductwork is dirty, the air that circulates through it can contain allergens such as pollen and dust mites, as well as bacteria, mold spores, and other harmful particles. These particles can then be breathed in by the building's occupants, leading to respiratory issues and other health problems.

In addition to health concerns, dirty ductwork can also decrease the efficiency of a building's heating and cooling system. When the ducts are clogged with debris, air cannot flow as freely through the system, causing it to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This can result in higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for the system.

By regularly cleaning the ductwork, these issues can be avoided. Professional duct cleaning services can remove built-up debris and improve the overall air quality within a building, leading to better health outcomes and increased energy efficiency.