Why Should You Test Your Indoor Air Quality? Why testing is important.
In Canada, we spend a large amount of time indoors, and in Vancouver, where it rains a lot, this is especially true. Spending more time indoors can affect your health in many different ways. Over the last few years, weather patterns have changed dramatically, becoming either too hot or too cold.
The Rental Market and Indoor Air Quality
With the property market out of control, the rental market is very expensive as well. Landlords, anxious to rent their properties, often overlook the basic maintenance of rental homes, many of which are older. Due to the construction design of older homes, many have poor ventilation, which increases humidity levels.
The Impact of High Humidity
High humidity levels are problematic because moist air can lead to unpleasant issues. Poor air quality has a wide range of effects. Occupants worry about mold, which is the biggest concern. Some people just feel sick at home due to exposure to volatile organic compounds, biological pollutants, pet dander, dust, asbestos, lead, pesticides, particulates, secondhand smoke, or even excess moisture.
Health Concerns and Air Quality Testing
We have received calls from people who complain of health issues and want to know if their home’s air quality is contributing to this. Indoor air quality testing helps identify what you are breathing in your home. You do not want your family members and yourself exposed to health issues because of the air in your home.
Mold Testing and Our Process
The most common indoor air quality testing is for mold. At Arch Home Inspections, we are trained to collect air samples using advanced air sampling equipment. These samples are sent to a Canadian Certified Laboratory accredited by the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation Inc. (CALA) for spore trap and direct exam analysis.
A microbiologist analyzes these air samples and provides a detailed report within a few business days. The analysis is thorough, showing the type of mold spores and their concentration. Any other methods of sampling, like just looking at it and identifying the type of mold, are incorrect and just assumptions.
Addressing Mold Concerns
Many people say they can smell mold or musty odors in their homes. While this may be true, lab analysis ultimately determines what is in the air you are breathing. When collecting samples, we also measure the relative humidity in different areas of the home. Specialized tools like a moisture meter and Infrared (Thermal Imaging) are used to accurately assess the home, along with our inspectors’ years of experience in identifying issues.
Our Services and Contact Information
We are open 7 days a week and provide services in the Vancouver and Lower Mainland area. Call us at 778.552.8095 and be sure to check out the thousands of verified client reviews on our website at Google.
