Many home buyers are concerned about the safety of their new homes. They often worry that previous owners used pesticides that could harm their family’s health.
They also may want to know about contaminants like radon, mold, VOCs, RSPM, and asbestos. In addition, property managers and facility management professionals receive regular occupant complaints about unpleasant smells.
What You Can Expect
Professionals rely on specialized equipment to test air quality for gases, particulate matter, and volatile compounds. They use long-window testing, ensuring that the final assessment includes all areas of the home or office. This prevents a single pocket of poor or high air quality from skewing the results.
Indoor air quality has a direct impact on health. Occupational exposure to contaminates like mold, viruses, bacteria, and other allergens can cause symptoms from irritated eyes, mouth, and throat to more serious respiratory conditions when over-exposed.
Similarly, many dangerous gasses are colorless and odorless, making them easier to detect with the help of specialized equipment. Professional IAQ tests identify potential hazards and recommend remediation strategies that reduce levels of these pollutants. They may also offer additional testing methods for contaminants such as radon and lead, providing peace of mind to customers for years to come. The professional in Portland, Oregon, may also suggest improving ventilation to ensure safe and healthy home environments for all occupants.
Sampling Methods
Professionals use screening tools to measure contaminants, such as spores and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that are typically not visible or smelled. These instruments, such as a particle counter and a gas analyzer, provide instantaneous results that allow them to identify problems and respond quickly.
A pre-sampling inspection is also conducted before the sampling event to evaluate conditions that may impact or interfere with the sampling. This includes assessing the type of structure, floor layout, physical conditions, and airflows. Additionally, a product inventory is conducted to determine the potential sources of chemicals of concern that could interfere with the sampling.
After the assessment, professionals will send air samples to a lab for analysis. Then, they will make recommendations based on the results to improve IAQ. These include implementing ventilation systems, removing contaminants, or addressing water leaks. They will also perform regular follow-up testing to ensure that the problem is addressed and that positive results are achieved.
Results
We spend so much time in our homes and workplaces that we’re often unaware that the air inside our spaces could be unhealthy. From mold to radon to VOCs, indoor quality air testing Portland Oregon, services offer the tools and expertise to provide accurate results that will help identify pollutants and recommend effective remediation strategies.
These professionals may take both surface and air samples to determine the amount of mold spores, VOCs, and other contaminants present in the space. They also use moisture meters and thermal image cameras to identify areas where water or dampness may be hiding. They won’t disturb walls, baseboards, or raised floors, as this can spread mold spores throughout the home.
Contractors need to understand that testing positive for any pollutant can be alarming, and they must balance educating their clients on the importance of improving IAQ while still providing them with peace of mind that solutions are available. With the proper training, contractors will feel more confident discussing test results with their customers and selling IAQ upgrades.
Interpretation
Most people are unaware that everyday household dust, toxins, and allergens often pollute the air they breathe in their homes. Poor indoor air quality can lead to various issues, from flu-like symptoms and allergies to long-term respiratory problems.
A professional IAQ testing service can provide a detailed report on the level of contamination in a space. The professionals can also identify the source and recommend a course of action to improve ventilation and reduce pollutants.
When recommending an IAQ testing service, you should always look for a licensed and certified professional. They should have a wide range of experience and be familiar with several contaminants, including mold, radon, asbestos, and VOCs. They should also be familiar with sampling techniques beyond spore traps, such as particle counters, which can gauge the concentration of particles in the air. This ensures a more accurate picture of the environment.