What Effect Does Poor Indoor Air Quality Have on Our Health?
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American:
- Nasal allergies affect about 50 million people in the United States.
- Allergies impinge on as many as 30% of adults and 40% of children.
- Allergic disease (including asthma) is the fifth leading chronic disease in the United States.
- Allergic disease is the third most common chronic disease in children under 18 years of age.
How Do I know If I Have Been Exposed to Indoor Allergens?
Are you sneezing, coughing, irritation to your eyes, nose, throat and lungs, experiencing headaches, fatigue, having trouble concentrating, and you aren’t sleeping well, but you don’t know why? Your house seems clean. You don't see anything in your air. What is causing your annoying symptoms? The answer could be more complex than you might think.
What Do We Test and Inspect?
In addition to testing the air quality, we conduct an inspection as well for a comprehensive analysis. The air quality samples collected check for 43 different particle ID debris. Our air quality detector is used to measure PM2.5, PM10, particles, HCHO (formaldehyde), TVOC, AQI, temperature, and humidity. We also inspect filter(s) and ducts of the HVAC system where accessible. Visual inspection for visible potential allergens like dust, paint cans, chemical pollutants and venting connections for appliances like heaters, stoves, and dryers.
Particle ID Debris
| Amorphous Organic Debris |
Low Contrast Amorphous |
Charred Plant Debris |
Pigments-Angular |
| Dust Mites |
Skin Cells |
Charred Woody Fragments |
Pigments-Plants |
| Fiberglass |
Starch Grains |
Diatoms |
Pollen-Birch |
| Fibers-Cellulose |
Feather Barbules |
Gypsum Board Debris |
Pollen-Grass |
| Fibers-Cotton |
Newspaper Ink |
Inkjet Droplets |
Pollen-Hickories |
| Fibers-Synthetic |
Salt Crystals |
Oil Droplets |
Pollen-Oak |
| Hair-Animal |
Soot |
Silica |
Pollen-Pine |
| Hair-Human |
Tire Rubber |
Efflorescence |
Pollen-Sunflowers |
| Minerals |
Wood-Hardwood Fragments |
Fire Related Soot |
Pollen-Undifferentiated |
| Plant Fragments |
Wood-Softwood Fragments |
Glass |
Pollen-Walnut |
| - |
Metal - Aluminum |
Metal - Iron |
Pollen-Witch Hazel |
Air Quality Detector
Formaldehyde (HCHO)
Colorless, poisonous, highly water-soluble gas with an obnoxious odor. Used in the manufacture of disinfectants, preservatives, and hundreds of industrial and consumer products such as adhesives, carpeting, decorative paneling, foam insulation, drapery, fiber and particle boards, and permanent press fabrics.
Particulate Matter (PM2.5 & PM10 & Other Particles)
Particle pollution that existed in all types of combustion, including motor vehicles, power plants, residential wood burning, forest fires, agricultural burning and some industrial processes. They can only be seen with an electron microscope and most smaller particles can get into lungs and cause serious potential health problems.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids: furniture, appliances, toys, flames, scents, cooking, grooming and cleaning. Almost everything produces VOCs even humans. When contained indoors, VOC emissions may quickly rise to harmful levels.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The AQI is based on air pollutants that have adverse effects on human health and the environment. The pollutants are ozone, fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and total reduced sulfur compounds.
Indoor Air Quality Testing
WE OFFER THREE TYPES OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY TESTING.
Indoor Air Quality Testing - $449 with full home inspection. $499 stand alone.
Indoor Air Quality Testing with Limited Mold Inspection - $649 with full home inspection. $699 stand alone.
Indoor Air Quality Testing with Complete Mold Inspection - $849 with full home inspection. $899 stand alone.
Indoor Air Quality Testing - A written inspection report will accompany lab report
Use air quality detector to measure PM2.5, PM10, particles, HCHO (formaldehyde), TVOC, AQI, temperature, and humidity. Inspect filter(s) and ducts of HVAC system where accessible. Visual inspection for visible potential allergens like dust, paint cans, chemical pollutants and venting connections for appliances like heaters, stoves, and dryers. Remediation recommendations and EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home.
PLEASE NOTE: Unfinished areas of the home such as attics and garages may require additional charges (at the discretion of the inspector with client permission).
Includes:
- Up to 3 Indoor Air Quality samples (one on each floor)
- 1 outdoor sample (control)
Lab Results Turnaround Time: 2 - 3 business days No rushes offered at this time
- Additional samples may be added for $45 per sample
- If targeted area exceeds 3000 sf, additional charges may be applied with client permission (approx. $100 for each additional 1000 sf).
Indoor Air Quality Testing and Limited Mold Inspection - A written inspection report will accompany lab report
Use air quality detector to measure PM2.5, PM10, particles, HCHO(formaldehyde), TVOC, AQI, temperature, and humidity. Inspect filter(s) and ducts of HVAC system where accessible. Visual inspection for visible potential allergens like dust, paint cans, chemical pollutants and venting connections for appliances like heaters, stoves, and dryers. In-depth visual inspection of the targeted area (up to 750 sf). The inspector will investigate the targeted area for visible mold growth, active moisture, elevated humidity levels, and any previous water damage indicators. Includes a written inspection report detailing a summary of all findings and outlining remediation recommendations/requirements if applicable. Remediation recommendations are written following guidelines outlined in the IAC2 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation and EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home.
Includes:
- Up to 3 Indoor Air Quality samples (one on each floor)
- 1 outdoor sample (control)
- One Indoor Mold Air Quality sample
- One surface sample (if visual fungal growth is present)
- Mold Safe Warranty
Crawlspace not included.
Lab Results Turnaround Time: 2 - 3 business days No rushes offered at this time
- Additional samples may be added for $45 per sample
- If the targeted area exceeds 750 sf, additional charges may be applied with client permission (approx. $100 for additional 750 sf)
Indoor Air Quality Testing and Complete Mold Inspection - A written inspection report will accompany lab report
Use air quality detector to measure PM2.5, PM10, particles, HCHO (formaldehyde), TVOC, AQI, temperature, and humidity. Inspect filter(s) and ducts of HVAC system where accessible. Visual inspection for visible potential allergens like dust, paint cans, chemical pollutants and venting connections for appliances like heaters, stoves, and dryers. In-depth visual inspection of all finished areas of the home (up to 3000 sf); the inspector will investigate the home for visible mold growth, active moisture, elevated humidity levels, and any previous water damage indicators. Includes a written inspection report detailing a summary of all findings and outlining remediation recommendations/requirements if applicable. Remediation recommendations are written following guidelines outlined in the IAC2 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation and EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home.
PLEASE NOTE: Unfinished areas of the home such as garages may require additional charges (at the discretion of the inspector with client permission).
Includes everything from Indoor Air Quality Testing plus:
- Up to 4 Indoor Air Quality and Mold Air Quality samples (including attic, if applicable)
- 1 outdoor sample (control)
- 1 surface sample
- Mold Safe Warranty
Lab Results Turnaround Time: 2 - 3 business days No rushes offered at this time
- Additional samples may be added for $45 per sample
- If targeted area exceeds 3000 sf, additional charges may be applied with client permission (approx. $100 for each additional 1000 sf).
