Indoor Air Quality & Mold Testing
We don’t have to tell you how important air quality is for you and your family. Though an indoor air quality / mold test isn’t always necessary, there are some occasions, particularly in humid climates, when it is recommended for buyers.
When you consider how much of your time is spent indoors, it’s no surprise that indoor air quality / mold testing is becoming an increasingly necessary practice. Air quality testing checks for the level of indoor air pollutants that can us to become sick.
It also looks for the presence of different types of mold, and their levels, within a home. However, in many cases, a mild case of mold is not an issue. However, if you know that a home has been through a flood or has otherwise experienced water damage, the importance of this test certainly rises.
Regardless of the history of a home, the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the air you breathe is clean can easily justify the cost and time associated with indoor air quality tests for mold and other pollutants. To make it even easier, your home inspector can oftentimes double as an air quality inspector; making it super easy for buyers and sellers alike.
Schedule your home inspection in Northern Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC, with an indoor air quality / mold test today.
Indoor Air Quality / Mold Testing FAQs
Can I test indoor air quality myself?
You can purchase an indoor air quality monitor or an at-home mold test, but these options often aren’t as sensitive as those used by the pros. Indoor air quality testing can oftentimes be wrapped into your home inspection so that you can be sure the home you are purchasing won’t make you sick.
What are some common pollutants that you check for?
No two houses are the same, but there are a number of pollutants that we look for. These include those derived from building materials, like fiberglass or asbestos, gas emissions, volatile organic compounds, mold, and of course radon. An air quality test will tell you not only what pollutants are present, but what their levels are too.
How do I improve indoor air quality?
Start by pinpointing and isolating any sources of pollution or mold. This can help to keep the pollutants from spreading within a home. It can also be helpful to improve the ventilation for an increased flow of outdoor air into a home. Many different air cleaners of varying sizes and types are also available on the market today.
What are some symptoms of poor indoor air quality?
Though it can vary wildly from person to person, there are some common symptoms associated with poor air quality. These include eye irritation, headache, coughing and sneezing, nausea, and dizziness, to name a few. However, it’s easy to assume a symptom is caused by air quality, so be sure to check with your doctor first.
How do molds affect people?
Molds can produce allergens, irritants, and even possibly mycotoxins, all of which can have negative impacts on the health of you and your family. These impacts can be immediate or delayed, and can even cause asthma attacks in people that are allergic to mold. Contact your doctor for more information.
What’s the difference between mold and mildew?
A mildew is a certain kind of mold or fungus. Molds, on the other hand, include all kinds of microscopic fungi that can negatively impact your air and overall environment. Molds can live on any organic matter, like clothes or ceilings, whereas mildew often lives in showers and other places with high moisture, and can be mostly avoided with consistent cleaning and drying.