Indoor air quality is essential to having an overall healthy home. Children, the elderly, and people with asthma or other identified health problems may be at a greater risk of experiencing adverse effects from indoor air pollutants. Indoor air quality is a concern we hear about several times a week at Aegis Environmental. Calls to our office concerning indoor air quality are standard; more often than not, it is challenging to determine the specific concern of the caller. These are a few of the more typical concerns to consider.
Humidity: low levels of humidity can cause dry skin and nasal irritations. High levels can cause congestion. Long-term high humidity levels in your home will likely cause mold. Mold is the reason for many of the calls we receive concerning indoor air quality. We can help you determine the source of moisture in your home and test for mold. Before you get a professional on-site, it is wise to use a dehumidifier, or a humidifier, depending on whether your home has a low or high humidity level. Our tip, keep your home dry.
VOCs: volatile organic compounds; this is a large and diverse group of compounds that volatilize into the air at room temperature and may create problems for you or others in the home. Common sources include air fresheners, new furniture, household cleaners, and carpeting. Before you get a professional on-site, ensure proper ventilation; this will usually take care of the problem when one of these familiar sources causes an acute problem. Our tip, keep your home well-ventilated.
Addressing these two typical concerns with the tips provided before calling a professional will help you determine what testing to ask for that may help you get to the root of an indoor air quality problem in your home.
Radon: a natural, colorless, and odorless gas. We will test your home for elevated radon levels if this concerns you. Our tip is to have your home tested by a professional when in doubt.
Our niche is identifying sources of poor indoor air quality and testing the air in your home; we are not qualified to diagnose any medical problems, no matter how mild or severe. Always consult with a medical professional if you are experiencing medical problems.
