Indoor air quality plays a big role in our day-to-day lives in Nevada. Most of us spend the majority of our day inside, either at home or at work. This can mean long hours of exposure to contaminants that can impact your health.
You can take steps to reduce issues with indoor air pollution, but most people want to be sure they have a problem before they get to work, so they can avoid fixing something that isn’t broken. So, how do you test your indoor air quality? And what can you do if you discover that your indoor air quality is poor?
Go over your options for indoor air quality testing and air quality improvement here, with the professionals at Ambient Edge. Call us for information on indoor air quality improvements.
What Kind of Air Quality Tests Are There?
A quick online search reveals that there are many different tests you can use to measure indoor air quality. Many of these tests are not designed to test for every single pollutant that might be in your home. In fact, most of them are specialized.
This means that deciding on the right test to use is an important first step in measuring indoor air quality in Nevada.
You can narrow down the likely causes of indoor air pollutants when deciding which test you might want to purchase.
How Do You Know Which Air Quality Tests to Use?
Figuring out which air quality tests you should use can be accomplished logically. A careful look around your house could reveal spots of mold growth, or perhaps you’ve noticed that the pollen outside has been especially heavy this year.
If you live in a household with smokers, it may be easy to pinpoint the cause of your indoor air pollution. Some air quality issues may also be caused by volatile chemicals used in cleaning. If you feel poorly after using a specific cleaning product, it could be impacting your air quality.
Based on your suspicions, you may decide to test for:
Biological Contaminants
Biological contaminants like pollen, mold, and dust mites can cause serious health concerns. Poor air quality caused by biological pollutants can lead to:
- Asthma
- Sneezing
- Shortness of Breath
- Dizziness
- Watery Eyes
You can purchase specific tests to assess levels of individual biological pollutants, or tests that can check for up to 14 common pollutants. These tests may range in price from $50 – $345.
Chemical Contaminants
Many chemical contaminants are released by cleaning products, preservatives, and paints. You may also be exposed to lead if you have an older home that used lead-based paint. Finally, radon is a serious concern for air quality. Radon can enter homes in the U.S. and may lead to cancer.
The prices for chemical air pollution tests may range from $10- $130, depending on what you are testing for.
Combustion Contaminants
Cigarette smoke – even secondhand smoke – and items that generate carbon monoxide can produce combustion contaminants. This form of indoor air pollution can lead to respiratory issues. Carbon monoxide exposure can also lead to:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Unconsciousness
- Death
You can get combustion contamination tests for around $40 – $100.
How Do You Use Air Quality Tests?
Once you have selected a test – or a few if you are unsure about the exact pollution you are facing – you can purchase your choice. Most tests will come with clear instructions that you must follow for the best results.
You will generally need to mail the test to the company that designed it. They will carry out air quality testing and then send you a report about your indoor air quality.
What to Do if Your Air Quality Is Poor?
Once your air quality testing is complete, you may discover that your indoor air quality is poor and dangerous to your health. Fortunately, you can take immediate control in this situation. Improving your indoor air quality may involve:
- Regularly Changing Your Air Filters Regularly
- Keeping Your Home Properly Ventilated
- Removing Sources of Population
- Keeping Your Humidity Between 30 – 50%
In some cases, you may need to get your air ducts cleaned. Air duct cleaning can remove contaminants that gather in the ducting, leading to issues with your air quality.
Get Professional Help Improving Your Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can have a negative effect on your health. You can test for a wide range of pollutants in the air and use your findings to remove indoor air pollution. Get help taking a breath of fresh air by calling Ambient Edge for help, or by filling out our online contact form.