Home Air Quality Test 101

Most illness or diseases such as allergies or unexplained respiratory problems are caused by having an unsafe home air. We do not know whether or not the quality of the air we breathe or the air surrounding our family or household is safe that it doesn’t have any toxic or contaminants present. Among the common harmful contaminants that can greatly affect the health are mold, mildew, dust, and other airborne pathogens. Therefore, it is an essential to have a simple knowledge on how to test the home air quality. Upon knowing the quality of the air at home would allow us to be aware on what to do to prevent from getting sick.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Although there are private companies that offer air testing service. These companies follow the standard rules from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US. However, as simple as installing a carbon monoxide detector can be done at home. Else, these private companies can be contacted to perform on the test. Most entrepreneurs ensure the air released from their production would be safe for the environment. Thus, they do not hesitate in getting a private company or rent or purchase quality air testing machines.

Any household can be saved and would be safe as this detector is installed. Upon plugging this device into any outlet, it will be able to detect the amount of carbon monoxide present in the home. Thus, this device will give a sound to warn the household that the presence of carbon monoxide is detected. These are the types of gas that could not be tasted. Since this is an odorless gas, it is difficult to spot and detect. This is the reason a carbon monoxide does all the duty to test the home air quality.

Radon Detection Kit

If you happen to live in an area where there is a high risk of getting high concentrations of uranium in the soil. You need to get a radon detection kit. Keep in mind that living in an area where radon is present or detected in the soil can be harmful to you and your household. According to EPA, living with radon can damage the lung tissue which can lead to lung cancer in a span of time. As radon gas decays radioactive particles, it can get trapped in the lungs the moment you breathe. Although not everyone exposed to this contaminated gas can develop lung cancer, it depends on the level of radon present in the air and the amount of time you are exposed with. This is the reason it is an essential to test your home air quality. These special kits must be left open and undisturbed for three days. Thereby, ensure to pack and wrap it and ship it to a laboratory in order to get results of whether or not home air is safe.

Other Kits

There is a special kit to test for mold and mildew. Furthermore, there is a test kit available to test on the presence of dust mites. Although these contaminants are common, it is still wise to be on the safe side and perform these tests at home.