Do you know what you’re breathing in at your home? There are air pollutants all around you although you may not be able to see it. You may think that all pollutants are only found out there yet the air seeps into your home or office. Given that air is invisible, you may not consider getting a test for it. Nevertheless, if you have asthma, nose irritation in your home or frequent headaches, you need to do a test and know what the problem with your air is so as to find a solution. Here are reasons why you need test your air quality.
Combustion
The gases and particles that result from combustion are the leading sources of air pollution in homes. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter are the main products of combustion. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous odorless gas which can cause death on prolonged exposure. Other symptoms of carbon monoxide are headaches, nausea, dizziness and excessive tiredness. An air test will help you know if the levels of carbon monoxide in your home are above average.
Radon
Radon is another colorless and odorless gas yet cancer causing. According to the EPA, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer. Radon gets emitted from low levels of decaying uranium which is found in nearly all soil. As the radon moves into the atmosphere, it gets trapped inside buildings making it dangerous for homeowners. It is only by testing the air that you can identify this gas and take action if detected.
Asbestos
Just like radon, asbestos occurs in the soil making it of less harm until when it finds its way into your home. The heat resistant fibers of asbestos is airborne whenever disturbed. Breathing the asbestos fibers can cause lung, larynx, stomach, colon and kidney cancer as well as respiratory problems.
VOCs
You need a test for Volatile Organic Compounds especially after a paint project. The VOCs are usually emitted from building materials, paint products and aerosol cans. This contributes to household air pollution because they are mostly kept in the house. Some of the symptoms of VOCs include nose, eye or throat irritation. If you notice these symptoms in your home, consider testing the air of your home and find a solution.
Pesticides
The use pesticides in the eradication of pests raises the risk of trading one problem for another one. The pesticides are usually toxic and can affect one’s health depending on the type of chemical and the dosage. When inhaled, they cause nausea, headaches, cancer and brain damage.
Mold and mildew
A stuck AC unit can lead to the accumulation of mold and mildew during hot and humid months. Symptoms of mold include skin irritation, nasal stuffiness and wheezing. You should therefore ensure the conditions that favor mold growth don’t exist in your home.