The quality of indoor air in commercial, industrial, residential, and institutional buildings plays a significant role in determining the productivity and health of the occupants. It is, therefore, important to make sure that the air quality is tested by an air quality testing company to address air quality concerns. You can improve the health of your occupants by ensuring that air quality issues are addressed early before they turn out to be problematic. Air testing is one of the effective methods of determining the quality of indoor air.
The main types of air pollutants that affect air quality include volatile organic compounds, mold, radon, pesticides, asbestos, dust, dander, and droppings. Testing the levels of contamination can be overwhelming and expensive. You should hire a professional company to conduct the air-quality test. These firms have expensive testing kits and experts who can easily detect the levels of air pollution. The different types of pollutants mentioned above can be classified as follows:
- Combustion pollutants– These include tobacco smoke, carbon dioxide
- Chemical pollutants -These are the volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and other chemical pollutants, radon, and lead
- Biological pollutants, such as pollen, dust mites, bacteria, mold, and dander.
Testing And Control Measures
Chemical Pollutants
Most of the chemical pollutants are volatile in nature as they can easily become gases or vapors. They are found in different materials including crafts and graphic materials, office equipment, furnishings, and building materials. These products can release organic compounds even when they have been stored. If uncontrolled, these compounds can cause adverse health effects depending on the level of toxicity. Individuals who have been exposed to volatile organic materials can develop some health issues like dizziness, loss of coordination, memory impairment, nausea, allergic skin reactions, headaches respiratory tract and eye irritation.
How to Reduce the Levels of Volatile Organic Compounds
- Lowering benzene exposure-Its sources include paint supplies, auto emissions, stored fuels, and tobacco smoke
- Following the directions or precautions stated on the products labels
- Provide fresh air and increase ventilation
- Discarding unused old chemicals in a safe manner
Biological Pollutants
You should submit an air or dust sample for testing whenever you suspect that there is biological contamination. Mold that grows outdoors and indoors is one of the biological contaminants that should be eliminated. You can find molds floating into your institution or home via vents, doorways, and windows.
Home dust mites can trigger allergic symptoms such as coughing, breathing problems and wheezing. You can reduce the levels of dust mites by using air conditioners, dehumidifiers, covering your pillows and mattresses, and washing your beddings in hot water. Vacuuming is also useful in removing dust and allergens.
