Measuring Indoor Pollution: Diy Home Testing Methods

Air pollution isn't just an outdoor issue—the air inside your home can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside. To ensure the air you're breathing at home is safe, it's important to test for indoor air quality. This can be done using a combination of testing devices and by hiring an indoor air quality specialist. The most common pollutants to test for are radon and mold, but you can also test for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and other harmful substances.

Install an indoor air quality monitor

An indoor air quality monitor is a great way to keep track of the air quality in your home. These devices can detect a range of indoor pollutants and usually also measure temperature and humidity. They can be a little finicky to set up, but once you're up and running, they're a great way to keep tabs on your home's air quality.

When choosing an air quality monitor, it's important to consider what you want to use it for. Different monitors will track different things, so it's worth checking that the one you choose can detect the things that are most important to you. Here are some of the things that air quality monitors can measure:

• Carbon dioxide: High levels of carbon dioxide can cause mild symptoms like headaches and fatigue, and indicate that there isn't enough fresh air circulating.
• Particulate matter: This includes PM2.5 and PM10, which are particles smaller than 2.5 or 10 microns in diameter, respectively. These particles can come from sources like truck traffic, construction sites, and wildfires, and can contribute to heart disease, asthma, and other health problems.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): VOCs are chemical pollutants that are found in some building materials, household cleaners, paints, and more. Exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, and potentially more serious health issues.
• Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, odourless gas that can build up in poorly ventilated areas. Exposure to carbon monoxide can be deadly, so it's important to have a dedicated carbon monoxide detector in addition to an air quality monitor.
• Placement: Air quality monitors should be placed at breathing height, which is usually considered to be around 3 to 6 feet off the floor.
• Data export: If you want to be able to export data from your monitor, make sure to choose one that allows you to do so. Some monitors only display data in their app and don't give you a way to export it for further analysis.
• Smart home integration: Many air quality monitors can now be connected to smart home systems, like Apple Home or Google Home. This allows you to automate certain functions, like turning on an air purifier when the air quality deteriorates.
• Accuracy: It's important to note that while air quality monitors can give you a good idea of the levels of different pollutants in your home, they may not be 100% accurate. Consumer-grade monitors are less accurate than professional-grade equipment and may need to be calibrated from time to time.
• Maintenance: Over time, sensors on air quality monitors can become clogged, leading to incorrect readings. You may need to clean the sensors or replace them if they can't be cleaned.
• AirVisual Pro Indoor Monitor: This monitor has an easy-to-read 5-inch LCD display and provides both indoor and outdoor air quality readings. It measures PM2.5, CO2, temperature, and humidity.
• PurpleAir Touch Indoor Air Quality Monitor: This monitor measures PM2.5 and uses a colour-coded system to indicate the air quality. It also has a simple, modern design and can be paired with PurpleAir's outdoor air monitors for a more complete picture of your air quality.
• Govee Smart Air Quality Monitor: At under $40, this is one of the most affordable air quality monitors on the market. It measures PM2.5, temperature, and humidity, and has an easy-to-use app that can be paired with Govee air purifiers.
• Ikea Vindstyrka: This monitor is small and inexpensive, but packs in a lot of features. It measures PM2.5, VOCs, temperature, and humidity, and can be paired with Ikea's Starkvind air purifier or their Home smart app.
• Awair Indoor Air Quality Monitor: This monitor uses a fan and laser sensor to detect PM2.5, VOCs, CO2, temperature, and humidity. It also has its own composite scoring system that takes into account the levels of all these factors.
• UHoo Smart Air Quality Monitor: This monitor can detect a range of pollutants, including radon, VOCs, and formaldehyde, and can be connected to other smart devices like air purifiers, smart thermostats, or indoor home security cameras.

Remember, improving your indoor air quality can have a positive impact on your health, so it's worth taking the time to choose an air quality monitor that suits your needs and setting it up properly.

Test for mold

Testing for mold involves checking for visual signs, smells, and carrying out tests.

Visual Checks

Mold is often obvious, but not always. It can be identified by tiny, often black spots, which grow into larger colonies. It is often found in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Check for bubbling paint, damp basement walls, and discolored patches on walls, ceilings, and floors.

Smell

A musty or earthy odor is a good indicator of mold.

Tests

There are DIY mold test kits available online and in home improvement stores. These usually involve a petri dish that collects spores from the air. Alternatively, you can use a swab or tape strip test to collect samples from a surface. For a more accurate assessment, you can hire a professional to perform a "scrub test," which uses a vacuum with a filter attached to collect mold spores.

Perform a radon test

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. It is found at elevated levels in half of Colorado homes, and testing is the only way to know if there are high levels of radon in your home.

There are two types of radon tests: short-term and long-term. Short-term tests take between 48 hours and 90 days, while long-term tests take over 90 days, with some lasting up to a year. The longer the test, the more accurate the results will be.

Radon test kits can be purchased online or at home improvement stores and typically cost between $10 and $50. When performing a radon test, follow the instructions on the test kit, but generally, you will need to:

• Close all exterior windows and doors 12 hours before starting the test and keep them closed throughout.
• Place the test in the lowest inhabitable level of your home, such as the ground floor or basement.
• Place the test on a surface 2-7 feet above the floor, out of the reach of children and pets.
• Place the test in an open and centralized area.
• Do not put the test in a crawl space, closet, kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom.
• Do not put the test near any exterior doors, windows, or walls.
• Do not put the test on a granite countertop or slate-top pool table.
• Do not put the test near air vents, fans, or direct sunlight.
• Leave the test in place for the instructed amount of time.
• After the test is complete, send the device to a lab to get the results.

If you are buying or selling a home, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends hiring a qualified radon tester. If your radon level is at or above 4 pCi/L of air, the EPA recommends contacting a licensed professional to install a radon reduction system.

Install carbon monoxide detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and poisonous gas that causes confusion, dizziness, and headaches, and can even lead to loss of consciousness and death. It is crucial to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, in addition to a smoke detector, to monitor and ensure your family's safety. Here are some tips for installing carbon monoxide detectors:

• Placement: Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, including outside bedrooms and near sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide rises with air, so place the detectors about 5 feet off the ground on a wall or ceiling. Avoid placing them near a fireplace or open flame.
• Number of Detectors: Ensure there is at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. For larger homes or those with multiple bedrooms, consider installing additional detectors for greater coverage.
• Interconnectivity: Some carbon monoxide detectors can interconnect with other alarms in your home. When one alarm sounds, all interconnected alarms will also sound, providing a whole-home alert system. This feature can be especially useful for larger homes or those with multiple levels.
• Power Source: Carbon monoxide detectors are available in hardwired, battery-powered, or plug-in models. Hardwired detectors require special wiring and are typically found in newer homes. Battery-powered detectors offer flexibility in placement, while plug-in detectors receive power from an outlet and also have a backup battery.
• Smart Features: Modern carbon monoxide detectors may offer smart features such as mobile notifications, voice commands, and integration with home assistant devices like Google Home or Amazon Alexa. These features can provide remote monitoring and control, even when you are away from home.
• Testing and Maintenance: Regularly test your carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace batteries as needed, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance and replacement.

By following these guidelines and installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your family are protected from this invisible and deadly threat. Remember to also practise other fire safety measures and ensure your home is equipped with the necessary safety devices.

Volatile Organic Compound tests

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals found in many household products, from paints and cleaning agents to new furniture and flooring materials. They are emitted from materials like paints, solvents, carpeting, and cleaning products, contributing to indoor air pollution. VOCs can wreak havoc on your immune system and even lead to severe health issues like lung cancer and other forms of cancer, damage to the central nervous system, and damage to organs.

There are several ways to test for VOCs in your home:

Handheld VOC Testing Meters

These meters are battery-operated, handheld devices that sample a continuous flow of air and read total VOC and particulate counts. They are reliable and usually cost $150 and up. Some handheld VOC meters offer features for measuring specific VOCs, like formaldehyde, which is particularly useful for isolating bad actors within a home.

Volatile Organic Compound Testing Kits

These kits take air samples that are then sent to a lab for analysis. They come with an air pump, glass test tubes, and testing strips. The testing strips are placed inside the glass test tubes, and the air pump is attached and turned on to start running the test. The test usually takes around 20 minutes to complete.

Photoionization Detector (PID)

PID is a screening tool that approximates the total volatile organic compound levels and provides immediate results. Data can be logged and graphed over time, and multiple rooms can be quickly and easily compared. However, a disadvantage of this method is that it does not identify individual VOCs and is blind to important gases like formaldehyde and methane.

Air Sample Collection and Laboratory Analysis

For more advanced VOC testing, an air sample must be collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This can be done quickly as a grab sample or over time using a whole air sample. The laboratory analysis typically uses a method called gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify individual VOCs and their concentrations, but this approach is more costly.

Professional Air Quality Testing Service

Professional air quality testing services use advanced equipment to measure VOC levels and other pollutants in your home. This option is particularly useful if you want detailed data or need a comprehensive air quality assessment, including factors like particulate matter and humidity.

Indoor Air Quality Monitors

While not specifically designed for VOC testing, indoor air quality monitors can help identify potential problems with indoor air quality. Look for monitors that measure humidity, VOCs, levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5), and the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Evaluating Health Symptoms

If you're experiencing symptoms like headaches, nausea, eye/nose/throat irritation, or allergic skin reactions, these could be indicators of elevated VOC levels in your home. However, it's important to consult with a doctor first to determine the best course of action for treating these symptoms.

Remember, not all VOCs are harmful, and factors like household cleaning products and natural VOCs like vinegar and lemons can impact your readings. It's important to use your judgment when interpreting the results of VOC tests.

Frequently asked questions