Air Purification: Treating Air Pollutants For A Healthier Environment

Air pollution is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on human health, from respiratory issues to cardiovascular disease and mental health problems. With climate change and pollution impacting atmospheric conditions globally, it is important to be aware of the air quality in your surroundings and take steps to improve it if needed. Testing your home's air quality is a crucial step towards creating a healthier living environment, as it helps identify hidden pollutants that may pose serious health risks. Radon, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are some common air pollutants found in homes. To test for these pollutants, you can use low-cost air quality monitors or sensors, which can detect and provide information on specific pollutants. These devices can be easily purchased and used to improve indoor air quality and maintain a healthy living environment.

Using air quality monitors

Air quality monitors are devices that use sensors to detect, monitor and report on specific air pollutants like particulate matter (PM), carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, humidity, temperature, and environmental factors such as air pressure. They are a great way to not only show you the air quality in your home but also to help you spot patterns so you can act accordingly.

There are two main types of air quality (AQ) monitors: consumer-grade and professional-grade monitors. Both can measure one or more pollutants. Consumer-grade monitors are designed for everyday use and can be portable or stationary. Portable monitors, such as Atmotube Pro, are ideal for checking air quality in different locations, allowing you to map out areas with high air pollution. Stationary monitors, such as those from Airthings, are designed to stay in one place and can give you consistent results and air pollution trends in that place. Professional-grade monitors, like GrayWolf or Particle Plus, are mostly used by environmental professionals and offer high precision and detailed insights, making them ideal for industrial, commercial, or research purposes.

When choosing an air quality monitor, it is important to do your research and ensure the sensors in your device are accurate and trustworthy. While not every monitor has official accuracy testing or will advertise it, some monitors, such as Atmotube Pro, have undergone testing by organisations such as South Coast AQMD. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure the monitor continues to provide accurate and actionable insights.

Some of the best air quality monitors on the market include the Airthings View Plus, which monitors more air-quality conditions than any other device, and the Air-Q air quality monitors, which are some of the most flexible as they allow you to choose a basic configuration and then add additional sensors of your choice.

Testing for radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps into homes from the ground and is the second leading cause of lung cancer globally. It is a harmful, odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas, and the only way to know if your home has high radon levels is to conduct a test.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing for radon in all homes below the third floor, as most indoor radon comes from naturally occurring radon in the soil, and high indoor levels are more likely to exist below this level. However, in some cases, high radon levels have been found at or above the third floor, due to radon movement through elevators or other air shafts in the building.

Radon test kits are available for purchase online, in hardware stores, or through the National Radon Program Services. Your state radon office can also provide information on where to get a test kit, and your state may offer free or discounted options. There are two general types of radon test kits: short-term and long-term. Short-term radon testing kits measure radon for 2-90 days for quick results, while long-term kits measure radon levels in your home for over 90 days, providing a year-round average. The longer the test, the better the reflection of your home's radon levels and your lifestyle.

When using a radon test kit, it is important to place the small measuring device in the basement or the lowest level of your home, at least three feet off the ground, and in the middle of the room. If your home is in a multi-unit building, place the device in the lowest level within your unit. The EPA recommends avoiding testing in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or hallways, and instead, placing the device in a regularly used room such as a living room, playroom, den, or bedroom. High humidity and drafty conditions can bias the results of some test devices, so it is important not to disturb the devices while they are sampling. Once the test is completed, follow the directions on the test kit packaging for sending the device to get the results.

If your radon test results indicate high radon levels, the EPA recommends contacting a licensed professional to install a radon reduction system. Additionally, if you are planning any major structural renovations, it is important to test for radon beforehand, as it can be included in the renovation to reduce levels.

Testing for carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless toxic gas that can be harmful when inhaled in large amounts. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbonaceous fuels such as wood, petrol, coal, natural gas, and kerosene. Given its harmful nature, it is important to test for carbon monoxide in the air.

One way to test for carbon monoxide is to use a carbon monoxide (CO) detector. These detectors can be installed in your home to protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning. It is recommended to place the detector at eye level if you have a digital readout. This makes it easier to read the display. However, it is important to note that CO does not rise like smoke, so the detector can be placed at any height and still provide an accurate reading. It is also important to test your detector regularly to ensure it is functioning properly. This can be done by purchasing a CO detector tester spray, which is available at most home improvement stores or online. By using a plastic bag to enclose the detector and the test spray nozzle, you can spray the canned CO test spray for at least three seconds. If the detector is working properly, it will sound an alarm within 15 minutes at a level of over 500 parts per million. It is recommended to test the sensor on the unit annually and check the alarm circuitry once a month. Additionally, CO detectors should be replaced every 10 years or whenever they fail testing.

Another method for testing carbon monoxide is to use combustion testing equipment, which can identify combustion problems in heating systems. Combustion analyzers are typically used by heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals to measure draft, temperature, oxygen, and carbon monoxide levels. These analyzers can detect CO leaks and measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the air. HVAC professionals may also use an ambient air tester, which provides a digital readout of CO levels, or a pump-driven analyzer, which is effective at locating the appliance causing the issue.

Furthermore, indoor air quality (IAQ) monitors can be used to track various pollutants, including carbon monoxide. These monitors provide insights into the air quality in your home and help identify patterns. While IAQ monitors may not detect all types of pollutants, they can be a useful tool for ongoing air quality management.

In addition to using detectors and monitors, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Exposure to carbon monoxide is determined by the concentration of the gas in the air and the duration of exposure. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include headaches, nausea, flu-like symptoms without a fever, dizziness, confusion, and unconsciousness. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, it is crucial to move to fresh air and seek medical attention immediately.

Testing for formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colourless chemical with a strong pickle-like odour that becomes a gas at room temperature. It is commonly used in manufacturing processes and is found in many consumer products, including pressed-wood products, foam insulation, wallpaper, paints, synthetic fabrics, cosmetics, and more. Formaldehyde is also a byproduct of combustion and is produced when burning natural gas, kerosene, gasoline, wood, or tobacco. Due to its widespread use and potential health risks, testing for formaldehyde in indoor air quality is essential.

There are several ways to test for formaldehyde in the air. One option is to hire an indoor air quality (IAQ) consultant, who can provide a range of testing methods and help interpret the results. However, this option can be costly. Alternatively, you can order a test kit online or from an environmental testing laboratory. These kits typically include dosimeters that absorb formaldehyde from the air and are then sent back to a laboratory for analysis. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the kit carefully to ensure accurate results. Some kits may require you to collect air samples using a sampling pump and tube, which are then mailed back to the company for analysis.

When choosing a formaldehyde test kit, it is important to consider the number of dosimeters included and whether they are sufficient for the size of your home. Some kits offer additional dosimeters for an extra cost. It is also crucial to follow the instructions provided with the kit to ensure accurate results. Results from these tests can help identify potential sources of formaldehyde and guide remediation or ventilation improvements.

Symptoms of formaldehyde exposure include eye, nose, and throat irritation, watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, skin rashes, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, severe allergic reactions, and difficulty breathing. Some people may also develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde, and it has been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans. Therefore, it is essential to test for formaldehyde, especially if you have recently renovated or purchased new furniture, notice a chemical odour, or have household members experiencing symptoms potentially linked to formaldehyde exposure.

Testing for volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids, typically characterised by high vapour pressure and low water solubility. They are often organic chemicals used in or resulting from manufacturing processes. Their release into the environment can occur during product use and storage. VOCs can move easily through the environment, and if improperly discarded, they can travel through the soil and end up in groundwater.

There are various methods for testing VOCs, depending on the level of detail you require. In general, the greater the specificity, the greater the cost. One method for measuring VOCs is using a photoionization detector (PID). This is a screening tool that approximates the total volatile organic compound levels. However, it does not identify individual VOCs and is blind to formaldehyde and methane.

Another method for testing VOCs is through the use of low-cost air pollution monitors, which can be purchased for home use. These devices can detect and report on specific air pollutants and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. However, it is important to note that cheap sensors may provide unreliable data.

For more detailed testing, laboratory tests can be conducted to characterise the indoor air quality. These tests can utilise techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and dynamic headspace to boost sensitivity.

It is recommended to test for VOCs after bringing new furniture or materials into a home, as these can release pollutants into the air. Additionally, those who live in older homes may want to test for VOCs, as materials and construction methods used in older buildings may emit harmful VOCs or pollutants.

Frequently asked questions