Air Quality Testing: Monitoring Pollutants Scientifically

Air pollution is a serious threat to human health, from mental health and childhood development to heart disease and cancer. While climate change and pollution continue to impact the environment, it is important to monitor the air quality of our homes to ensure a healthier living environment. Air quality monitors are a simple way to test for pollutants, and they are now widely available at a low cost. These monitors use sensors to track the levels of specific pollutants and hazards, like radon, VOCs, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. They can also measure environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. For more specific pollutants, a DIY kit or professional help may be required.

Air quality monitoring devices

There are two main types of air quality monitoring devices: consumer-grade and professional-grade. Consumer-grade monitors are designed for everyday use and can be either portable or stationary. Portable monitors, such as the Atmotube Pro, are small and convenient, allowing you to check air quality in different locations. On the other hand, stationary monitors like the Airthings View Plus are placed in specific areas of the home, such as near bedrooms and living rooms, to provide continuous monitoring.

When choosing an air quality monitoring device, consider the specific pollutants you want to detect. Some common sensors include electrochemical sensors for toxin detection and laser-based sensors for estimating particulate matter. More advanced monitors can also measure humidity and temperature, providing a comprehensive overview of indoor air quality. Additionally, look for devices with alerts or displays that provide real-time feedback on air quality, so you can take immediate action if needed.

It is recommended to have both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed outside bedrooms and on each level of the home, about 5 feet off the floor and away from fireplaces or open flames. While these detectors are crucial for safety, air quality monitoring devices go a step further by helping you identify sources of pollution and improve ventilation and HVAC maintenance.

While some "personal air quality monitors" are available in the form of keychains or necklaces, reviews suggest that they may not be as reliable due to issues with accuracy, connectivity, and customer support. Instead, opt for well-reviewed devices from reputable manufacturers. Additionally, consider the placement of your monitoring device to ensure it effectively covers the areas of concern. By using these devices and taking appropriate actions, you can significantly improve the air quality in your indoor spaces.

Professional testing for asbestos/lead

If you are planning to renovate your home or if it needs to be repaired or demolished, asbestos and lead testing is crucial to protect against serious health problems. Asbestos and lead both fall under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and can cause severe health issues if disturbed. Asbestos, for instance, is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre that was commonly used in building materials until the late 1980s. When asbestos-containing products are damaged, microscopic asbestos fibres are released into the air, which, if inhaled, can lead to lung cancer or mesothelioma.

You have a few options when it comes to asbestos and lead testing: sending samples to a lab, buying a DIY test kit, or hiring a professional inspector. The latter is the recommended option. A good asbestos inspector will take samples, recommend corrective actions, and ensure any contractors have followed proper procedures. The inspector should be independent of the contractor to avoid any conflict of interest.

For lead testing, you can hire a certified lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor. They will establish whether your home has lead-based paint and advise on areas where lead-safe work practices should be used.

There are also companies that offer industrial hygiene services for asbestos and lead-based paint identification, including testing, removal planning, and post-removal monitoring. These companies can assist with the entire process, from preparing plans and specifications for removal projects to conducting air monitoring during and after the removal of asbestos and lead-based paint.

It is important to note that most insurance companies do not cover the removal or abatement of asbestos and lead. The exception may be if the removal is required as part of repairs to your home after a covered loss, but this is not guaranteed.

Testing for radon

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

There are three methods to test for radon: test kits, radon detectors, and radon monitors. Radon test kits can be purchased online or in hardware stores, and they come in short-term and long-term options. Short-term kits measure radon levels in your home for 2-90 days, while long-term kits measure radon levels for over 90 days. The longer the test, the better the results will reflect your home radon levels and lifestyle. Radon test kits are placed in the basement or the lowest level of your home, raised about three feet off the ground. Once the test is completed, follow the directions on the kit to send the device for results.

If you are buying or selling your home, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends hiring a qualified radon tester. You can find a list of qualified radon testers by contacting your state radon office or one of the two National Radon Proficiency Programs: the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).

Radon detectors and radon monitors are also available to test for radon levels in your home. Radon detectors should be placed outside bedrooms and on each level of the home, about 5 feet off the ground, similar to carbon monoxide detectors. Radon monitors are a type of indoor air quality monitor that can detect various pollutants, including radon. These monitors use electrochemical sensors to detect toxins and may also measure the room's humidity and temperature.

Soil gas sampling

Air quality testing is important to protect yourself and your family from harmful pollutants, carcinogens, allergens, and particulates. While there are no strict rules about how often you should test your home's air quality, it is recommended after moving or renovating, when experiencing unexplained allergies or respiratory issues, and after big environmental changes like wildfires or flooding.

There are various methods and tools available for testing air quality, from consumer-grade to professional-grade monitors. These devices can detect specific pollutants, such as radon, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, formaldehyde, humidity, and temperature.

Now, let's focus on soil gas sampling, a specific procedure for testing air quality and identifying pollutants. The Illinois EPA's Tiered Approach to Corrective Action Objectives (TACO) regulations require the evaluation of indoor air quality, particularly where volatile chemicals are present. Soil gas sampling is an essential part of this evaluation process.

The first step in soil gas sampling is to identify the type of sampling required: exterior or near-slab sampling, or sub-slab sampling. Exterior or near-slab sampling is conducted outside a current structure or in areas where future construction is planned. In contrast, sub-slab sampling is performed directly underneath an existing building, through its foundation. For exterior or near-slab sampling, the collection of soil gas samples should occur in areas where volatile chemical contamination in the soil or groundwater has been identified. The samples must be collected at a depth of at least three feet below the ground surface or building foundation, but above the saturated zone. It is important to avoid sampling within 48 hours after significant rainfall or in areas with standing water or constant irrigation.

To collect the samples, a direct push method is employed, utilizing a heavy-gauge decontaminated steel probe with an expendable tip. This probe is advanced to the desired depth, and then tubing made of Teflon® or nylon is connected to the expendable point holder. By pulling the rods up slightly, a cavity is created to collect the soil gas sample. The rods are then sealed at the surface with bentonite or clay, or a water dam is used to prevent air infiltration. Prior to collecting the sample, the tubing must be purged three times, and a tracer gas or leak detection system approved by the Illinois EPA is used to check for any leaks.

Soil gas samples can be stored in Tedlar bags or Summa canisters, with specific holding time limitations for each container. For light-sensitive or halogenated volatile chemicals, opaque or dark-colored containers are necessary. Close coordination with an analytical laboratory is essential to ensure that Reporting Limits (RLs) meet or exceed the Remediation Objective (RO) for the site.

By following these procedures, soil gas sampling provides valuable data for assessing air quality and identifying potential pollutants, contributing to a healthier living environment.

Indoor air sampling

Indoor air quality can have a significant impact on the health of you and your family. It is recommended to test your indoor air quality periodically to identify potential issues early and address them proactively.

There are various methods and tools available for indoor air sampling. One common approach is to use air quality monitoring devices, which can be either consumer-grade or professional-grade. These devices can detect and measure various pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde, radon, humidity, and temperature. When choosing an air quality monitor, select a device that detects the specific pollutants you are concerned about. For example, if you live in an area with high air pollution, choose a model that measures particulate matter.

Before conducting indoor air sampling, it is essential to perform a pre-sampling inspection to identify any conditions that may interfere with the testing. This includes evaluating the structure, floor layout, physical conditions, and airflows of the building. It is also crucial to identify potential sources of chemicals or products that may impact air quality. This information should be recorded on the Indoor Air Quality Questionnaire and Building Characteristics form.

During the indoor air sampling process, various equipment and techniques can be employed. Basic air sampling equipment includes filter cassettes, which often work with pumps to collect particulates and contaminants from the air. More advanced equipment, such as air sampling pumps with filter media, can be used for indoor air quality sampling and can capture contaminants like asbestos, lead, and hazardous particulates. Additionally, bubblers and impingers are ideal for collecting gases and vapors, while filters with membrane pores can trap contaminants.

By following these guidelines and utilizing the appropriate tools, you can effectively conduct indoor air sampling to identify and address potential air quality issues, creating a healthier indoor environment.

Frequently asked questions