Testing Air Quality: Home Pollution Guide

Poor air quality can lead to a variety of health issues, including allergies, respiratory problems, and long-term conditions like asthma. Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, often containing contaminants like dust, mold, pet dander, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and even harmful gases like carbon monoxide and radon. Testing indoor air quality is essential for maintaining a healthy living and working environment. Whether you opt for a DIY method like an air quality monitor or hire a professional service, taking steps to monitor and improve your indoor air quality will help protect the well-being of everyone in your home.

Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide detectors

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, deadly gas that is virtually undetectable without a specialised detector. It is odourless, invisible, and lighter than air. Carbon monoxide detectors are widely available and can provide life-saving detection. They work by using sensors to detect the presence of carbon monoxide in the air and sound an alarm when levels reach a certain threshold.

There are different types of detectors available, but most use electrochemical sensors, metal oxide semiconductors, or biomimetic sensors. It is recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and in every sleeping area, as well as near potential sources of carbon monoxide, such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and attached garages. Regular testing and maintenance of these detectors are crucial to ensure they function properly. Detectors should be replaced every five to seven years, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are another important factor in indoor air quality. While not as immediately dangerous as carbon monoxide, high levels of CO2 can cause discomfort, especially during sleep. An air quality monitor can help track carbon dioxide levels, along with other pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These monitors provide real-time data through an app or on the device itself, allowing you to make informed decisions to improve your indoor air quality.

For a comprehensive air quality assessment, it is advisable to hire a professional. They use advanced equipment to detect a wide range of pollutants and provide targeted solutions, such as improving ventilation or air filtration. However, there are also DIY options available, such as air quality monitors, that can provide useful insights and indicate when it is necessary to take action, such as opening a window or turning up your ventilation system.

Radon, a dangerous, invisible, and odourless gas

Radon is a dangerous, invisible, and odourless gas that can be present in homes. It is a harmful indoor air pollutant that can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer. As per the recommendation by the US Surgeon General, Health Canada, the EPA, and the CDC, every home should be tested for radon. Radon testing can be done by a professional radon tester or by using a DIY radon test kit from a hardware store or online.

Radon test kits are available for purchase online or in home improvement and hardware stores. These kits can be placed in the lowest level of your home, such as the basement, and left for the instructed amount of time, which can range from 2 to 90 days for short-term testing and more than 90 days for long-term testing. After the test, the device is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and you will receive the results. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided with the test kit for proper placement and usage.

Radon detectors and radon monitors are also available as alternative testing methods. Radon detectors can be purchased or rented, while radon monitors provide continuous data displayed in real-time through an app or on the device itself. These devices use sensors to track and measure radon levels, allowing you to identify high radon concentrations and take necessary actions.

If high radon levels are detected in your home, it is essential to consult a licensed professional to install a radon reduction system. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that if radon levels are at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air, a radon mitigation system should be installed. Radon reduction systems can help lower the concentration of radon and improve the indoor air quality of your home, reducing the health risks associated with radon exposure.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household products

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They have a high vapour pressure and low water solubility. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of household products, including paints, varnishes, wax, cleaning products, disinfectants, cosmetics, degreasers, hobby products, and fuels. These products can release organic compounds while in use and, to a lesser degree, when stored.

The US EPA's Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study found that levels of common organic pollutants were 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outdoors. During and for several hours after certain activities, such as paint stripping, levels may be 1,000 times higher than outdoor levels.

Some key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system. Some organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals, and some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

To test for VOCs, you can use an indoor air quality monitor, which will use sensors to track and measure VOC levels. These monitors will display data in real-time through an app or on the device itself. Alternatively, you can use a PID meter to measure VOCs in real time, but these devices are expensive, costing around $8,000, or can be rented for approximately $150 per day. A more affordable option is to use a consumer meter, but accuracy and consistency may be lacking. For a comprehensive air quality assessment, it is best to hire a professional, as they can use advanced equipment to detect pollutants that may not be picked up by DIY devices.

Particulate matter (PM) like dust, pollen, and mould

Particulate matter (PM) refers to tiny particles in the air that can affect respiratory health. Examples of PM include dust, pollen, and mould. These particles can originate from both indoor and outdoor sources and are common allergens that can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues.

To test for particulate matter at home, you can use DIY indoor air quality testing kits or air quality monitors. Testing for dust, pollen, and mould can help identify potential allergens and improve indoor air quality. Here are some specific methods and considerations for testing each of these particles:

Dust

Dust can come from both indoor and outdoor sources. Outdoor dust, or environmental dust, can contribute anywhere from 5% to 50% of the total dust inside a house. It typically includes biological particles like mould, plant tissue, and pollen, as well as mineral particles such as clay and sand. Indoor dust, on the other hand, comes primarily from indoor sources and includes construction dust, wood particles, lint, paper fibres, mould spores, and even skin flakes.

To test for dust, you can use a DIY home allergen test kit or an air quality monitor. These kits are designed to detect common indoor allergens, including dust mites and dust particles. They are affordable, user-friendly, and can provide accurate results when sent to a laboratory for analysis. Air quality monitors, on the other hand, can continuously track particulate matter and provide real-time data on air quality levels.

Pollen

Pollen is a type of environmental dust that enters your home from outdoors. It is a common allergen and can trigger allergic reactions, especially in individuals with hay fever or pollen allergies. To test for pollen, you can use similar methods as for dust testing. DIY allergen test kits can help detect and identify pollen as a potential allergen. Air quality monitors can also track pollen levels, allowing you to gear up for times of high pollen concentration.

Mould

Mould is a type of particulate matter that can grow indoors due to poor ventilation or high humidity. It is a common indoor air pollutant and can have severe health impacts, including triggering asthma attacks, causing pneumonia, and increasing the chance of neurological disorders. To test for mould, you can use mould test kits or air testing sensors. Mould test kits come in various formats, including swabs, tape strips, air pumps, and Petri dish tests. These kits can detect multiple types of mould, including toxic mould, and offer same-day or lab-analysed results. Air testing sensors, on the other hand, can continuously monitor mould spores and provide accurate and precise data on mould levels.

Air purifiers with HEPA filters

HEPA filters are highly effective, capable of capturing at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This particle size is the most challenging to intercept, and HEPA filters are specifically designed to target and capture them. The North American "true HEPA" standard defines this level of filtration as removing 99.97% of particles in a single pass. It is worth noting that HEPA filters do not remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, which are commonly found in household products like paints, cleaners, and furniture.

To address both particulate matter and VOCs, some air purifiers combine HEPA filters with activated carbon filters. Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is highly porous and has a large surface area, making it effective at absorbing gas pollutants, odors, and VOCs. The Austin Air HealthMate HM400, for example, uses a HEPA filter along with a 15-pound adsorbent filter composed of activated carbon and zeolites, a type of mineral. This combination effectively captures particulate pollutants and gaseous pollutants such as formaldehyde.

When choosing an air purifier with a HEPA filter, it is important to consider factors such as room size, energy efficiency, and additional features. For larger spaces, ensure the purifier is capable of effectively cleaning the air in the given area. Look for purifiers with a minimum of four air changes per hour (ACH) to ensure rapid and thorough cleaning of polluted air. Energy Star certification indicates that a purifier is at least 25% more energy efficient than standard models.

Additionally, consider the specific needs of your household. If you have pets, for example, look for purifiers with multiple layers of filtration, including a pet allergy filter to trap pet dander. Some purifiers offer convenient features such as digital displays, apps for remote control, timers, and night lights. You may also want to consider the noise level of the purifier, especially if you plan to use it in bedrooms or quiet spaces.

Frequently asked questions