Why Indoor Air Quality Testing is Important?

Renting out a home or apartment is a common practice for many people. It can be a great way to earn some extra money while also providing a place for people to LIVE.

Many landlords don’t think about indoor air quality (IAQ) when renting their property, but it’s an important thing to consider. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), humans spend an average of 90% of their time indoors. If the air inside a building is polluted, it can seriously affect your tenant’s health.

Are you looking to rent out the property? Read on to learn all about the causes and dangers of poor IAQ and the importance of indoor air quality testing.

Primary Causes of Indoor Air Quality Problems

Poor indoor air quality can come from a variety of sources. Some may be obvious, but others are more elusive.

Here are a few of the more common causes of indoor air pollution: 

Building Materials and Furnishings

Some building materials and furnishings can release harmful chemicals into the air when they’re new. For example, paints, caulks, carpets, and furniture can all OFF GAS volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

VOCs are a diverse group of chemicals that can quickly evaporate into the air at room temperature. They include a variety of chemicals, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. Some VOCs can cause respiratory problems, while others are known or suspected carcinogens.

Since many of these chemicals are released when the product is new, it’s important to allow enough time for off-gassing. You can also improve ventilation and air circulation in the building.

Inadequate Ventilation

Poor ventilation can also lead to poor indoor air quality. If a building isn’t well-ventilated, it can become stuffy and muggy. This can cause moisture to accumulate, leading to the growth of mold and mildew.

Mold can grow on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours, releasing tiny spores into the air. These spores can cause various respiratory problems and allergies.

In some situations, the mold may be so severe that it’s not safe for people to live in the building. In these cases, you may need to hire a professional to REMEDY the mold CONTAMINATION and restore the building to a safe condition.

Smoking Indoors

Smoking is a major cause of poor indoor air quality. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, and more than 70% are linked to cancer.

Before renting your home or apartment to a new tenant, be sure to disclose that smoking is not allowed inside. This will reduce the concentration of VOCs and other toxic chemicals from being trapped inside your home.

Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality issues can have several harmful effects on your tenant’s health. Some of the most common health problems of poor IAQ include: 

Respiratory Problems

Issues with indoor air quality can cause respiratory problems. In fact, mold spores and other airborne CONTAMINANTS are a leading cause of patients diagnosed with asthma in the United States each year.

Allergies

In addition to respiratory problems, indoor air quality can also cause severe allergies. Allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and pollen can quickly collect in the air and cause a reaction in allergic people.

Fatigue and Headaches

Poor indoor air quality can also cause fatigue and headaches. This is because poor air quality can decrease your body’s ability to absorb oxygen. In extreme cases, it can even cause memory loss and confusion.

Viral and Bacterial Illnesses

Indoor air quality can also increase your risk of contracting a viral or bacterial illness. This is because pollutants and allergens in the air can aggravate your lungs and make it easier for viruses and bacteria to INFILTRATE THE BODY.

Cancer

Some airborne chemicals are known or suspected carcinogens, such as formaldehyde and benzene. This means that they may cause cancer in people exposed to them over a long period OF TIME.

Keep in mind: the health effects of poor indoor air quality can vary from person to person. Some people may be more sensitive to certain chemicals than others. For instance, children and the elderly are more likely to experience health effects from poor IAQ due to their weaker immune systems.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

There are several things you can do to improve the indoor air quality in your building. Some of the most effective methods include: 

Keeping Temperature & Humidity at Appropriate Levels

Because mold and mildew release harmful spores into the air, it’s important to control temperature and humidity levels in your home. If the temperature is too high AND HUMIDITY LEVELS RISE THIS can cause mold to grow more rapidly, you may want to run a dehumidifier or USE OF THE air conditioner at home TO PREVENT STAGNANT AND STILL AIR. This will help reduce the warm moisture in the air which can lead to mold growth.

Using Air Purifiers

Air purifiers can help remove harmful pollutants, allergens, and VOCs from the air. They come in various sizes and styles, so you can find one that’s perfect for your home.

It’s important to note that not all air purifiers are created equal. Some work better than others at removing specific types of pollutants. Be sure to research the best air purifier for your needs before purchasing.

Installing Ventilation Systems

If your home doesn’t have adequate ventilation, it can lead to poor indoor air quality. This is because stagnant air can allow pollutants to build up and become trapped inside.

Installing a ventilation system can help improve your home’s air quality by circulating fresh air throughout the building. However, it’s also important to regularly REPLACE filters WITH ALLERGY RATED FILTERS in your ventilation system to HELP IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY.

Maintaining Appliances

Malfunctioning appliances can also cause poor indoor air quality. For example, if your furnace isn’t working properly, it can release harmful combustion products into the air.

It’s important to make sure to maintain all of your appliances regularly. This includes cleaning the filters and checking for any signs of damage. If you do notice a problem with one of your appliances, be sure to have it repaired as soon as possible.

Installing an Indoor Air Quality Monitor

Air quality testing monitors can detect harmful odorless gasses like carbon monoxide and radon. Depending on the model, they may also detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs). More advanced monitors may even measure the room’s humidity and temperature, which minimizes the risk of mold.

Choose a monitor that is calibrated for the specific needs of your home. For example, choose a monitor that can detect pet allergies if your tenants have pets. This can help you learn how to protect your property for future tenants.

Hiring Professional Indoor Air Quality Testing Services

Indoor air quality testing services are the best and most accurate way to test for pollutants in your home. A professional will inspect various parts of your home and test the air for the presence of harmful chemicals and allergens. Then, they will create a report with their findings and recommendations.

This report can help you identify and fix the sources of poor indoor air quality in your home before they become a health hazard.

Need to Schedule Indoor Air Quality Testing?

GP Inspect has been offering indoor air quality testing services in Southern California for over 22 years. Our team of experts will provide you with a thorough home inspection and an accurate

analysis of your indoor air quality. We’ll work to find the sources of pollutants in your home and offer practical solutions to keep your tenants safe.

If you would like to schedule an indoor air quality test or have questions, contact our team online or call us at (949) 239-3727. We’re happy to set up a consultation or book your test.