Indoor air quality is critically important and in the 21st century more consumers are aware of the potential problems that exist in the indoor environment. According to the EPA we spend more than 90% of our time indoors. You probably spend more time at home than anywhere else. Since the energy crisis of the 70's, homes have become more energy efficient and less drafty or ventilated. Homes built in the 50's leaked almost twice as much air as homes built in the 90's. That leakage is described as the air exchange rate, meaning that the indoor air was replaced with outdoor air so many times a day. While this exchange rate meant that energy was wasted when heating or cooling, it also meant that the indoor air was diluted by outside “fresh” air.
Mold is a natural part of our environment but when concentrations of mold are elevated in an air tight environment it can have a very negative impact on our health.
The same is true for radon gas. Radon is found in measurable quantities outdoors but when it is indoors it can cause lung cancer. Radon gas is the #1 cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and has a synergistic affect with cigarette smoke, making it even more likely that you would acquire lung cancer.
Carbon monoxide is a by product of burning fossil fuels like natural gas, propane or heating oil. It is also produced by burning solid fuels such as wood or pellets. Even low levels of carbon monoxide can affect your health. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide detectors won't sound an alarm until the level is high enough to have an immediate, or fatal impact.
TESTING THE INDOOR ENVIRONMENT
Testing of indoor air is a great way to determine whether your home, or a home you may be purchasing, is safe or may cause you health problems. People with compromised immune systems are especially susceptible to mold and many people don't know they have a compromised immune system until they are ill.
We offer Mold, Radon and Carbon Monoxide testing for discounted prices when included with a home inspection.