Find the Source of Illness with Air Quality Testing

Posted in Air Quality, on February 27, 2023

Many folks equate nasty smells with poor air quality — and it’s true that smell is one indication that something’s not quite right. But you might be surprised by what home air quality testing reveals. At SafeAir, many of the most common services we offer, like mold testing in Toronto, have few, if any, scent, visual or audible effects. The misconception that poor air quality must mean your home smells tricks many homeowners into living in unsafe, dangerous, or detrimental environments for years before seeking help. 

What Does Home Air Quality Testing Do?

Let’s start with the basics of home air quality testing. Indoor air quality testing is a science-based testing methodology that measures and analyses contaminants in the air you breathe. Air testing most often involves samples but may also involve visual and physical inspection, thermal imaging, and other environmental tests. At SafeAir, we’ve been offering this as a specialist service within Toronto for over a decade and have helped thousands of homeowners breathe easier — literally!

What Contaminants Are Commonly Found?

Homes can be a complex mix of indoor air pollutants like:

• VOCs.
• Paints.
• Glues.
• Asbestos.
• Particulates.
• Allergens.
• Radon gas.
• Mold.
• Dust.

Secondary and Specialized Testing

At SafeAir, we do two types of air quality tests in the GTA: generalized and specialized. Mold testing in Toronto is one of the most commonly requested specialized secondary tests. This is because mold is one of the most common problems to affect homes of all ages and types. 

Mold is a fungus that grows in moist or damp conditions; unfortunately, our homes can quickly become ideal locations for infestations. Small leaks, floods, or humidity buildup are some common causes behind mold removal in Toronto, but the problems are often complex.

Mold testing can help:

• Identify where there are mold infestations — both hidden and visible.
• Measure spore count or if there are mycotoxins present.
• Determine the type of mold.
• Help identify the cause and any other contributing factors.

How Indoor Air Quality Affects Your Health

The most apparent effect of poor air quality is on your respiratory system. The air we breathe helps power our brains and keep our bodies moving — and contaminants do the opposite. Air quality problems can affect all parts of the respiratory system, from the nose, mouth, throat, and lungs, and may also cause headaches and fatigue. Long-term effects of the most severe contaminants, like lead, asbestos, or radon, may include cancer or lung disease. 

Poor air quality is usually caused or is affected by issues that affect the structure and overall health of your home, like:

• Contaminated insulation.
• High humidity.
• Poor ventilation. 
• Building materials. 
• Problems with the foundation or exterior. 

To get a better picture of what’s happening in your home, SafeAir offers indoor air quality testing for homes and businesses across the GTA. Whether you’re interested in a generalized test or something specific like mold testing in Toronto, our team is ready to help clear the air.  

Don't hesitate to contact us online or by phone to learn more.