Air Quality Testing in Burlington

SafeAir specializes in indoor air inspections - we identify and assess air quality problems, and provide solutions to ensure a safe and non-toxic environment. We offer a range of air quality testing procedures for customers in Burlington and throughout Halton Region, and service homes, offices and industrial buildings. Ourfocus is on air quality testing, environmental assessments, and indoor mould testing. And wedon’t try to sell related services or products. Your health is our primary concern!

Poor indoor air quality can cause minor discomfort, or more serious health issues, depending on exposure. In the workplace, for example, productivity and efficiency may well suffer, as employees operate in an unhealthy air environment. In Canada, Health Canada has reported that indoor air quality in industrialized cities can be 6-10 times more polluted than the outdoor air. And quite often, we only experience the negative side effects after long periods of contact.

What is Indoor Air Quality Testing?

For SafeAir, the objective of air quality testing is to identify the source and the cause of a specific problem. Air quality testing is a scientific way of measuring allergens, pollutants, and particles present in your indoor air quality. Since we all spend about 90% of our time indoors, the quality of air that we’re breathing is an important issue, and it has a huge effect on all aspects of our health, from how much sleep we get to our productivity at work. Most indoor pollutants are invisible, and often odorless, so proper identification is critical. Only by having a professional evaluation, and a subsequent assessment of the actual findings can any rectification take place. SafeAir can provide that professionalism - with hi-tech analytics, and a team of qualified and experienced experts.

SafeAir uses state-of-the-art air quality testing equipment to detect the nature of an indoor air quality problem. When we arrive at your home or business, we begin by visually assessing your property for obvious problems or issues that could be affecting your indoor environment. Once that’s complete, we take anywhere from 3-5+ samples from the rooms of your home, sending them to an independent laboratory for detailed analysis. Our testing processes evaluate the composition, the source and the level of various pollutants, and we publish the results of our findings in an easy to understand detailed report and summary.

At SafeAir, air quality assessment goes beyond testing - we also include recommendations for properly correcting the problem. We use more analytical equipment and instrumentation than others in the industry, thus providing the most accurate and reliable air quality testing in the region.

What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air pollutants are perpetuated for a variety of reasons, and may come from any number of sources, including:

poor circulation and ventilation
high humidity levels
dust and particulates in the air
chemical off gassing
mould growth
building materials
environmental pollution

What are the Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality and Mold?

In Burlington and throughout Halton Region, many clients contact us after experiencing the negative side effects of poor air quality, but an equal amount aren’t sure if it’s indoor air quality or another problem that is causing their discomfort. Part of the difficulty in air quality problems is that they can be difficult to diagnose - many of the symptoms are similar to common complaints like allergies or the flu and may not stand out as an easy culprit. Some of the most common symptoms we come across include:

sneezing
itchy, watery eyes
running nose
headache
dizziness
nausea
fatigue
congestion
an increase in asthma attacks

In these cases, there’s clearly an air quality issue already, and a consequent need for assessment. We also have a good number of clients who just want do air quality testing on their indoor environment, and make sure that things are safe and non-toxic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I improve my indoor air quality?

Here are five easy ways to make positive changes to your indoor air quality at home - most don’t take longer than a handful of minutes and a trip to the hardware store.

Replace your furnace filter: If you’re not already doing this, change the filter on your furnace every 3 months. Not only will it increase the longevity of your appliance, but it’ll also catch and help you get rid of dust, allergens and other pollutants in your indoor air.
Open the windows: Proper ventilation is one of the best ways to improve your indoor air quality, and opening your windows is the best (and cheapest) way of getting a breath of fresh air. Some basements or other places may need a fan to help.
Clean up: Vacuuming, mopping, and washing sheets, drapes, and other soft furnishings can help cut down on dust and pollen that gets brought into the house.
Use scentless cleaning products: Many common cleansers are loaded with VOCs and other toxic chemicals that leave hazardous scents and residues indoors. Ditch them for greener and scent-free options
Use a dehumidifier: Indoor moisture is not only uncomfortable, but it’s one of the leading causes of indoor mold growth. If you have problem areas in your home, it might be a good idea to run a dehumidifier during the day to cut down on that excess moisture.

Does an indoor air quality test detect mould growth?

If mold growth is a problem in your home, an indoor air quality test can absolutely help you identify what types and how much mold is growing - especially if you smell that tell-tale musty odour but see no visible growth. The benefit of an indoor air quality test is that it tests for mold as well as all other indoor air pollutants, so it gives a more comprehensive picture of what’s happening with your indoor air quality, which will help you figure out what the next steps need to be.

Can mold grow inside the walls?

Mold thrives in environments where it isn’t disturbed, making the inside of wall cavities, as well as basements, crawlspaces, and attics ideal habitats. Unfortunately, this also makes mold difficult to detect, especially if there’s been an unseen leak, burst pipe or flood. The good news is that you don’t need to tear down your walls just to check - SafeAir can help you safely test for mold growth without needing to damage your walls or make a big mess.

Do you offer free assessments?

SafeAir is happy to offer potential clients free home assessments. This helps us to determine how long an indoor air quality test will take and how much it may cost.

How long does indoor air quality testing take?

We know that fitting in an air quality test can be difficult for people’s schedules, but the good news is that most tests only take between one and three hours. Things that affect the length of time it takes include the size of your house, the number of samples we need to take, and what sort of tests we’re performing. We’ll be able to tell you more about what you home needs when you book your free assessment.

How much does indoor air quality testing cost?

The cost of an indoor air quality test is determined using a number of different factors. Like timing, the cost can be affected by the size of your house and the types of samples or tests we need to perform. We listen carefully to needs and wishes, and with some of the best prices in the industry, we’re certain that you’ll be happy with what we can offer you.

Safety First

At SafeAir, helping families make their homes healthier, safer places to live and play is one of our primary concerns. Our focus on indoor air quality means that our attention is squarely on your indoor environment, and not on trying to upsell you on any other services or products. Our testing is performed by third party laboratories to ensure impartial results, and we supply detailed documentation for any insurance claims or other contractors.

For more information about indoor air quality in the Burlington and Halton region, give us a call at SafeAir at 416-414-5690 or contact us online for more information on booking your free in-home consultation.