When it comes to the air we breathe, we often focus on what we can see when it comes to our surroundings and maintaining a healthy home. Unfortunately, unseen hazards such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are often overlooked. VOCs, particulates including molds and allergens, and combustion gases that can’t be seen but can still have a large impact on your air quality and ultimately your health. These invisible gases are released by common household products such as paints, cleaning supplies, pets, and even furniture. I’m sure this all sounds concerning, so how do you know if your air is safe? Thankfully there are a few different tools at your disposal to test the air around you and let you know if it is healthy or not.
Before we jump into the tools, it’s best we outline how many of these indoor air contaminants are detected and measured. Many contaminants could be listed as a total or the individual analytes could be measured for more specificity. The method for detecting these possible indoor air contaminants varies.
VOCs (gases) – These are most commonly a specific compound/chemical detection, some detection devices may use a specific calculation to assume the approximate value of Total VOCs vs. totaling the sum of each individual compound together.
Particulates – These can be listed by Total Value for each particle size group or can be individually identified, counting/totaling can be detected with lasers/lights or by weight if a size selection device is included. There are many different allergens – most have known biological proteins that cause the reaction and others are simple enough to know that you have some of them in the dust (such as pollen vs. the individual pollen type with a chemical reaction detection).
Instant Read Meters:
One of the ways to determine the quality of the air in your home is to use an Instant Read Meter. While there are several tools at your disposal, this is likely the most accessible option. There are many different types of meters you can buy either online, or in home improvement stores, depending on your needs. Opting for a simple Instant Read Meter can be beneficial for many reasons:
- Immediate Awareness of Indoor Air Quality: One of the most significant benefits of using an instant read meter is its ability to provide real-time data about your indoor air quality. Any time there is a concern you can check your meter you can detect the concentration and presence of VOCs in your home. You can then take action as needed if levels are high ensuring your environment remains safe and healthy.
- Preventing Health Issues: By regularly monitoring VOC levels, you can prevent potential health problems before they arise. High amounts of VOCs can cause symptoms like eye irritation, headaches, and even nausea. For members of your household that may be sensitive such as small children, the elderly, or those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma reducing the exposure to VOCs will have a bigger impact to health and well-being.
- Better Decision Making on Household Products: Many of our everyday household products emit VOCs into the air we breathe, but depending on the product the extent can vary. Because an instant read meter is constantly measuring your air and giving you real time results you can be aware of the effect a product has on your air as you are using it, alerting you to if the emission of VOCs is too high. You can try using different products and see which ones are best to use based off of the readings on your meter.
- Peace Of Mind: Using an instant read meter provides you peace of mind. It gives the assurance of knowing you have access to the health of your air quality at all times. Many VOCs are odorless making it difficult to detect their presence, this gives you the ability to take action right away if high levels of VOCs are detected. This way you know your living space is as safe as possible for you and your loved ones.
Home Air Check:
While the real time benefits of an Instant Read Meter to tell you how healthy your indoor air is, there are tests out there that can give a more in depth look into what different VOCs might be in your air and how harmful they may be. If you have greater concern for the quality of your indoor air or suspect, there might be something harmful you can’t see for yourself you may consider a test like Home Air Check. — What is Home Air Check, how is it different? It is an Air Quality test kit that allows you to easily collect a sample at home and then have it analyzed in a professional laboratory. There are several benefits of a more extensive test like Home Air Check.
- Lab Verified Accuracy: This test kit offers a certified lab analysis that gives a more in depth look at the particulates that may be in your air and how concentrated they may be. Laboratory instruments used for analysis undergo scheduled preventative maintenance steps and regular performance calibrations. Using a 3rd party certified lab will improve the reliability of the data you receive. A report with lab analyzed results will be able to give you that ensures that the results are precise, giving you a clear understanding of any pollutants present in your home.
- Detailed Air Quality Analysis: Using specialized laboratory equipment and targeted analysis options you can gain greater insight into the contaminants of your indoor air quality. See what types of particles are in the home – molds, pollens, insect parts, skin cells – and if they are at normal-elevated-severe levels. What are the specific chemicals causing your instant read meter to register poor IAQ during your morning routines?
- Simple and Convenient Home Sampling: Collecting a sample with Home Air Check is straightforward and user friendly. The kit includes everything you need— the appropriate sample tube(s), pump to help draw air into the tube to collect your sample, and easy to follow instructions and videos to guide you through the sample collection process. You can collect your sample on your own schedule and from any open area of your home. You may also choose to test a certain area if you suspect air quality issues. Once your sample is collected, simply send it to the lab using the provided packaging and prepaid shipping label.
- Proactive Health Protection: Using a test kit like Home Air Check gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing what is in the air you breathe, and that extra affirmation that your results came from a certified lab. If your results come back clean you can rest easy; if any issues are found, you have a team of professionals to assist you with what comes next. In most cases simple steps such as ventilation and ceasing use of certain products can improve air quality. When addressing these issues quickly you can protect you and your loved ones from any health risks that can arise from poor indoor air quality.
In summation, it is always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially the quality of the air you breathe. While there are many tools such as meters and testing kits that are available to you, the best choice for you will depend on your unique needs. Whether you have a specific concern, suspect there are high levels of contaminants in your home, or are just curious about your indoor air— you have plenty of options to give you what you need. Remember, a healthy home is a happy home!