Healthy Homes by AmeriSpec provides professional residential indoor air quality testing that will measure the presence of airborne chemicals (VOCs) in your home. If you think you may have high VOC levels in your home, we are here to help.
What are airborne chemicals (VOCs)?
Airborne chemicals are mainly comprised of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are a large class of organic, carbon-based chemicals and are present in the air in almost all buildings.
Because they diffuse or vaporize at room temperature, VOCs can circulate freely throughout the air in your home. Some have no odour, however, so it is difficult to determine if they are present. VOCs can be caused from burning fuels, cooking food, using common housecleaning products, soaps, hair sprays, air fresheners, etc. VOCs can also be released into the air by new building materials, furnishings and equipment such as carpets, windows, wall and floor coverings, etc.
How does the presence of VOCs in your home affect you?
There are many different types of VOCs. The health symptoms related to risk levels of volatile compounds in your home can range from temporary dizziness, headaches, fatigue and mild irritation to cancer, nerve damage and liver and kidney problems.
If you are concerned about VOCs and want to determine if your home has a risk levels of airborne chemical pollution that could harm your family, consult a qualified professional, such as AmeriSpec, to take the necessary steps to ensuring the air in your home is healthy.
How can airborne chemical (VOCs) testing help?
VOCs can be determined by a professional indoor air quality (IAQ) test and assessment. It is important to know that an initial low-level result does not necessarily guarantee that VOC emissions are not a problem in your home. What is more crucial, is to determine the composition of the VOCs, as some may be harmful even at very low levels, especially to people with sensitivities.
If you have an IAQ test that results in a high VOC reading, the exact risk varies from person to person. It is important to again, determine the composition of the VOCs and eliminate the issues, to prevent further damage and/or health risks.
Airborne chemical or VOC testing is especially advised if you have just moved into a new or recently renovated home.
Examples of common household airborne chemicals (VOCs) include:
- Benzene from cigarette smoke, gasoline emissions and paint/varnishes
- Formaldehyde from pressed wood products, including plywood, particle board, decorative paneling, laminates, etc.
- Fabrics
- Cosmetics
- Chloroform from chlorinated water (if you have a pool or other type of indoor water system)
- Pesticides
- Tetrachloroethylene from dry cleaning agents, paints and varnishes
What to expect from a professional Indoor Air Quality Test
Here’s what you can expect when you book an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) test and Environmental Assessment with Healthy Homes by AmeriSpec:
- A comprehensive walk through and assessment by a qualified Healthy Homes by AmeriSpec technician, including a complete visual inspection of the home and key area(s) of concern
- Air quality testing to determine if there are high levels of airborne chemicals (VOCs) in the air in your home, including independent lab analysis.
- AmeriSpec tests for VOC levels by tracking toxins and chemicals in your air and lets you know the moment your air quality is unsafe or unhealthy. Using sophisticated sensor technology, the AmeriSpec technician will measure the temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide, chemicals, and dust in your space. Each sensor is calibrated twice to ensure accuracy, and their internal layout within the casing facilitates natural airflow and consistent readings.
- After all testing and assessment procedures are completed, you will be provided with detailed and easy-to-understand evaluation reports
Important facts about the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home
- A properly ventilated home can reduce the amount of airborne chemical pollution in your family’s living space, which in turn lowers health risks associated with VOCs.
- Other sources of airborne chemical pollution include home renovations and ongoing activities in the home that involve the use of paints, varnishes, etc.
The first step towards having a healthy home is to have your indoor air quality professionally tested.
If you are concerned about airborne chemical pollution in your home… don’t wait. Your health depends on it.