HOME INSPECTIONS

AIR QUALITY IN YOUR HOME

by Robin Murray
Homespect Home
& Property Inspections
www.homespect.com
905-449-2786

We have all experienced poor air quality across the province this summer from wildfires. Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases, particles and water vapour that get into our lungs and bloodstreams. There is no safe level of exposure for these pollutants, which means that smoke can impact your health even at low levels.  Air pollution may be present even when you can’t see or smell smoke.

These outdoor factors can get into your home, as well as other possible contributors such as asbestos, mold, carbon monoxide and radon, to name a few.

Quite often you can’t see it or smell it, but if you suspect that the air quality within your home may be affected, what can you do?

Air Quality Testing. One method is equipment brought in to take samples at various locations. Initially an outside sample is taken to create a comparison base, then in different regions within the home.

Mold and asbestos testing is spore traps to capture the particles in the air and then forwarded to a lab for analysis. In many cases I can identify the possibility of mold, types and the amount that may be floating around your home.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which comes from uranium in the ground and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon testing is somewhat different. A Radon Gas Detector is set up in your home (for up to several months) to identify radon levels. The detector indicates the levels so I can discuss them with you, comparing them to Health Canada guidelines and identifying the pursuet of remediation.

If you are concerned about air quality or just want to have peace of mind, contact Robin at Homespect to discuss how he can help you.

Robin is a Certified Master Inspector serving Kawartha Lakes & surrounding areas for 15+ years, specializing in residential, waterfront homes,  cottages & multi-residential/investment properties providing Air Quality & radon testing, water sampling & asbestos/mold analysis.