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Indoor Air Quality Testing/Treatments
What is indoor air quality?
Indoor air quality, or IAQ, refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, with a focus on how it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Whether you live in an apartment, townhome or single family home, an old home or newly built home, understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns that may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.
“Most people spend 90% of their time indoors”
– Canadian Lung Association
Reasonable estimates are that visible particles, particles that scatter a sunbeam’s light, amount to only 1% of all particles in the air – nearly 99% of all airborne particles are to small to be seen with the naked eye. For this reason, air sampling techniques and laboratory analysis are used to provide information on the presence and concentration of microscopic particulate.
The primary cause of indoor air quality problems are indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants. There are many sources of indoor pollution and the relative importance of any particular source depends on how much a given pollutant it emits and how hazardous those emissions are.
Some sources, such as construction materials, home furnishings/finishes and products like air fresheners, can release pollutants continuously. Other sources, such as smoking, cleaning, renovations or doing hobbies release pollutants intermittently. Pollutant concentrations can remain in the air for long periods after some activities. There are three (3) main types of air pollutants: biological, chemical and radiological.
| BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS | CHEMICAL POLLUTANTS | RADIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS |
|---|---|---|
| Mould/Fungi | Asbestos and Lead | Radon |
| Pollen and Spores (Aeroallergens) | Dust/Particles (Particulate Matter) | |
| Bacteria | VOCs | |
| House Dust Mites | Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) |
Though further research is needed, the United States Environmental Protection Agency stresses the importance of trying to improve the IAQ in your home, even if symptoms are not noticeable, because pollutants, commonly found in indoor air, can cause harmful effects.
As a member of the Indoor Air Quality Association, you can trust our team of indoor air quality experts to help assess and address the IAQ in your home, business or cottage. Contact one our professionals today to discuss your concerns and arrange for an indoor air quality consultation!
“We would like to extend our appreciation for all the hard work you put into the cleanup. We were very impressed with the removing and disposing of all the paneling and ceiling tiles. You went out of your way to removed items that would have been difficult for us to get rid of. Thank you so much, you came in with a smile and ready to tackle anything in sight.”
“The team at First Response is amazing. I couldn’t have gotten anyone better to help me in my time of need. I couldn’t believe how they were able to accomplish in the time they were in my home. I would highly recommend this team to anyone and everyone. Whether your job is small or huge this is the team to contact for quality and exceptional service.”
“We had First Response come do a cleaning when we first moved into our home. Richard called me during the cleaning to inform me that they found that there was mold forming on the windows in the downstairs bathroom. I was so impressed by how the First Response team kept me informed throughout the process and continue to use their services.”
Why Choose First Response?
Our professionally trained team can deal with any odour scenario and understands the sensitivity that is needed. We put the well-being of our clients at the forefront of all our odour cleanup jobs in Ottawa.
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