Healthy Living
Your home should be the place of greatest safety and comfort for you and your family. Given the large amount of time we spend in our home environments, it is important that they are healthy.
What are common sources of environmental problems in my home?
The number one environmental problem with homes is mould. Mould is nature's way of recycling nutrients and is an important part of the environmental cycle. However, high concentrations of mould in the indoor environment can be a serious health threat. Homes that have been water damaged due to rains, leaks or floods are particularly at risk for mould contamination.
Other sources of environmental problems include:
How do I know if my home has a problem?
Some of the signs of a home with an environmental problem can be identified by observation or smell. A dank, musty odour is an indication of a potential mould problem. Visual indications such as discoloration or biological growth are observed if there is mould contamination on a surface. A professional IAQ assessment may be required to determine sources of indoor air quality contamination. IAQ specialists can test for airborne biological contaminants as well as organic and inorganic contaminants.
What are common sources of environmental problems in my home?
The number one environmental problem with homes is mould. Mould is nature's way of recycling nutrients and is an important part of the environmental cycle. However, high concentrations of mould in the indoor environment can be a serious health threat. Homes that have been water damaged due to rains, leaks or floods are particularly at risk for mould contamination.
Other sources of environmental problems include:
- Pesticides
- Particulate Matter
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
- Electromagnetic radiation
- Inorganic contaminants such as lead or asbestos
How do I know if my home has a problem?
Some of the signs of a home with an environmental problem can be identified by observation or smell. A dank, musty odour is an indication of a potential mould problem. Visual indications such as discoloration or biological growth are observed if there is mould contamination on a surface. A professional IAQ assessment may be required to determine sources of indoor air quality contamination. IAQ specialists can test for airborne biological contaminants as well as organic and inorganic contaminants.
