Indoor air quality impacts health and comfort, with pollutants like mold, dust and allergens posing risks. Regular assessments help detect issues before they escalate.
The quality of air within your home dramatically affects the health and comfort of those residing there. Given that many families spend considerable time indoors, the cleanliness and pollutant-free nature of the air is paramount. Contaminants such as dust, pet hair, fungal growth, allergens and evaporating chemicals from aging materials can degrade air quality.
Frequently, the adverse health effects of contaminated indoor air accumulate over time, intensifying with prolonged exposure, and are particularly detrimental to vulnerable individuals such as those with respiratory conditions, young children, individuals with compromised immune systems and the elderly. While many individuals experiencing poor air quality seek assistance only after reaching a critical point, preemptive evaluations enable homeowners to detect issues before they escalate and cause more severe health problems.
"The repercussions of substandard indoor air encompass a broad spectrum of symptoms, ranging from breathing difficulties and allergic reactions to more serious conditions like headaches, lightheadedness, and chronic heart and lung diseases," said Josh Spires, vice president of HomeTeam. "Identifying and rectifying the underlying causes of poor indoor air can be complex, often requiring the expertise of skilled professionals."
Understanding Indoor Air Management
Numerous factors can influence the quality of air inside a home. "If your home has suffered water damage, the resulting dampness may have fostered mold development, which can harm indoor air quality," said Joshua Holland, a HomeTeamfranchise owner in Florida. "Furthermore, common outdoor elements like pollen, dirt, and pet fur can degrade indoor air if not managed effectively."
Homeowners can take simple steps to improve air quality, such as placing small air purifiers around the house, using premium filters in their HVAC systems, and consistently dusting and vacuuming to minimize airborne dust and debris.
However, not all issues can be prevented, detected or resolved through DIY methods. "Many over-the-counter mold tests use charcoal, which can react to any airborne change, indicating mold even when it's benign," Holland said. "Laboratory testing, which we perform, involves air samples, tape lifts and swabs to accurately identify harmful mold types and determine appropriate treatment."
While retail mold tests exist, professional evaluations are essential for accurate results. "Our detailed tests can reveal hidden issues, and our experts help clients understand potential dangers," Holland said. "We partner with EMSL Labs to ensure clients fully comprehend their results. While we don't provide medical diagnoses, we equip clients to discuss findings with their doctors."
The Importance of Scheduled Air Assessments
The causes of poor indoor air quality vary, and the consequences can be severe. "Our region is an EPA-designated high-radon area, where radon — a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers — is a major concern," said Brad Lawler, owner of HomeTeam franchises in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. "About 52% of our clients opt for radon tests."
Beyond initial assessments, annual evaluations are crucial for ongoing monitoring. "We use AI-driven tools for preliminary readings, which detect and measure airborne particles. These quick, affordable tests can indicate the need for deeper testing or simple cleaning,” Lawler said. "The health risks of poor indoor air can be significant.
Annual assessments are a small investment for peace of mind, allowing homeowners to address potential hazards early."
