Most people aren’t aware of exactly how their home’s air quality affects their health and the health of their family. Did you know that up to 30% of the air you breathe comes from your crawlspace? As you can imagine, crawlspace air is full of moisture and dirt, which can lead to issues such as respiratory distress and mold.
Here’s another example of the link between childhood asthma and formaldehyde exposure from household items such as furniture and carpet. Roughly 7% of adults and 9% of children suffer from asthma in the U.S. – by identifying the triggers, we can help improve the health of future generations starting at home. American Chronicle (11/30)
Thank you for the heads up on this. I’m curious to know some of the long term health issues related to exposure ? Some seem obvious, but it is mind blowing to know what we are surrounding ourselves with in the homes we live.
Is there a test to check formaldehyde levels in the air of our home?
Comment by Matt Coapman — December 10, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
There are a few different types of air quality tests that you can have done. A more general test that we perform for clients that suspect they have indoor air quality issues involves plugging in a special monitor in their home for around 5 days, which measures levels of allergen particulates, volatile organic compounds (which formaldehyde would fall under), carbon monoxide, and more. The drawback of this test is that it does not distinguish down to a level of specifying which VOCs or particulates are present – just what the levels are compared to the normal, acceptable amount.
For a more detailed examination of your home’s air quality, we have taken air samples and sent them to a testing lab, which can then determine exactly what is in the air. This is particularly helpful if you are looking for specific pollutants, such as formaldehyde.
Many people don’t realize the extent to which their home can make them sick or trigger symptoms of asthma and allergies. It’s important to know how healthy the air in your home is and where it’s coming from, especially if you have little ones.
Comment by Shana — December 16, 2009 @ 9:52 am