Air quality testing has gained immense attention in the recent times as a result of the acknowledged health implications of poor air quality. Air quality testing is particularly crucial in instances where buildings have questionable indoor environment as manifested by smell, sight and actual physical conditions. As much as there are varying methods of carrying out air quality testing, it always starts with the grievances of occupants.
The building scientist would have to collect samples and log data pertaining to IAQ survey. They would then use scientific method and technique of null hypothesis in carrying out indoor air quality investigation. The null hypothesis underlines the default position that there exists no correlation between the observed singularities. It would be perceived as true unless there is data that demonstrates the contrary. Air and surface samples would be taken from the seemingly compliant and non-compliant areas and analyzed to determine the quality of the air, as well as the sources of any pollution, should that be the case. Nevertheless, it is imperative that sufficient data and samples are collected and tested to avert the possibility of false negatives or positives. This does not undermine the need for prioritization and focus. Indeed, it is recommended that the wide-net approach for solving or finding indoor air quality problems is avoided as the costs can be prohibitive and unnecessary.
Pollutants and Contaminants
There are varying pollutants that are tested for when determining the quality of air in a particular building. Key among them radon, a radioactive gas that emanates from the soil and can infiltrate into the building via openings and cracks in the walls and floors that touch the ground. This is the main cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. In addition, air quality testing would be aimed at determining the amounts of second-hand smoke in the air. Secondhand smoke emanates from burning tobacco products and is known to be a major cause of cancer and varying detrimental respiratory ailments. Similarly, there may be combustion pollutants in the air, which underline particles and gases that emanate from burning materials. Such pollutants may be present in conventional locales even when there has not been any fire damage.
They come up in cases where there are improperly vented and unvented fuel burning appliances like dryers, space heaters, gas stoves, fireplaces, woodstoves and water heaters. Of particular note is the fact that the amounts and types of pollutants that are generated is predicated on the type of the appliance, the manner in which the appliance is vented, installed and maintained, as well as the form of fuel that it uses. On the same note, the air may be tested for volatile organic compounds, which are emitted into the air through evaporation of varying products in the course of normal use. Such products may include dry-cleaned clothing, moth repellants, pesticides, office equipment and air fresheners among others.
Such compounds are known to not only be irritating to the throat, eyes and nose, but also cause nausea and headaches, while also damaging the central nervous system, kidney and livers. Moreover, it would be imperative that you check for molds and other asthma triggers such as dust mites, pet dander and secondhand smoke. Asthma attacks take place in cases where symptoms are persistently getting worse and become severe. Of particular note is the fact that asthma attacks may be life threatening but can be controlled using the appropriate medications.
Remediation Practices
Nevertheless, there are varying courses of action that may be taken to enhance air quality. Key among them is regulating the sources of pollution through the elimination of individual sources of the same or reducing their emissions. This can be attained through increasing ventilation to allow for the entry of more fresh air. When the weather is appropriate, windows and doors may be opened or an air conditioner ran with the vent control open.
In addition, the filters should be changed regularly. It is noteworthy that the air conditioners and central heaters incorporate filters that trap dust among other pollutants. These filters should be cleaned and changed on regular basis to safeguard their efficacy in the long-term and the short-term.
On the same note, it is imperative that the humidity is adjusted regularly in line with the indoor conditions. The humidity within the facility may have a bearing on the concentration of indoor air pollutants. In this case, a humidity or moisture gauge can be used to ensure that the humidity in the facility between 30% and 50%. Humidity may be increased using a humidifier or vaporizer or decreased through opening windows in case it is not humid outdoors. Air conditioners may be turned on or adjusted when it is warm and the humidity settings at the humidifier adjusted.
Similarly, carbon monoxide sources should be controlled. Carbon monoxide underlines a toxic but colorless and odorless gas. Exposure to carbon monoxide may have varying effects subject to the length of exposure, concentration of the gas in the facility, age, and the overall health of the individual. Carbon monoxide may emanate from tobacco smoke, gas stoves, leaking furnaces and chimneys, as well as generators and gas space heaters among others.
In reducing the exposure to carbon monoxide, combustion equipment should be properly adjusted and maintained, while vehicular utilization is carefully managed when close to the facility. Further, vented space heaters may be installed and flues opened when using the fireplace. On the same note, it might be imperative that one installs and utilizes an exhaust fan that is vented to outdoors over the gas stoves.
In conclusion, the importance of air quality testing cannot be gainsaid as far as the health of individuals is concerned. Indeed, air quality has a bearing on the prevalence of particular ailments, with research indicating that a large number of respiratory ailments such as asthma are directly attributable to the quality of air in a particular facility. Air quality testing aims at identifying the magnitude and sources of pollution within a particular facility and, essentially, allowing for the modification or elimination of the sources.