Indoor Air Quality Testing:
Test for the Main 6 Causes of poor Indoor air quality

What are the effects of poor indoor air quality?

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a gas that is a common cause of reduced indoor air quality. Carbon dioxide is a colourless, odourless gas that is naturally present in the air we breathe. While it is essential for maintaining the balance of Earth’s atmosphere, excessive levels of CO₂ in indoor environments can pose health and safety risks.

Activities such as cooking, heating, and even breathing can produce carbon dioxide in your home. Poor ventilation, inadequate airflow, and sealed spaces can lead to a buildup of CO₂ indoors. High levels of CO₂ can cause discomfort, leading to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and fatigue. Prolonged exposure to elevated CO₂ concentrations may impact cognitive function and overall well-being.

Indoor Air Quality testing for CO₂ levels is crucial to ensuring a healthy living environment. Ventilation systems, such as windows, exhaust fans, and air purifiers, help in maintaining a proper balance of fresh air. Regularly bringing in outdoor air and allowing for proper circulation can help prevent CO₂ buildup.

In recent times, the significance of carbon dioxide has gained attention due to its potential impacts on productivity and health. As energy-efficient buildings become more common, it’s important to strike a balance between conserving energy and indoor air quality. By understanding and managing carbon dioxide levels in the home, occupants can create a more comfortable and healthier living space.

The usual reason for high a high level of CO₂ is poor ventilation. Typical symptoms of high CO₂ are drowsiness, headaches, loss of attention and nausea.

Carbon monoxide (CO). Synergy’s indoor air quality testing service can measure the carbon monoxide in your property. Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can reduce indoor air quality and pose a serious threat to human health when it accumulates in indoor spaces. It is primarily produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as gas, oil, coal, and wood, commonly found in household appliances like furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and fireplaces.

Because it lacks sensory cues, indoor air quality problems caused by carbon monoxide can go undetected, making it extremely dangerous. When inhaled, it displaces oxygen in the bloodstream. This can lead to a range of symptoms including dizziness, nausea, headache, confusion, and even unconsciousness. In severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.

To prevent the risks associated with carbon monoxide exposure, it’s vital to install carbon monoxide detectors in key areas of the home, especially near sleeping areas. Regular maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, chimneys, and vents is essential to ensure proper ventilation and combustion. Adequate ventilation is crucial in preventing the buildup of this toxic gas indoors.

Awareness of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning is key to early detection and response. If anyone experiences symptoms or if a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, it’s important to evacuate the premises immediately and seek medical attention. Taking preventive measures and being proactive about carbon monoxide safety can help safeguard the well-being of everyone in the household.

Volatile Organic compounds. Synergy’s indoor air quality testing service can measure the volatile organic compounds in your property. Solids or liquids in various household products can produce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Common sources of VOCs in the home include paints, varnishes, cleaning products, air fresheners, pesticides, and even some building materials like carpets and furniture made from pressed wood. These compounds can have both short-term and long-term health effects, including eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, and even contributing to the development of certain chronic diseases.

Several steps can be taken to reduce VOC exposure and improve indoor air quality. Choosing low-VOC or VOC-free alternatives when purchasing products like paints and cleaning supplies can significantly decrease emissions. Ensuring proper ventilation by opening windows and using exhaust fans when using products that emit VOCs can help to disperse these chemicals and prevent their buildup indoors.

Additionally, keeping indoor plants can aid in improving indoor air quality by absorbing some VOCs. Regular cleaning and dusting can also help reduce the accumulation of VOCs on surfaces. Proper storage of chemicals in well-ventilated areas and following manufacturer guidelines for product use can further minimize VOC emissions.

Improving indoor air quality involves being mindful of the products we bring into our homes and taking proactive steps to minimize VOC exposure. This not only benefits our health but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly living space.

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong, pungent odour that can be emitted from various household sources. It’s commonly used in the manufacturing of building materials, furniture, and household products. Formaldehyde can be released into the air through a process known as off-gassing, and prolonged exposure to elevated levels of formaldehyde can lead to respiratory and skin irritation, as well as more severe health issues. Synergy’s Indoor Air Quality Testing service can measure the level of formaldehyde in your property.

In homes, formaldehyde can come from pressed wood products such as particleboard, plywood, and medium-density fiberboard used in furniture, cabinets, and flooring. It can also be present in some paints, varnishes, adhesives, and even certain fabrics and clothing.

To minimize formaldehyde exposure in the home and improve indoor air quality several strategies can be employed. Choosing products labeled as low-formaldehyde or formaldehyde-free when buying furniture, flooring, and other materials can help reduce emissions. Adequate ventilation is crucial in dissipating formaldehyde, so using exhaust fans and opening windows regularly can help fresh air circulate and reduce indoor concentrations.

Maintaining a comfortable indoor humidity level (between 30-50%) can also discourage formaldehyde release, as the gas tends to be more volatile in dry conditions. Regular cleaning and dusting can prevent the accumulation of particles that may contain formaldehyde. By being selective about the products we bring into our homes and practicing good ventilation and maintenance habits, we can effectively limit formaldehyde exposure and promote a healthier living environment.

Mold spores are tiny reproductive structures produced by molds, which are a type of fungi. These spores are microscopic and are present virtually everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. While mold plays a crucial role in breaking down organic matter in nature, indoor mold growth can pose health risks and damage to structures.

Mold spores can thrive in environments with excess moisture and organic materials to feed on. Common indoor sources of moisture include leaky roofs, plumbing issues, high humidity levels, and inadequate ventilation. Once mold spores find suitable conditions, they can colonize and spread rapidly, releasing more spores into the air. Synergy’s indoor air quality testing service can measure the mould VOCs in your building. Alternatively, we can analyse the DNA of the mould in your building to tell you exactly what the mould is. 

To prevent mold growth and minimize exposure to mold spores, moisture control is essential. Repairing leaks, improving ventilation, and maintaining proper humidity levels (ideally between 30-50%) can help create an environment where mold is less likely to flourish. Regularly cleaning and drying areas prone to dampness, such as bathrooms and kitchens, can also deter mold growth.

Using air purifiers with HEPA filters can help capture mold spores from the air. Additionally, it’s important to promptly address any signs of mold growth, such as musty odours or visible patches of mold. Thoroughly cleaning affected areas and using mold-resistant materials for construction or renovation projects can help prevent future mold issues.

By understanding the conditions that promote mold growth and taking steps to control moisture, homeowners can effectively reduce the presence of mold spores and maintain a healthier indoor environment.

Dust mites are tiny, microscopic organisms that are commonly found in indoor environments. They live in bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and other areas where dust accumulates. They are virtually invisible to the naked eye, their impact can be significant, especially for individuals with allergies or asthma. Synergy’s indoor air quality testing service can measure the severity of dust mites in your property.

The waste products and body fragments of dust mites can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms may include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, and even exacerbation of asthma symptoms. Controlling dust mites is important to maintain a healthier indoor environment.

Several measures can be taken to stop the problems associated with dust mites. Regular cleaning, vacuuming, and dusting can help reduce the dust that serves as their food source. Using allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers can create a barrier between dust mites and their potential human hosts.

Maintaining lower indoor humidity levels, ideally between 30-50%, can help limit dust mite proliferation, as they thrive in more humid conditions. Washing bedding, curtains, and stuffed toys regularly in hot water (above 130°F or 54°C) can also kill dust mites and remove their allergens.

By adopting a combination of cleaning practices, allergen-proof barriers, and proper humidity control, individuals can effectively manage dust mite populations and minimize their impact on indoor air quality and health.

What happens after Indoor Air Quality Testing?

After the test, we will send you a detailed indoor air quality testing report. This report shows you which gases are in your property and where they are likely to come from. Where we can, we will tell you what you can do to improve the situation. We can send you a copy of one of our reports so you will know what to expect.