Common Air Pollutants:
Indoor air quality can be affected by a variety of "invisible" contaminants that originate from building materials, consumer products, and external environment factors.
Our testing identifies:
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Tiny dust, dirt, and smoke particles that are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. PM2.5 is especially critical as it can enter the bloodstream.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemical gases emitted from paints, cleaning supplies, new carpets, and "off-gassing" furniture.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) & Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Colorless, odorless gases often produced by poorly vented furnaces, wood stoves, or attached garages.
- Mold Spores & Bioaerosols: Microscopic organisms that thrive in damp environments and can significantly degrade air quality before visible mold even appears.
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Health Effects:
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is often the hidden culprit behind "Sick Building Syndrome." Even short-term exposure can lead to immediate discomfort, while long-term exposure can lead to chronic conditions. Common symptoms include:
- Respiratory Irritation: Persistent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Allergic Reactions: Sneezing, watery eyes, and skin rashes that seem to improve when you leave the building.
- Neurological Impacts: Frequent headaches, dizziness, and "brain fog" or fatigue.
- Aggravated Conditions: Increased severity of asthma attacks or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Regulations and Standards:
In Canada, indoor air quality is governed by a mix of federal health guidelines and provincial workplace safety regulations. We ensure your property or job site meets:
- Health Canada’s Residential Indoor Air Quality Guidelines (RIAQG): The benchmark for safe levels of VOCs, CO, and formaldehyde in the home.
- WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations: Crucial for employers and contractors to ensure workers are not exposed to hazardous airborne concentrations during renovation or demolition.
Air Quality Testing Methods:
We utilize professional-grade technology to provide a scientific snapshot of your environment. Our process includes:
- Real-Time Monitoring: We use advanced digital sensors to detect fluctuating levels of CO2, VOCs, and Particulate Matter, allowing us to identify "spikes" in pollution throughout the day.
- Air Sampling & Pump Testing: For specific hazards like mold or asbestos fibers, we use calibrated air pumps to pull a precise volume of air through a filter or cassette.
- Laboratory Analysis: Samples are sent to accredited laboratories where experts use microscopy or gas chromatography to provide a definitive breakdown of what is in your air.
- Comprehensive Reporting: You receive a detailed report comparing your results to Canadian safety standards, along with clear recommendations for remediation or ventilation improvements.