How to Check Indoor Air Quality

Air quality is often overlooked, but it plays a critical role in our living environment. Dangerous chemicals and harmful agents can spread into your indoor air, negatively impacting your health over time. There are various air quality testing kits available for purchase at most home goods stores. However, it's advisable to hire a professional to assess the air quality in your home.

Buy an air quality monitoring device. Nowadays, several air quality monitors are available for purchase, capable of accurately checking (and storing the measurement data) of the indoor air quality. These devices typically measure PM2.5 (very small dust particles and allergens you may breathe in), VOCs (volatile organic compounds like chemical fumes), temperature, and humidity (to check for mold risks). Some reliable brands of air quality monitors include Foobot, Awair, Speck, and Air Mentor 6 in 1. These devices usually cost between 3 to 5 million VND.

Check for signs of mold. Typically, you can either see or smell the presence of mold in your home. If you detect a musty odor that persists even after cleaning, consider hiring a professional to assess the mold situation. Additionally, look for visible mold indicators such as expanding black spots, water stains, or damp areas within the house.

Install a carbon monoxide detector on each floor. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas produced by many household appliances (such as ovens, heaters, stoves, water heaters, and grills). This gas can be fatal if inhaled, so it's essential to have a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home to alert you when CO levels are dangerously high. Place the detector near your bedroom so you can hear the alarm while sleeping. Remember to replace the detector's battery regularly, generally every 6 months, though this may vary depending on the model.

Test for radon in your home. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium breaks down. It can be found in soil and well water and sometimes enters homes. The only way to prevent radon infiltration is through testing. Radon test kits are available at most home goods stores. Most kits use lead-activated sensor material; you leave it in your home for a while and then send the sample to a laboratory for analysis. Additionally, the Kansas State University's National Radon Program offers discounted test kits, which you can purchase online at http://sosradon.org/test-kits.

Use an air purifier. These devices effectively filter indoor air, especially benefiting individuals with allergies. Electronic air purifiers tend to be the most effective as they remove dust particles and allergens from the air more efficiently than filter-based models. Place the air purifier in your bedroom for optimal results, as it will provide the most benefits when located in this room compared to other areas of the house.

Change the filter every few months. If you suspect that the filter is dirty, it's best to replace it with a new one. You should change the filter every 90 days with average household use, but if you think the indoor air quality is poor, consider changing it more frequently. If you have pets, replace the filter every 60 days. If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies, replace the filter every 20 to 45 days.

Hire an expert to assess indoor air quality. If you suspect poor air quality in your home, it's advisable to hire a professional to evaluate and provide advice. Ask friends or consult construction companies for recommendations of reputable experts in your area. They can detect issues in the air caused by factors such as:

• Excess moisture indoors
• Lead-based paint
• Dust and other allergens
• Air pollution from smoke
• Air fresheners, candles, and incense
• Household cleaning agents
• Combustion gases or products

Hire a professional to check for radon gas in your home. If you suspect high radon levels in your home, you must hire an expert to address the issue. You can contact your local health department to request a list of specialists who can help remove radon from your home.

• In the United States, you can use the Environmental Protection Agency's interactive map to locate radon professionals in your area: https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-information-about-local-radon-zones-and-state-contact-information

Use professional testing services if you need official results. If you are buying or selling a home, air pollution testing is often required for a mortgage application. This is essential in areas with high levels of pollution due to industrial activity or natural causes (such as wildfires). In such cases, home testing kits provide information but are not considered official.

• Hire an experienced professional to evaluate indoor air quality, preferably someone recommended by land management authorities, lenders, or home inspectors.
• If you don’t have a recommendation, search online and read customer reviews of local specialists.
• You can also verify the qualifications of the professional, such as membership in the Indoor Air Quality Association or the International Association of Air Quality Consultants.

Watch for an increase in allergy symptoms. You may often assume that allergies are triggered by weather or seasonal changes, but they can also be caused by airborne irritants. If you notice a significant increase in allergy symptoms, it might be time to check the air quality in your home. Common allergy symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Stuffy nose
• Headaches
• Nosebleeds

Pay attention to unusual or new symptoms. You might assume you have a health issue unrelated to indoor air quality. While this can be true, certain pollutants (like asbestos, toxic mold, and other chemicals) can negatively impact your health. This is especially concerning if you frequently suffer from pneumonia or bronchitis. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to check the air quality in your home:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Rashes
• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue

Monitor construction projects around your home and neighborhood. Home construction can directly affect indoor air quality. Whenever there’s new construction or renovations, the air becomes exposed to dust, chemicals, and other harmful substances, which can accumulate in the HVAC system and begin circulating throughout the house.

• Even nearby construction can negatively affect the air quality in your home, so it's also worth keeping an eye on those projects.