According to a recent study by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend an average of 90% of our time indoors. Furthermore, the EPA along with other organizations like the The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Lung Association have recognized indoor pollution among the top of the environmental dangers facing the public. The EPA lists a variety of harmful indoor pollutants including:
- Asbestos
- Biological Pollutants
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Formaldehyde/Pressed Wood Products
- Lead (Pb)
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
- Pesticides
- Radon (Rn)
- Respirable Particles
- Secondhand Smoke/ Environmental Tobacco Smoke
- Stoves, Heaters, Fireplaces, and Chimneys
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
In order to assure the health of you and your family, it’s important to identify if the property fits a profile that could indicate poor indoor environment quality. Only a certified mold inspector is properly trained and insured to safeguard your family’s wellbeing.
New construction limits the potential indoor hazards as many harmful substances that were once used in construction have since been banned. Construction older than one year is at risk for a number indoor pollutants especially if built before 1980, there’s a higher chance for arsenic and other heavy metal pollutants.
Additional indoor pollution risk factors include recent renovations or repairs done to the property as well as the addition of new furniture. Careless construction puts your property at risk for water intrusion, presence of heavy metals in the environment, VOCs, and other harmful gases leaking into the airspace. Antique furniture or furniture from countries with lax industrial standards introduce a variety of invisible pollutants into your indoor environment. A defective air heater or air conditioning unit also contributes to poor air quality. Your trained inspection technician can answer questions about these and many other topics.
Hurricane and storm damage promotes water intrusion and also indicate the property possesses a mold infestation. Basements, crawl spaces, and attics are susceptible to flooding and leaks and have poor ventilation making them a breeding ground for multiple types of mold. Lack of forced air-conditioning with a dehumidifier increases the risk for mold growth. Signs of a mold infestation include peeling paint and staining or discoloration on the ceilings and walls.
Further, be mindful of strange, persistent odors and health symptoms that occur on the property in question but subside when off the property. Unusual irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat suggest the presence of a number of different indoor pollutants.
Use this information as a preliminary tool to assess if your property requires a professional inspection. If you believe your property is at risk and needs a professional mold inspection, click our link below to schedule an appointment with our certified inspection team.