Inhaling unseen particulates and other pollutants in the indoor air can result in adverse health symptoms ranging from quality of life issues such as allergies, headaches, coughing, depression, asthma and COPD, to life threatening diseases like cancer. Concentrating on indoor air is particularly important since most people spend up to 90% of their time indoors.
For many, measuring and improving indoor air quality is a cost effective alternative to doctor visits and costly medications that treat symptoms rather than addressing the problems caused by contaminants in the indoor air. As an example, in a 2012 study reported in the Journal of Asthma, improving indoor air quality for children with poorly controlled asthma cut emergency room visits and hospitalizations from 22 visits and 11 admissions to 2 visits and one admission and made possible a reduction in the dosage of medications for all patients.
Air Allergen and Mold Testing has a variety of methods to sample the indoor environment for particulate, allergens, and other irritants. Combined with an inspection and personal interview, the results of the sampling can provide guidance about what you can do to reduce the harmful effects the indoor air can have on your family’s health. When it comes to your health, what you breathe matters. Call us at 770-938-4861 to discuss your situation and consider whether testing is right for you.
Additional Information: The majority of epidemiological studies performed in different parts of the world have found adverse health effects from particulate matter at levels lower than the current federal standard. The World Health Organization has declared airborne particulate to be a carcinogen of greater consequence than second hand smoke and the average particulate levels in the indoor air are often 1½ to 2½ times the outdoor levels.
Excess mold spores are also common in the indoor air of many homes. In addition to being an allergen, some spores contain toxins that can enter the bloodstream and affect multiple organs. Children living in a home with high levels of certain types of mold spores at 1 year of age had more than twice the risk of developing asthma by age 7. When mucus membranes in the respiratory system are irritated from the effects of inhaling allergens and particulates, they also become more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria.
If you are currently seeking medical advice, ask your doctor if environmental testing and improving your indoor air quality should be considered as part of your diagnosis and treatment.