Air quality testing is a vital part of creating a comfortable, healthy home. Cost-effectively identifying potential pollutants is possible with DIY indoor air testing. The article provides a step by step guide for conducting an indoor air-quality test. You can see what is good indoor air quality in this page for more information.
Pick the right Test Kit
Then, choose a DIY air-quality test kit that meets your requirements. Kits are readily available at local or online hardware stores. These come in a variety of types that each detects a different pollutant. DIY kits that are commonly available include:
Allergen Test Kits: These kits allow you to determine common indoor allergies such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander.
Mold test kits are useful for identifying the presence and type of molds in a home.
Test kits for volatile organic compounds. You can use these to measure the chemical pollution in the air.
Radon testing kits are available. Radon is an radioactive gas which can permeate into your house from the ground. Radon kits allow you to test the levels of radon gas in your own home.
Step 2: Read the Instructions on the kit
You should carefully review the instructions once you have obtained your test kit. Different test kits require different sample collection and analytical procedures. You must carefully read and follow instructions to obtain accurate results.
Collect Air Samples
If you are using a kit to test your air quality, then it might be necessary to sample specific rooms in your home. Here are some basic guidelines.
Samples can be collected from carpets and upholstery as well as pet bedding using the supplied adhesive tape.
For mold tests: use the provided swabs, air sample cassettes, to collect samples at areas where you suspect mold growth, including damp walls, hidden spaces, and ceilings.
The VOC Tester should be placed in an area of the home that you specify. It will record VOCs during a set period.
The radon tester should be placed in the lowest livable room of your residence for the specified time. Make sure that the test kit isn’t exposed to direct sun or high humidities.
Step 4 Seal and send samples (if applicable)
Some DIY kits will require that collected samples be sent to a laboratory to be analyzed. You should follow the directions for mailing the kit and packing it. Make sure you include any documents required, or pay for an analysis.
Step 5: Await Results
The results will take a while to come back after the samples have been collected. The amount of time required to receive the results can be affected by both kit type and lab processing. For an approximate turnaround time, check the kit instructions.
This is the sixth step: interpret your results
If you get the results back, read them thoroughly to make sure that you fully comprehend the information. It is important that each DIY kit includes clear directions on how the results should be interpreted and what to do if there are specific pollutants detected. Ask a professional about any concerns you may have or if there are questions.
Action 7
Based on the test result, decide what actions you need to take in order to correct any air-quality issues. If you want to get rid of pollutants, it may mean cleaning your house, changing the ventilation or making other changes. If you are unsure, consult an expert for further evaluation and remediation.
Self-testing your indoor air can help you to be proactive in improving the quality. These steps can be followed to make a home that is more comfortable and healthy for both you and your loved ones.