Indoor Air Quality Testing & Indoor Pollutants in York County

At STOP Carolina Restoration, we offer indoor air quality testing that investigates common indoor air quality (IAQ) problems including radon gas, mold growth, and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) associated with commercial and residential structures. The common problems include radon gas, mold (fungal growth), volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Unfortunately, we can’t test for all indoor pollutants at once. Testing for several contaminants can be expensive, but with some good old detective work, we’ll help you solve the mystery.

Our technicians will do an in-depth analysis before testing to determine what contaminants to include in the test.

According to the EPA, the most common indoor pollutants present in your home are:

1. Biological pollutants

   1. These are contaminants in our environment that are or are produced by living organisms.

   2. Controlling the relative humidity level in your home can minimize the growth of these contaminants.

   3. They’re often found in areas that provide food, moisture, or water:

      1. Damp or wet areas like crawlspaces, condensate pans, or unvented bathrooms.

   4. They include things such as:

      1. Mold,

      2. dander,

      3. pollen from trees and plants,

      4. dust mites,

      5. animal dander,

      6. viruses,

      7. and bacteria. The list goes on and on!

2. Chemical pollutants

   1. These are potentially toxic chemical substances that are not normally found in indoor air.

   2. Human activity is generally the cause of these emissions.

   3. These pollutants contaminate the water, soil, air and food.

   4. The EPA reports that repeated exposure to these pollutants can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue.

   5. They include substances like:

      1. Carbon monoxide,

      2. volatile organic compounds (VOC’s),

      3. formaldehyde,

      4. chlorofluorocarbons,

      5. sulfur dioxide,

      6. and Environmental tobacco smoke.

3. Combustion pollutants

   1. Made from the burning of fuels, these gases or particles often come from appliances that use that use natural gas, like gas stoves and furnaces.

   2. VOCs and other chemical pollutants may result from combustion

   3. The most common combustion pollutants are:

      1. Carbon monoxide,

      2. nitrogen dioxide,

      3. and environmental tobacco smoke.

   4. These gases come from:

      1. Fire places,

      2. gas stoves,

      3. malfunctioning chimneys and flues,

      4. and kerosene & gas space heaters.

Quick Tips:

1. Controlling the relative humidity level in your home can minimize the growth of these contaminants. Combustion produces water vapor! Water vapor can act as a pollutant when not cleaned up, as it can encourage the growth of biological pollutants like mold, dust mites, and bacteria!

2. Make sure your gas appliances are properly maintained and vented to the outside to prevent the release of combustion pollutants indoors.

3. Install a working Carbon Monoxide detector if you don’t have one already. If you do, install a second one!

4. Air handling systems that have gone neglected for a long-time can be a danger to the respiratory health of your family & employees. Keep up with the maintenance of your air duct & handling system.

STOP Carolina Restoration is trained to help you save money by making your home or business more energy efficient and comfortable year-round.

Our testing services focus on client needs and expectations in a timely manner. Our customers require customized environmental remediation solutions that meet their current needs and budgets.