The Seven Components of Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air QualityDid you know we as Americans spend 90% of our time in indoor spaces? We at Memphis Mold Inspector believe it is important to examine your indoor air quality make-up and point out a few facts you might now know about the quality of the air in your home or workplace.

The EPA (environmental protection agency) states that indoor air quality (IAQ) is the number one health concern today. Indoor air quality is up to 80% more contaminated and toxic than exterior air quality, even in industrialized areas.* The following components affect a home’s indoor air make up, and therefore all need to be taken into consideration.

  1. Particles – Mold spores, dust mites and their byproducts, skin cells, dander, pollen, carbon fibers, and pet dander
  2. Odors – Mold, smoke, cooking odors, bacteria, some VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), and mycotoxins
  3. Gases – Cleaning chemicals (under kitchen sink), new paints and carpeting, plug in deodorizers, and dry cleaning (50 year half-life)
  4. Bio-Pollutants – Mold, mildew, bacteria, staphylococcus, E. coli, and legionella
  5. Temperature – Thermostatic controls, air movement, and personal preferences
  6. Humidity – 40%-60% preferable, fewer than 17% surface moisture content preferable, and affect personal preferences
  7. Comfort – Combination of all the above IAQ components

Memphis Mold Inspector uses these seven components in evaluating a home’s indoor air quality. We use indoor air sampling, surface tape, swab lifts, bulk sampling, VOC, formaldehyde air samplings, as well as ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and active bacteria testing. Although Memphis Mold Inspector is known for its mold testing, we employ all these methods to provide a true comprehensive IAQ (indoor air quality) profile. Contact us now to schedule your Indoor Air Quality Mold Inspection.

*”Clean air” is defined as the absence of odors and contaminates