Studies show that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, primarily due to enclosed spaces trapping pollutants like dust, mold, pet dander, and chemicals from cleaning products.
Lutz Indoor Air Quality Testing
Buildings are constructed with more airtightness in today's energy-efficient society, and window openings are one of the few personal environmental controls available. Businesses usually operate in facilities that were not intended for their kind of use, and ventilation is routinely neglected as activities alter.
Reasons behind IAQ issues:
- Circumstances like insufficient ventilation
- Problems with heating and cooling
- Odors of mold on vehicles and/or chemicals
- Water Seepage
These all lead to issues with indoor air quality (IAQ), raise concerns among employees, and result in complaints. Emergencies at facilities necessitate quick action and loss minimization. Markham Services has expertise resolving a variety of indoor air quality issues for businesses, residences, municipalities, and educational institutions at reasonable prices.
Indoor air pollution exposure can have health impacts immediately upon exposure or perhaps years later. The concentrations or duration of exposure required to cause particular health concerns are not well understood. In the central Florida region, we provide services to both residential and commercial clients. Visit the EPA's Indoor Air Quality Website to find out more information about indoor air quality.
According to a poll by the EPA, 69% of Americans spend their time at home. Thus, maintaining clean, healthy indoor air is essential.
Our health and, by extension, the quality of our lives are directly impacted by the air we breathe. Your health and safety are at stake if the air you breathe contains pollutants like radon and mold spores.
Furthermore, it's possible that you're dealing with moisture penetration as well. Thus, you have to make sure that the air you breathe indoors is safe and healthy at all times.
Markham Services is there to assist you. We do everything from mold testing to mold inspections to indoor air quality monitoring!
Facts about Indoor Air Quality
90% of a person's time is thought to be spent inside. This covers time spent at work, school, and, of course, home. Here are ten things regarding indoor air quality that you probably didn't know but should know.
While houseplants can help remove some toxins, they aren't as effective as previously thought in significantly improving indoor air quality. To make a noticeable difference, you would need dozens of plants per square foot, so it's essential to combine them with other air-purifying methods like HEPA filters.
Many new furnishings, carpets, and even electronics release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through a process called off-gassing. These VOCs can linger in your home for weeks or even months, affecting air quality. Ventilating your space by opening windows or using air purifiers can help reduce these pollutants.
Cooking, especially with gas stoves, can release harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Using an exhaust fan, opening windows, or switching to electric cooking options can help minimize these pollutants.
Maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30-50% is crucial for preventing mold growth and dust mites, both of which can impact air quality. Using a dehumidifier in damp areas or a humidifier in dry conditions can help maintain a healthy balance.
Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Testing your home for radon and using a mitigation system if levels are high is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality.
Carpets can trap dust, dirt, allergens, and even harmful chemicals. Regularly vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum and deep cleaning your carpets can help reduce these trapped pollutants and improve indoor air quality.
Many common cleaning products release chemicals that can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Opting for natural, non-toxic cleaning solutions or using a mix of vinegar, baking soda, and water can reduce chemical exposure.
Many air fresheners and scented candles contain chemicals like phthalates, which can worsen indoor air quality and trigger allergies or respiratory issues. Opt for natural alternatives like essential oils or beeswax candles instead.
A lack of proper ventilation can cause indoor air pollutants to accumulate. Ensure your home has adequate airflow by using exhaust fans, keeping windows open when possible, and using mechanical ventilation systems if necessary.
These insights can help you create a healthier indoor environment. Always cross-check with reliable sources such as the EPA or World Health Organization for the most accurate information on indoor air quality.
Why Is the Indoor Air Quality So Bad?
The following are the main causes of indoor air pollutants, according to the Environmental Pollution Agency (EPA).
- Electric motors, photocopiers, and ozone air purifiers
- Damp places (bacteria, fungus, mold)
- Textiles and carpets (dust mites)
- Off-gas emissions (gases, vapors, aromas) from paints, carpets, and furnishings
- Insecticides, cleaners, solvents, etc. (VOCs, hazardous vapors)
- Materials: asbestos, fiberglass, gasses, dust
- Pccupants (perfume, body odor, CO2, and tobacco smoke)
-
In homes, the most common causes of poor indoor air quality are off-gassing, moisture, and inadequate ventilation.
What are Examples of Indoor Pollutants?
An indoor air pollutant, broadly put, is any kind of airborne substance that can cause adverse health effects. Examples of these include:
- Lead
- Ozone
- Asbestos
- Formaldehyde
- Nitrogen Dioxide
- Carbon Monoxide
- Bacteria (such as Legionella)
- Dust Mites
- Pollen (aeroallergens)
- Fungi
- Mildew
- Mold
- Particulate matter
- Radon
Mold and Indoor Air Quality
Inadequate ventilation within your house might create an ideal environment for the growth of mold. Most people refer to mold as a "invisible killer." This is due to the fact that realizing it while breathing it is more difficult.
Sometimes it can even be difficult to spot. It could be necessary to perform a mold test or inspection. Mold spores typically propagate behind walls, under floors, and inside carpets and textiles. If mold is allowed to spread, it can eventually ruin a building's walls, ceilings, floors, and even its structural elements
Enhancing the Quality of Indoor Air
Thankfully, you can keep an eye on and enhance the indoor air quality of your house. Getting expert assistance from the Markham mold technicians in your area should be your first course of action.
With years of expertise, Markham Services can identify affordable solutions for a variety of indoor air quality issues. We have experience working on a range of mold and air quality projects with residential, commercial, municipal, and educational buildings.
Indoor air pollution exposure can have health impacts immediately upon exposure or perhaps years later. What exposure times or concentrations are required to cause particular health concerns is not well understood.
Get in touch with us right away if you think your indoor air quality is bad and you reside in the central Florida region. Poor indoor air quality can be a serious threat to you and your loved ones if ignored.
About Lutz, FL
Lutz, FL, offers a compelling opportunity for landlords and real estate investors looking to tap into a growing rental market. Situated just north of Tampa, Lutz combines suburban convenience with easy access to major business centers, making it attractive to professionals seeking a balance between work and leisure.
The area features a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, providing diverse investment opportunities. With nearby access to major highways like I-275 and the Veterans Expressway, tenants can enjoy convenient commutes to Tampa's thriving job market.
Lutz also boasts various shopping, dining, and recreational amenities, contributing to its popularity among renters. The steady demand for quality housing and the potential for property appreciation make Lutz a strong option for investors seeking reliable rental income and long-term growth.
Areas We Serve
We are proud to serve Central Florida and Lutz.
