Indoor Air Quality

There is a quiet menace hiding among many homes in the Seattle area. Sometimes you can see it, other times you can smell it and others, you can even taste it. The threat is so great that it can cause illnesses such as cancer and asthma. May times, we are completely unaware that any sort of danger is lurking inside of our homes and businesses, that is until disaster strikes. That threat is indoor air pollution. At Now Environmental Services we offer a comprehensive indoor air quality inspection program in order to identify the dangers lurking just out of sight. Our offerings include:

• Mold inspection and detection services
• Asbestos and lead testing
• Home mold test kits

What is Indoor Air Pollution?

Commonly referred to as Indoor Air Quality, and includes indoor air pollution. We sample Indoor air quality in a variety of ways and service both large and small projects. These pollutants are can come in many forms and some of the common ones we test for are:

• Organic chemicals such as those used in new building materials, paints and sealants.
• Toxic Gases
• Allergen Screen
• Lead
• Asbestos
• Radon
• Formaldehyde

Radon

When we think of indoor pollutants, many times, we think of dust and other minor irritants. The truth of the matter is, while dust can be a major irritant to those with sensitive lungs, radon is a major issue for humans in general. Radon is a radioactive gas that causes lung cancer in smokers and non-smokers alike. It is important to realize that, even in small amounts, radon is dangerous. The statistics have proven that radon is a major cause of lung cancer. It can be a major issue if a smoker is exposed to radon for long periods of time. (Second hand cigarette smoke is a major indoor pollutant as well.) The carcinogens in cigarette smoke are full of lung damaging and cancer causing properties, mix that with radon exposure and it is a recipe for disaster.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is an indoor pollutant that has gained a lot of press lately and for good reason. Unlike radon, formaldehyde is able to be detected by smell but generally it is not realized that formaldehyde is present. The danger of formaldehyde is that, it is used in many products that are common in our homes. Building materials are a major contributor to formaldehyde in homes. Common uses for formaldehyde are particle board, insulation, glue for furniture and carpet. The formaldehyde is used in all sorts of adhesives that are common in the home. Everyone is, unfortunately, subjected to formaldehyde in the air but the attitudes are changing towards using formaldehyde in everyday products.

Lead

It is not generally thought of as an air pollutant but lead can be an issue for some, depending on where your home is located. Danger area include places like near airports and factories. Lead, as we all know can be present in our water systems, causing developmental issues and high blood pressure and heart problems. Lead is primarily located in paint and pipes but there is always the possibility of it migrating into the air.

Mold

We are all familiar with mold, that lovely black substance that grows in moist, dark places. Mold can cause issues such as respiratory problems and make life miserable for those who are exposed. Mold can grow in areas that you would never expect and your home’s own HVAC system can be an unwittingly efficient way that mold spores are dispersed through your home. Air ducts can be a major source of mold, particularly if they are near a damp area. At Now Environmental Services, we offer a home mold testing kit that can offer specific information about the type of mold in your home in as few as 24 hours. It is important to identify the mold that may be growing in the dark damp areas of your home. As some types of mold are more dangerous than others. Many times, mold is not the variety that we refer to as toxic black mold and is not as severe an issue. The important thing is, if you see mold in your home it is best to have it checked out, just to be sure.   

Now Environmental Service is an International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants, mold certified firm and we are here for you when you need indoor air quality services. We also offer training courses designed for everyone from the professional asbestos removal client to our property managers and maintenance supervisors, who need simple awareness training. We are committed to providing the finest mold, asbestos and indoor air quality testing in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Please give us a call if you are interested in having your home tested, or even ordering one of our home test kits for fast easy results.