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Ever since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) told us the air inside the average new house is ten times more toxic than that of the great outdoors, there's been heightened demand to detect and correct health hazards lurking in our homes. If you have kids, you're probably more concerned than the average homeowner-and for good reason: Children are most at risk from bad air quality. "They're happy little sponges," says Bob Massaro, a consultant on healthy and sustainable buildings based in Napa, CA. "Chronic sniffles, runny noses, and dark circles under the eyes are signs that indoor air quality might be a problem. Steve Rush, a co-owner of Environmental Inspections + Solutions, suggests this litmus test. Find out what it took to earn the certification: Was it the quickie one-day course that some laboratories offer? A good program requires several days of classes and a closed-book exam. A better program requires at least several years of experience and a track record of successful projects before candidates can even take the course (and those running the program will take the time to independently verify the candidate's claims). What is your inspection process and policy?
Ask for a list of procedures and whether they are all required. You need to know that you won't be given the expensive "one size fits all" treatment. While advanced equipment can be helpful in pinpointing problems, it may dictate the direction that the test will take. Far better, according to Hal Levin, an environmental health consultant in northern California, is an experienced inspector who conducts a detailed interview with homeowners, carries out a careful visual inspection, and only then decides what to test for, and how. Here are some possibilities: - Mold, moisture, and drainage
- Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning
- Electromagnetic fields (EMFs)
- Chemical offgassing
- Animal dander
- Carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) measurement and monitoring
- Dust analysis
- Dust-mite testing
- Laser-particle counts for pollution levels
- Industrial hygienic surveys
- Odor analysis
- Sewage or "blackwater" contamination
- Sick building syndrome investigation
- Water testing for pollutants
How do you test for mold?
If an inspector talks about running over and testing the air for mold immediately, proceed with caution. "Mold is everywhere," says Levin. "You'll even find it outside, so testing for airborne spores is less valuable than actually finding a sample and determining if it's part of the 10 percent that is harmful-Stachybotrys chartarum, what we call black mold." He adds that a definitive scientific study on mold toxicity levels has not yet been done, which leaves homeowners susceptible to exaggerated claims until the proper science catches up to the concerns. Also be suspicious of expensive remediation procedures offered too rapidly. Sometimes the solution to harmless mold is a good dehumidifier, or leaving a lightbulb on in a closet until the musty smell dissipates.
How do I prepare for the inspection?
First, define the problem. Is your issue health, comfort, or energy efficiency? Many home inspectors cover all these areas, not just air quality. List any changes you've made lately that might affect your environment, including having your ducts cleaned, washing and disinfecting floors, or buying a new car, mattress, or furniture. A good inspector will ask about your work and school environments outside the home, and your daily habits. One firm emails an 11-page intake form to clients, which asks for building and site information and family health history. Be sure that all doors and windows are closed for at least 24 hours before the inspection. Should I bother to try to figure this out on my own?
Absolutely. Even if you can't solve the problem yourself, you'll be better prepared to understand what your inspector finds. If your concern is health-related, start with a detailed daily schedule of activities for each member of the family, and try to eliminate obvious problems (work and school environments are more likely to be the sources of some irritants). But what do you look for, specifically? Massaro divides the culprits into three groups: particulates, such as dust and dander; chemical agents, including formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs); and toxins, such as mold and spores. Start by simply walking around and looking for leaks or discoloration-water fosters a host of molds and bacteria. Given the confusion about valid protocols, and opportunistic claims made about everything from EMFs to VOCs, it makes sense for consumers themselves to understand the basics. The best place to start is with the EPA. You can also contact the Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (800-438-4318;
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