How to Test My House's Air Quality

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that there is a growing body of scientific evidence pointing to the fact that the air inside our homes is more polluted than the air outdoors. Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family including performing some tests of your air quality and taking steps to reduce indoor air pollution.

Things You'll Need

• Radon test kit
• Carbon monoxide alarms
• Contractor specializing in mold testing

Instructions

Radon Testing

1. To test for radon in your home, purchase a do-it-yourself test kit online or from a hardware store. Radon is an odorless, colorless gas typically emitted from uranium in the soil or rock on which a home is built. The EPA cautions that exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

2. Close windows and doors and keep them closed during the test, to the extent possible.

3. Place the test kit in the lowest level of your home, but not in a kitchen or bathroom. Be sure it is at least 20 inches above the floor and away from exterior walls and drafts.

4. Keep the test active for at least 48 hours, or as long as the manufacturer recommends.

5. Once the test is complete, send the kit to the lab for analysis right away. The lab's address should be listed on the package.

Carbon Monoxide Testing

1. To measure your home's level of carbon monoxide in real time, install a carbon monoxide alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL 2034 safety standard. Carbon monoxide (CO) is another odorless, colorless toxic gas that can be present in your home. Exposure to high concentrations of it can cause unconsciousness and death.

2. Following manufacturer's instructions, install an alarm outside of every separate sleeping area in your home. Typically the alarm will plug into an outlet.

3. Periodically test and replace alarms as needed, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Mold Reduction and Testing

1. Begin with a visual inspection of your home. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) does not recommend mold testing in your home. There are currently no consistent standards for dangerous levels of mold and the great variety of testing methods can make it a very expensive process with unclear results.

2. Look for sources of moisture (such as leaky plumbing). Repair or replace, as needed.

3. Eliminate excess moisture and clean any existing mold with detergent and water. Replace any water-damaged carpet or ceiling tiles.

4. If testing is still desired, MDH recommends that it be done by a skilled investigator.

Tips & Warnings

• Call your state radon office for a list of state certified kits or recommended contractors.

• If you find the levels in your house are too high, consider contacting your state radon office to find a contractor to fix your home. Radon levels can be reduced by as much as 99 percent.

• Reduce the level of CO in your home by installing kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans that are vented to the outside, by making sure no cars are left idling in attached garages, by using nontoxic cleaning supplies, and by directing cigarette smokers outside.

• Keep all furniture and draperies away from contact with the CO alarm.

References

• Connecticut Department of Public Health: Fact Sheet
• U.S. EPA: Indoor Air Quality
• Minnesota Dept. of Health: Testing for Mold
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers
• EPA: Consumer's Guide to Reducing Radon

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• EPA: Preventing Problems with Combustion Equipment