Some Elements Present in the Air
Mold
Mold is an omnipresent organism that can be found both indoors and outdoors. It is part of the natural environment and plays an important role in decomposing organic matter. Generally, the amount and type of fungi found in indoor air should be similar to or lower than those found in outdoor air. A higher number of spores found indoors could indicate mold growth.
It is important to note that spores cannot be completely eliminated from the indoor environment. Therefore, it is normal to find them in the air and dust in our homes. However, there will be no growth if there is no moisture. Moisture is the most important factor influencing mold growth indoors. Controlling moisture is the key to controlling mold growth. Mold does not need much water to grow, just a little condensation is sufficient.
Mold produces toxins under certain growth conditions, and many of these are known to affect people's health. However, it is difficult to establish a threshold of spores/m³ that could trigger symptoms in an individual, but it is generally accepted in the industry that indoor mold growth is undesirable and inappropriate, requiring decontamination or other appropriate actions to remedy the situation. If you have persistent symptoms that may be caused by mold (chronic sinusitis, asthma, mucous membrane irritation, pneumonia, headaches, etc.) or suspect the presence of mold, contact our services, and we will assess the problem and determine the cause and measures to address it.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas commonly found in indoor air in homes. It can be emitted by building materials and furniture, especially those made from composite wood products containing urea-formaldehyde adhesives. It can also be found in many consumer products (paper, cosmetics, detergents, resins, carpets, preservatives, UF foam insulation, etc.). It is also a byproduct of combustion and can infiltrate indoor air from sources such as tobacco smoke, vehicle exhaust, fireplaces, and wood stoves, as well as gas or oil appliances with defective ventilation systems. Formaldehyde can be found in the air of most, if not all, homes. However, its levels are generally lower than those recommended by Health Canada. Formaldehyde levels can be concerning for people with respiratory problems (such as asthmatic children) when a new home has just been built or renovated, as this is generally when formaldehyde levels are highest.
Exogenous formaldehyde is an irritant that enters the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Being very soluble in water, formaldehyde is easily absorbed by the upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. Exposure to high concentrations of formaldehyde can cause burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term exposure to moderate concentrations of formaldehyde (at levels lower than those causing irritation) may also be associated with respiratory problems, especially in asthmatic children. Although formaldehyde is a recognized carcinogen, the likelihood of developing cancer from exposure to the formaldehyde levels found in Canadian homes is virtually negligible.
Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), which is injected in foam form and used to insulate buildings, has been banned in Canada since December 1980 under the Hazardous Products Act (HPA). UFFI was banned due to the high concentrations of formaldehyde released during installation, as well as the continuous release of gases in case of improper installation. The amount of formaldehyde released by UFFI was very high during installation and decreased over time. Consequently, UFFI installed before 1980 has little impact on indoor air formaldehyde concentrations today. However, UFFI that comes into contact with water or moisture could degrade and release more formaldehyde. Wet or deteriorating UFFI should be removed by a specialist, and the source of the moisture problem should be eliminated.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are substances composed of at least one carbon atom and one hydrogen atom. Found in gaseous form in the atmosphere, many of these compounds participate in photochemical reactions responsible for the formation of tropospheric ozone, while others, such as benzene and formaldehyde, are considered toxic and can impact public health.
VOCs affect indoor air quality in homes. These pollutants are found in building materials, decorations, household products such as cleaners, cosmetics, air fresheners, and other scented products. VOCs are released slowly, and they are most concentrated inside the home because they remain trapped. The indoor air of a home can be up to eight times more polluted than outdoor air. For example, a kitchen cabinet can emit urea-formaldehyde fumes for a duration of 5 to 7 years!
At high concentrations, VOCs can cause various symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, a feeling of dryness, asthma, and in extreme cases, cancers, etc. Sometimes, certain individuals may even have intolerances or allergies to some of them, making them sensitive even to low levels of chemical contaminants in the air.
Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium present in soil, rock, and water. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect by the senses. However, it can be easily detected using radon measurement devices.
Radon is found everywhere on the Earth's surface. Therefore, we are exposed to it daily in varying amounts. When radon in the soil is released into the atmosphere, it mixes with fresh air, producing concentrations too low to be concerning. However, when radon infiltrates a closed space such as a home, it can accumulate to high concentrations and become a health concern.
Radon can infiltrate anywhere there is an opening between the ground and the house. It can enter through cracks in foundation walls and floor slabs, construction joints, openings around service connections and support posts, window wells, floor drains, sump pumps, and wall cavities. Although generally less concerning, the degassing of radon dissolved in water is another potential source of radon in homes with wells from groundwater and construction materials.
The only known health risk associated with long-term exposure to radon is an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The level of risk depends on the concentration of radon and the duration of exposure. Additionally, the risk of developing lung cancer increases if the exposed person smokes.
