What's In Your Air?

This colorless, odorless, tasteless gas effects humans by reducing oxygen flow to vital organs. This can cause health effects such as Angina (chest pain) and lack of energy as the body cannot meet oxygen demands. In high concentrations, carbon monoxide (CO) can even cause death if not addressed quickly.

Commonly found in offices or homes that use fossil fuels heating systems. Improper ventilation of these burnt fuels results in the present of carbon monoxide gas. Even vehicles and workplace equipment such as forklifts, generators and any other gas, diesel or propane powered equipment.

Invisible to the naked eye, these particulates enter buildings predominantly from filtration systems. When inhaled, these particulates can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. They include any airborne matter that is .005 to 100um in diameter (dust, fumes, smoke, pollen and more).

Commonly found in offices or homes with poor or under performing filtration systems. Particulates also enter through buildings with poor seals (windows, doors, roofs etc). Older homes can be most subject to this as they shift and settle over time.

This colorless, odorless, tasteless gas is the number one cause of lung cancer in non smokers and is responsible for thousands of deaths every year in North America.

Found in rock formations near buildings and homes, radon is an atomic gas that comes as a result of the decay of radium.Radon gases can enter buildings and homes through foundation cracks, drains, construction joints, loose pipes, sump pumps and much more. Older homes are sometimes more prone as they shift and settle over time.

Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOC’s, result in a number of averse health effects but some of the most common are irritation, itchiness, drowsiness and fatigue.

VOC gas concentrations are usually much higher indoors than they are outdoors as the gases are emitted from things like household chemicals, paints, cleaning supplies, building materials, office equipment and more.

Lead is a common metal found throughout our environment. When lead is inhaled or ingested, the health effects can be severe in both children and adults. Lead often confuses the body into thinking that it is calcium and other essential nutrients that are necessary for our growth and for a healthy immune system.

Found commonly in older homes with lead based paint. During renovations or construction, lead particles can enter the air where they are ingested. Children are also know to ingest lead based paint chips. Lead can also be found in contaminated soil where fossil fuels like leaded gasoline collect. From here, lead is brought into our homes by people and pets that track contaminated soil in.

This popular building material is often the cause of respiratory problems such as mesothelioma and even lung cancer. Less severe health problems such things like skin and eye irritation as well as chest pain and dizziness.

Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’s) are found predominantly in older homes. The small fibers becomes airborne when the materials are disturbed (during renovation or construction). Once airborne, they are inhaled. While most asbestos fibers are thwarted by our bodies natural defenses, some make their way to our lungs where they can be difficult to treat.