(you will be taken to our new site for this rental option)You sneeze, cough, maybe even wheeze, but you aren’t sure why. Your house seems clean and you don’t see any would-be culprits in the air. What then could be causing your allergy attacks? Many people want to know the answer to this very question. Fortunately, it can now be found using a simple do-it-yourself air quality testing kit. Testing kits are relatively new items in the do-it-yourself (DIY) industry. For many years, testing your air for allergens and pollutants meant you had to have an expensive professional visit your home, take numerous samples, send you a bill, and then wait for testing results to arrive in the mail. DIY testing kits now allow you to take control of your own environment on your schedule and at an economical cost. All you have to do is complete a simple, user-friendly test, send the kit into a lab for analysis (often, the cost of analysis is included when you purchase the kit), and get accurate, timely, and understandable results.

You can use these results to determine the best way to remove airborne pollutants and impurities and restore your environment to healthy. For quicker access to the topics covered in this article use our topic list below: Indoor air quality testing kits are available in a variety of types, each designed to detect different types of pollutants in your environment. All of our testing kits use a simple step-by-step process for testing your environment. dc1100 pro for air purifier testIn most cases, you'll follow these steps:oreck air purifier tabletop xl professional (silver) Watch this video for step-by-step instructions on testing your air for formaldehyde using a Formaldehyde Testing Kit:daikin air purifier melbourne

Our Lead Testing Kit does not require you to mail in a sample for analysis. This kit provides results in just 30 seconds. One of the key benefits of testing your air for pollutants is simply the knowledge gained about the health of your environment. Knowledge provides the information you need to make more educated decisions on how to address airborne pollutants in your home. For example, based on the results you receive from using an allergen test kit, you might decide to invest in an air purifier to remove allergens and help reduce your symptoms. Or results from using a lead test kit may prompt you to hire a lead abatement professional to remove harmful lead hazards from your home. Air quality testing kits can give you the knowledge you need to solve problems in your indoor environment that could ultimately lead to health issues. If you have tested your air for allergens and you understand the allergens you are dealing with, you may want to consider an indoor air quality monitoring system, such as a laser particle counter.

Laser particle counters are consumer-grade monitoring devices used for the quick and accurate measurement of airborne particle concentrations. Measuring both small and large particles, these monitors can give you a general idea for the amount of allergens and particles lingering in your air. A large amount may mean it's time to change your air purifier or HVAC system filters, ventilate your indoors to naturally remove particles, or take further action. Laser particle counters cycle air through the unit, where small and large particles are counted and displayed. These machines are small and lightweight, allowing you to easily test any area of your home. The types of small particles counted include: The types of large particles counted include: This information is extremely beneficial to individuals with allergies or asthma because they can specifically monitor their trouble areas. For example, someone with an allergy to pollen will be especially interested in their air’s large particle count.

Like allergen testing kits, laser particle counters allow you to accurately assess your indoor air quality and make knowledgeable choices about how best to address any issues that arise. For more information on specific testing products and ways to improve your indoor environment, review our extensive product listings and other educational materials in our Knowledge Center. We can take the guess work out of decision-making. Contact our product experts toll free at 1-800-934-9194 for a detailed consultation. Our goal is to help you make your indoor environment healthy and comfortable. 7.5 x 6 x 4 inches ; Shipping Weight: 5 pounds Item model number: OG-KF #241,353 in Health & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Health & Personal Care) 5 star68%4 star12%3 star5%2 star2%1 star13%See all 59 customer reviewsTop Customer ReviewsAbsolutely amazing machine!!!Back to 5 Stars Very effective unitworks better than anticipatedThe health risks of mold in the home have been well-documented and it may cause extensive property damage.

Mold remediation can be an expensive process, but it is best handled sooner rather than later. Molds are a type of fungus. They grow best in warm, moist environments and they survive by digesting decaying organic materials. Because they do not use chlorophyll to produce food, molds do not need sunlight to survive. Without mold, the entire world would be overrun by dead plant matter, so it's an important part of the environment. The key to mold growth is the level of moisture in the environment. Mold will grow in any environment that is sufficiently moist that also contains any kind of food source. Common food sources for mold in the structure of the home include drywall, window frames, carpeted or uncarpeted flooring, bathroom tile, and interior insulation. Mold developing in the structural materials of a basement or crawlspace may require special attention. Mold may also develop on furniture. Common sources of moisture that could lead to indoor mold include condensation from high humidity or large temperature differences, roof leaks, flooding, plumbing leaks, or excessive humidity.

Exposure to environmental mold can lead to skin irritation, breathing difficulties, allergic reactions and headaches. Mold can be an irritant, causing a burning sensation to the skin, lungs, nose, throat or eyes. It can trigger asthma attacks in people who are allergic, and even non-allergic asthma sufferers may experience worsened symptoms because of exposure to indoor mold. Symptoms of allergic reaction include sneezing, red eyes, runny nose or the appearance of skin rash. The EPA reports that repeated exposure to mold can bring about sensitivity and health problems, so it is important to put an end to mold exposure as soon as possible. Molds can also produce mycotoxins, which are toxic substances that may be found either within or on the surface of mold spores. Mycotoxins can enter a person's system via ingestion, inhalation or skin contact. Aflatoxin B1 is the best-known mycotoxin; it is a potent carcinogen, the inhalation of which can cause lung cancer. It is produced by the molds Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus.

Those who suspect an indoor growth of mold should begin by having the area tested by a professional. Many contractors offer free testing. Mold sampling should be performed by those who have specific working knowledge of sampling methods and protocols, including those recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists or the American Industrial Hygiene Association. Investigations often disturb potential areas of growth. It may be necessary, for example, to remove sections of wallpaper to examine drywall or sections of carpet to test floorboards. Either action may release mold spores into the air. Mold inspections should:Be performed by qualified personnel, preferably a certified professional with a number of years of experience in mold removal.Examine sites of potential mold development and look for sources of moisture. Examine indoor air quality for the presence of mold spores or other irritants.Check for areas of past or current growth within interior walls, floors, ceilings and other areas where mold growth is common.

There are a number of factors that can impact the cost of mold removal in any particular instance. The amount of mold and level of development can necessitate the replacement of structural materials, for example, and specialized protective and disposal equipment is often required. Small remediation projects can be performed by a property owner for a minimal cost, but larger jobs should be performed by professionals and may cost upwards of $10,000. Nationally, homeowners report an average cost for mold remediation of just over $7,500. If the mold infestation covers 100 square feet or less in total area, the EPA says that property owners can generally handle the project themselves. For larger areas, though, mold remediation is best left to the professionals. Additionally, if mold is found in more than one area of the home, it is best to leave the cleanup work to a professional mold removal crew. Labor costs can make up a large part of the total price of mold remediation. Qualified removal companies make use of skilled labor and expensive equipment.

A High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum, for example, is a $10,000 piece of machinery that makes use of special filters and powerful suction to remove mold from materials. Workers operating HEPA vacuums must wear mold-proof suits and face masks and must be specially-trained. Material costs will vary widely from one project to another. In some cases, mold may have eaten away lumber, sheet rock and floor boards. In other cases, it may be present only in carpet or small areas of walls and ceilings. Thus, material costs vary from less than a hundred dollars on the low end to tens-of-thousands of dollars for the remediation of a flooded basement, for example. Those who are attempting to take the project on themselves will probably want to rent or purchase a wet vacuum to pull moisture from carpet and wood. They can be rented for around $30 per day or can be purchased for between $80 and $200. For very small mold remediation projects, only water and detergent are required.