California Residents Learn Ways to Maintain a Home’s Indoor Air Quality during Winter

In January, the Escalon Times published an article with tips for California residents to maintain the indoor air quality (IAQ) of their homes, especially during the chilly winter months. The column discussed everything from carbon monoxide (CO) and dirty air ducts to the off-gassing of cleaning chemicals and exposure to mold.

It’s not uncommon for IAQ issues and complaints to come to light during the winter months. This is often due to a lack of fresh air with windows and doors shut, a dry indoor environment and because of an increased concentration of allergens and indoor pollutants. Fortunately, there are some simple steps people can take to help reduce the potential for indoor air quality problems in their home or office. They include the following:

• Change out dirty air filters in the HVAC system. This is also good time to have the system and air ducts checked to make sure they are clean and operating properly.
• If dry winter air is an issue, consider using a humidifier. However, be sure to maintain it properly. The improper use of these devices can lead to mold growth and support the presence of dust mites if humidity levels are too high.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
• Keep the use of candles to a minimum and be sure fireplaces are operating properly.
• Many pets spend more time indoors during winter months so be sure they are regularly bathed and keep them out of the bedrooms of people with allergies.
• Keep the indoor environment clean, remove dust and use a HEPA vacuum on a regular basis.
• Avoid creating fumes from the use of harsh cleaning chemicals and air fresheners.
• If possible, delay home improvement projects that create dust and put off projects that involve painting or staining until doors and windows can be opened.
• Regularly inspect for signs of water damage and mold growth, including in places that are out of sight, such as attics, basements, crawl spaces and under cabinets.

“Understanding what you are being exposed to can be determined through some simple indoor environmental tests,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “This can be especially helpful for people that suffer from indoor allergies. At LA Testing, we offer indoor environmental quality testing services for microbial, chemical and radiological issues, along with all of the sampling supplies needed. We even have a series of easy-to-use test kits for many of the most common indoor allergens and pollutants.” 

LA Testing has also sponsored an educational video with winter indoor air quality tips that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/Ug7ZO_n6ScU. To learn more about mold, allergen and IAQ testing or other environmental, occupational, health and safety services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794.  For access to indoor environmental test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

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Joseph Frasca

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LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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