Why Consider Particle ID Air Quality Testing In Your NJ Property?
Simply put, the quality of a home or a building’s air will impact its occupants’ comfort and/or
health. Floating particles can certainly affect that air quality.
Particle ID Air Quality testing is an in-depth, specific form of air quality test that can identify over 40 potential floating particles in each test sample. Aurora Home Inspections, based in the Township Of Washington in Bergen County, NJ, offers Particle ID testing. Our clients can count on pinpoint accuracy in the results of our tests. Once a sample is run through our lab partner, we provide our client with a comprehensive report, including easy-to-understand, actionable data analysis of the inspected property’s air quality.
A few things to know on the subject include that the time of year can influence whether it is likely to have more, or less, particles in a property’s air. For instance, in winter when HVAC systems are off or on low-duty cycle, the particle counts will be higher; whereas, in summer when the HVAC is running near capacity, those particle counts are likely to be much lower. Also a building or home with a lot of rugs is more likely to have a high particle count; whereas, a property with tighter doors, windows, and/or less airflow is going to have a low count.
PriorityLab Particle ID ‘Question And Answer’
‘PriorityLab‘, the leading sample test laboratory, receives a lot of questions on the subject of Particle ID Air Quality Testing, so they decided to run them by Dr. John Shane, their on-staff PhD mycologist. Dr. Shane brings a great deal of knowledge, having taught a Particle ID course at the renowned ‘McCrone Research Institute.’ We thought we’d share his Particle ID ‘Q and A’ below for those New Jersey folks who might be wondering themselves. Here goes:
Question I: What are the benefits of getting a Particle ID report?
Dr. Shane’s Answer: The first thing to consider is if there are elevated particles found in a Particle ID sample from your home or business. This could indicate the filtration system is not operating correctly. Elevated numbers of particles in the air many times are associated with elevated numbers of mold spores and bacteria that can lead to negative health outcomes such as Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) and other airway inflammation types of allergic reactions. If you have allergies, asthma, or HP you want to manage your exposure to high numbers of particles as this can trigger a reaction. The Particle ID report will detail the kinds of particles in your air that have the potential to affect health.
Question II: Can a Particle ID report help me understand the impact of wildfires on my home’s air quality?
Dr. Shane’s Answer: YES! A Particle ID report includes evaluation for wood fragments, charred plant debris, and fire-related soot and particles. This is a very popular service in western states that have wildfire issues such as California.
Question III: How would you solve a high Particle ID report and/or a specific particle that is causing issues?
Dr. Shane’s Answer: PriorityLab’s Particle ID report Comments section can help pinpoint the root of the problem. The first thing to look at is whether the filtration system is functioning properly. Other causes can be industrial activity outside the home or HVAC system maintenance issues, like dirty return and supply ducts. An effective way to improve air quality in a home or business is simply by having better cleaning habits. Ineffective or absent cleaning can lead to high particulate counts in the air. It’s also worth mentioning that a quick and easy way to improve poor air quality is by increasing the frequency with which you are changing filters and upgrading new filters to a MERV 10 or higher. You may also want to consider purchasing a HEPA filtration system to mitigate high particulate counts.
Question IV: Would it be suitable to take a Particle ID report to my doctor’s office?
Dr. Shane’s Answer: Absolutely! The Particle ID report is specifically designed to assist allergist decisions by giving them valuable insights into the air quality of spaces you spend the most time in, such as your home or business. Remember, PriorityLab not only can help identify the source of the particle problem in the comments section of the report, but also provides a full Particle Glossary for you to better understand what those particles are and how they can impact your health.
Question V: How often should I get a Particle ID test?
Dr. Shane’s Answer: A Particle ID test should be performed, at a minimum, annually. If you are experiencing particle-related symptoms or are noticing a sudden increase in visible particles in the home despite cleaning, we recommend getting a Particle ID test immediately.
Question VI: Should I get a Particle ID test during a Real Estate Transaction?
Dr. Shane’s Answer: YES! Not knowing what is actually in your living space air can result in zero mitigation actions taking place. This may make you more prone to particle-related health issues and can be even more concerning if you are an individual with a history of respiratory issues already. Beyond the obvious health benefits, a Particle ID test during a real estate transaction is also a great way to evaluate the functionality of your potential home’s air filtration system.
Question VII: Would the time of year affect the Particle ID test?
Dr. Shane’s Answer: The short answer is no. In states that experience long winters with consistent snowfall, this will impact the outdoor baseline sample, but not the indoor samples.
Question VIII: How many particulates is PriorityLab able to identify?
Dr. Shane’s Answer: PriorityLab’s advanced analysis process is able to identify over 40 different kinds of particulates in your home or business.
Question IX: I’m a home inspector considering offering this service. How many Particle ID samples should I take?
Dr. Shane’s Answer: You are required to take one baseline sample outside (similar to mold tests) and at least two indoor samples. PriorityLab recommends taking a sample per 1,000 SF. (Note: If a property is 1,000 SF total but has two stories, you would take one sample per level of the home along with your baseline outdoor sample as well as a sample in every HVAC zone of the house or business).
Question X: Is there any reason to do a Particle ID test in a commercial setting or a school?
Dr. Shane’s Answer: YES! Air quality issues are found in all building types. The same health issues and risks described in the previous questions are applicable in every building type.
Question XI: How long after I submit a mold sample could I get a Particle ID test done?
Dr. Shane’s Answer: PriorityLab actually keeps your samples for a minimum of 2 weeks. Anytime within 2 weeks after submitting your mold samples you can choose to upgrade to a Particle ID panel.
Question XII: Is the Particle ID panel only for air samples?
Dr. Shane’s Answer: Not at all! PriorityLab also has the capability to run a Particle ID for surface samples. Keep in mind this is best done on tape lifts. A Particle ID analysis is much more difficult from a swab or wipe. The Breeze E Tape is the preferred testing media to collect surface samples effectively for a Surface Particle ID panel.
Always Choose The Most Qualified Inspector
Aurora Home Inspections LLC has long been considered the most qualified home and commercial property inspector in Bergen County NJ. We are licensed in all aspects of home, building, and/or property inspection and continuously seek education in the latest and best procedures for performing inspections.
Call Aurora today and ask about our certified property inspection services for your home, property, building or office space. We are based in Bergen County NJ and will travel (Hudson, Essex, Morris, Passaic, Middlesex counties in NJ and Rockland, Orange, and Westchester counties in NY. We can be reached at (201) 476-9200 for a consultation.