When people think about pollution, they often imagine smoggy city air or factory emissions. However, indoor air quality (IAQ) can be two to five times worse than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Given that the average person spends 90% of their time indoors, understanding and improving the air inside your home or workplace is essential to maintaining good health.
In Stone Mountain, Georgia, where humidity levels are often high, and allergens like mold and pollen thrive, poor indoor air quality can contribute to respiratory issues, allergy flare-ups, and even long-term health problems.
"Many homeowners don’t realize that their indoor air quality is affecting their health until they start experiencing symptoms," says Richard Johnson, owner of Air Allergen & Mold Testing of Stone Mountain. "Testing your air quality helps you identify hidden pollutants and take action before they become a bigger issue."
Let’s explore when you should test your indoor air quality, why it’s important, and what you can do to improve the air in your home.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Poor indoor air quality can lead to various health problems, especially for those with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions. Pollutants like mold spores, dust mites, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and pet dander can build up in enclosed spaces, affecting your health over time.
Common Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality:
✔ Frequent sneezing, coughing, or congestion
✔ Headaches, dizziness, or fatigue
✔ Worsening asthma or allergy symptoms indoors
✔ Musty odors or persistent dampness
✔ Irritated eyes, nose, or throat
"Many homeowners experience these symptoms and don’t connect them to their indoor environment," Johnson explains. "Testing is the only way to truly know what’s in your air."
When Should You Test Your Indoor Air Quality?
1. After Water Damage or Mold Growth
If you’ve had leaks, flooding, or high humidity, mold could be growing in walls, ceilings, carpets, or HVAC systems. Mold spores become airborne, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, and structural damage.
???? Stone Mountain’s humid climate makes homes especially vulnerable to mold, even if you don’t see it.
"We’ve tested homes where families had persistent allergies, only to find hidden mold growing behind their walls," says Johnson. "Moisture issues must be addressed immediately to prevent mold from taking hold."
2. If You Experience Unexplained Allergy or Asthma Symptoms
If you or your family members experience frequent congestion, sneezing, or asthma flare-ups inside your home, airborne allergens like dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander may be to blame.
3. When Moving into a New Home
New homes may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, adhesives, carpets, and construction materials, while older homes may have issues with mold, asbestos, or lead-based paint dust. Testing before moving in ensures your new home has safe, breathable air.
4. Before Renovating or Remodeling
Construction projects release dust, debris, and chemical fumes into the air. If your home was built before 1980, renovations could also disturb asbestos or lead paint, creating dangerous airborne particles.
5. If You Notice Strange Odors or Poor Ventilation
Musty, chemical-like, or stale odors often indicate the presence of mold, VOCs, or other indoor air pollutants. Poor ventilation can trap contaminants inside, worsening air quality.
6. If Someone in Your Home Has Chronic Health Issues
For individuals with compromised immune systems, respiratory illnesses, or sensitivities to airborne irritants, clean indoor air is essential. Testing can help determine what changes need to be made to create a healthier environment.
What Does an Indoor Air Quality Test Detect?
At Air Allergen & Mold Testing of Stone Mountain, we use state-of-the-art testing equipment to detect and measure various pollutants, including:
✅ Mold Spores & Mildew
- Found in damp areas, basements, crawl spaces, and HVAC systems
- Can trigger asthma, allergies, and chronic sinus infections
✅ Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Released from cleaning products, paints, furniture, and building materials
- Can cause headaches, dizziness, and long-term health effects
✅ Dust & Allergens (Pollen, Pet Dander, Dust Mites)
- Accumulate in carpets, upholstery, and air ducts
- Contribute to sneezing, itchy eyes, and respiratory irritation
✅ Carbon Monoxide & Radon
- Carbon monoxide (CO) can leak from gas appliances and heating systems, leading to poisoning.
- Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can increase lung cancer risk.
✅ Humidity & Moisture Levels
- High humidity fosters mold growth and increases dust mites.
- Low humidity causes dry skin, irritated sinuses, and respiratory discomfort.
"A proper air quality test provides homeowners with clear answers about what's in their air and how to fix it," Johnson explains. "It’s not just about detection—it’s about finding real solutions."
How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
If testing reveals high levels of mold, allergens, or other pollutants, you can take simple steps to improve your home’s air:
1. Improve Ventilation
- Open windows when possible to let in fresh air.
- Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Consider an air exchange system for better circulation.
2. Control Humidity Levels
- Keep humidity between 30-50% using dehumidifiers.
- Fix leaky pipes and roof leaks immediately.
- Use mold-resistant materials in damp areas.
3. Upgrade Your HVAC System
- Replace air filters every 1-3 months (use HEPA filters).
- Have air ducts professionally cleaned if mold or dust buildup is detected.
4. Reduce Chemical Exposure
- Choose low-VOC paints, adhesives, and cleaning products.
- Avoid artificial air fresheners and aerosols.
5. Use Air Purifiers
- HEPA air purifiers can capture mold spores, pollen, and dust mites.
- Place purifiers in bedrooms and common living areas.
"Improving air quality isn’t just about removing pollutants—it’s about creating an environment where your family can breathe easier," Johnson says.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Indoor Air
Poor indoor air quality affects your health, comfort, and overall well-being. If you’re dealing with allergies, respiratory symptoms, or musty odors, testing your home’s air quality is a crucial first step.
At Air Allergen & Mold Testing of Stone Mountain, we provide professional indoor air quality testing, mold inspections, and expert recommendations to ensure you and your family breathe cleaner, healthier air.
???? Contact us today to schedule an air quality test and take the first step toward a safer home environment!