.png)
Why test for these toxins?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) majorly cause indoor air pollution. They are often released from everyday items used in homes and offices.
​
-
Sources: Paints, varnishes, cleaning supplies, building materials, and furnishings.
-
Health Effects: Headaches, dizziness, eye, nose, and throat irritation.
-
In severe cases, VOCs can cause respiratory diseases, liver and kidney damage, and even cancer.
-
Energy-efficient homes can trap VOCs due to reduced air exchange.
-
Using fresh air ventilation and low-VOC products can help reduce this issue.
PCBs
PCBs are classified as probable human carcinogens. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly liver and skin cancers. PCBs are also linked to immune system suppression, reproductive and developmental problems, and neurological effects including learning disabilities and memory problems.
​
PCBs do not easily break down in the environment. This means they can remain in homes and surrounding areas long after they were originally used.
​
PCBs were widely used in various building materials and electrical equipment before 1979.
​
PCBs can leach out of old materials and contaminate indoor air and dust.
Lead & Heavy Metals
Do you live in a home or apartment built before 1978?
The paint in your home is likely to contain lead-based paint. As this paint deteriorates, it creates dust that can be inhaled or ingested.
​
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems if it builds up in the body.
Even at low levels, lead exposure can be harmful. It can affect brain development, leading to reduced IQ, behavioral issues, learning disabilities, cause cardiovascular problems, decreased kidney function, and reproductive issues.
​Lead can also be present in old plumbing or in the solder used to join pipes and properties near old industrial areas might have soil contaminated with lead.
Asbestos
Do you live in a home or apartment built before 1980?
​
There’s a high chance it contains asbestos. This mineral fiber was widely used for insulation and fire resistance.
​
-
Common locations: Roofing shingles, ceiling & floor tiles, pipe cement, drywall joint compound, and insulation.
-
Health risks: Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause asbestos, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
-
Precaution: Always test for asbestos before renovations or repairs.
Mold
Mold can cause health problems, especially for those with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. It thrives on organic materials and can damage buildings over time.
​
-
Health effects: Coughing, sneezing, throat irritation, nasal congestion, eye irritation, skin rash, and severe respiratory issues.
-
Common growth areas: Behind walls, above ceiling tiles, under carpets, and other hidden spots.
-
Indoor air quality: Mold spores can degrade air quality, affecting comfort and health.
-
Detection: Testing can reveal hidden moisture issues and leaks.
-
Odor: Often linked to a musty, unpleasant smell.
Radon
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking, and the leading cause among non-smokers.
​
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium in the ground.
It can enter homes through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations, and if it accumulates to high levels, it can be a serious health risk.
PFAS
PFAS are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment.
​
PFAS have been used in a variety of industrial applications and consumer products, including non-stick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, and fire-fighting foams. This widespread use, combined with their chemical stability, means PFAS can be commonly found in homes.
​
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that include PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other substances. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, hormone disruption, immune system suppression, and developmental problems in children.
Because PFAS can accumulate in the body over time, early detection and reduction of exposure are crucial.
Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size, and their potential to carry toxins or harmful chemicals raises health concerns.
​
When microplastics accumulate in the body, they could potentially lead to various health issues, including inflammatory responses and even toxic effects if the particles contain or absorb hazardous substances.
Microplastics are not only present in water but also in the air. They can originate from a variety of household items, such as synthetic textiles, carpets, and other plastic-based products. Microplastics have been found in tap water, bottled water, and even in some filtration systems.
