The Indoor Air/Clean Air Quiz

Studies in Canada and the U.S. have shown that our homes can contain an array of potentially harmful pollutants, and that a typical home can contain concentrations of some contaminants that are between two to five times higher than outdoors levels. Take this quick quiz to see how the air in your home is doing.

An average home can contain numerous pollutants, such as toxic chemicals from various household and personal products and biological contaminants like pet dander, mould, and household dust. Taken together, household pollutants can have a negative health effect, especially when combined with poor ventilation.

While your home may benefit from a comprehensive indoor air audit, here are some questions that highlight the three key problem areas:

1. Potential Problem Area #1: Chemical pollutants. These can be found in many household products, building materials and in tobacco smoke.
   • You use products or pesticides that contain harsh or toxic chemicals.
   • You store items such as paints or automotive chemicals in your home.
   • You allow smoking in your home.
     
     
2. Potential Problem Area #2: Biological Sources. This category includes things like bacteria, dust mites, animal dander and moulds.
   • Areas of your home are noticeably damp-and you see moulds or mildew.
   • Your humidifier or dehumidifier is not being maintained.
   • You have pets-such as a cat, dog or even smaller animals like a hamster or bird.
     
     
3. Potential Problem Area #3: Ventilation Issues. These issues can occur by if you're not getting enough outdoor exchange to dilute pollutants, or if your home systems are causing their own air quality issues.
   
   • You notice odd or lingering odours.
   • Your air seems stale or stuffy.
   • Your central heating or air conditioning equipment may be dirty or faulty.
   • Your furnace, fireplace, wood or gas stove may not be vented properly.
     
     
4. Other Key Signals?
   
   • You have a reaction after weatherproofing, renovating or moving into a new home.
   • You feel noticeably healthier when you're not at home.
     

If you answer yes to any of these questions, your home could probably use some clean air attention. Call us, toll-free, at 1-800-972-2636 for a copy of the What You Can Do guide!

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