Indoor Air Quality testing evaluates the air inside a home to identify contaminants that may affect health or comfort.
Testing can detect:
- Mould spores
- VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
- Formaldehyde
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
- Radon
- Particulates (PM2.5 / PM10)
- Humidity levels
A qualified IAQ inspection typically involves:
Visual assessment:
- Moisture damage
- Ventilation issues
- Musty odours
- Poor airflow
- Sources of pollutants (construction materials, gas appliances, chemicals)
Environmental Measurements:
Using specialized tools:
- Humidity meters
- Temperature readings
- CO & CO₂ meters
- Particulate counters
- VOC detectors
- Moisture meters
- Thermal imaging (optional)
Air Sampling:
Optional laboratory testing to confirm:
- Mould spore levels
- VOC concentrations
- Chemical contaminants
Mould Air Sampling
Detects airborne spores to confirm hidden mould.
VOC & Chemical Testing
Identifies off-gassing from:
- New construction materials
- Paints
- Furniture
- Carpets
- Cleaners and chemicals
Particulate Testing
Measures fine dust (PM2.5 & PM10), often related to:
- Poor ventilation
- Nearby traffic
- Fireplace/wood stove use
- Smoking
Combustion Gas Testing
Detects:
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Natural gas leaks (with gas sniffer)
Radon Testing
Long-term or short-term radon testing for radioactive gas exposure.
IAQ testing is advised when:
- There are health complaints (headaches, allergies, cough)
- Odours, mustiness, or stale air are present
- After a flood or water damage
- In older homes with possible asbestos or lead concerns
- In newer homes with high VOC construction materials
- Rooms feel excessively humid or dry
- Tenants or buyers request environmental verification
- Identifies health hazards
- Detects hidden mould issues
- Confirms ventilation problems
- Provides documentation for buyers, landlords, and insurance
- Helps homeowners improve air quality and reduce symptoms
- Indoor air quality testing is recommended to assess for potential airborne contaminants, including mould spores, VOCs, and particulates. Further evaluation by a qualified indoor environmental specialist is advised.
Mould
If you notice a musty or mouldy smell in your home, there may be hidden mould growth. You may also experience allergic reactions such as sneezing, irritated eyes, a runny nose, or even hair loss—these can all be signs of mould exposure.
Mould testing helps identify whether your home has a mould or moisture problem. The three main testing methods are air, surface, and bulk testing, each with unique advantages and limitations.
Air Mould Testing
(Available as an add-on service)
Air testing measures the level of mould spores in your indoor air. A specialized pump collects both indoor and outdoor air samples, which are analyzed under a microscope at an accredited lab. You will receive a detailed report within 2 business days.
Air testing is especially helpful for detecting hidden mould or moisture issues. However, spore levels can fluctuate throughout the day due to environmental factors, meaning results may vary. Samples may also not represent mould conditions in other parts of the home.
Air sampling can be added to your home inspection when booking or during the inspection.
For pricing, see Fees.
Surface Mould Testing
Surface testing involves swab or tape-lift samples collected from suspected areas. These samples are analyzed to identify mould type and presence. Because mould does not grow evenly across surfaces and can change over time, results may vary. Surface testing also cannot determine the amount of mould spores circulating in the air.
Bulk Mould Testing
Bulk testing uses pieces of material from the home that may contain mould and examines them under a microscope. This method can confirm the presence of mould and provide an idea of particle concentration.
Note: Bulk sampling is not offered, as it is typically destructive to building materials.
Radon
WHAT IS RADON?
- Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from
uranium in the ground that can get into your home undetected. You can’t see it, smell it
or taste it. - All homes have some level of radon.
The question is how much and the only
way to know is to test.
In confined spaces like a house, radon
can build up to high levels and over time
become a health risk. - The current Canadian guideline for radon is
200 becquerels per cubic meter (200 Bq/m3).
WHAT ARE HEALTH RISKS?
- Radon exposure is the number one cause of lung
cancer in non-smokers. 16% of lung cancers are
estimated to be from radon exposure, resulting
more than 3,000 lung cancer deaths in Canada
each year. - People who smoke AND are exposed to radon
have an even higher risk of lung cancer. - The health risk from radon is long-term not
immediate. The longer you are exposed to
high levels of radon, the greater your risk.