how the test works
While simple to perform, the Home Air Check test is far from simple in its technology. It is not an inconclusive instant-read test, nor a limited EPA TO (Toxic Organics) method. It is an advanced, comprehensive method for measuring the presence of over 400 VOCs which could be harmful, including all the EPA-defined Toxic Organic compounds, plus actively growing mold.
Performing the test is simple. After placing your order, we will send you a test kit that will contain a sampling pump, a sampling tube for collecting the air sample, and detailed instructions. One test covers a 2,000 sq. ft. area.
After collecting the air sample, simply return the entire kit to us in the pre-paid, pre-addressed shipping container. Once your sample is received, a chemical analysis will be performed in the Prism laboratory by a degreed Chemist using sophisticated, state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation – specifically, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectrometry methods. This type of instrumentation makes possible the ultra-low detection capability that is necessary for the level of accuracy that the Home Air Check test provides. The instrumentation is routinely calibrated and can be traced to National Standards and Technology (NIST) Laboratories. Using proprietary air scanning methodologies and algorithms, we look for over 400 chemical compounds (VOCs) that can be found in home air, as well as 21 specific mold compounds that are generated when mold is actively growing in a home.
From this analysis, two reports are generated. The first report describes the total amount of VOCs and the total concentration of mold VOCs present in your home air. The US Green Building Council recommends a total VOC level of less than 500 ng/L (nanograms per liter) to be considered a healthy environment (the average home is over 1,200 ng/L). The total level of Mold VOCs should be less than 8 ng/L to avoid a problem with active mold growth and possible allergic reactions.
The second report is a VOC Contamination Index, where, rather than list individual chemical compound names and values with no further details, we give you a prediction of the possible sources or materials in the home could be producing the contaminating chemicals. Both of these reports are emailed to you within 5 business days of receipt of your air sample. Armed with all of this information, you will be well equipped to take appropriate steps to remove or reduce the sources of contamination and ultimately improve the quality of air your family breathes. If needed, phone or email support is available to answer any questions you may have.
