By: Dan Faraldo, Avigael Laeda, & Sarah Dahlqvist
Most New Year’s Resolutions focus on self-improvement in some way. Generally, people try to quit smoking, start exercising, or change their diets to include healthier food choices as ways to improve their health. However, most neglect to make resolutions about improving the air they breathe. It goes without saying that the air we breathe is vital to our health, especially during this critical time as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise. A lot of us are working from home in the midst of the pandemic, and all of us are spending more time quarantined at home, so why not make 2021 the year you make your home the healthiest it has ever been!
Here are three ways to have a healthier home in the new year:
- Focus on improving indoor air quality. This newfound focus will require many tasks – but they shouldn’t be hard to do. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and mopping will eliminate many of the dust particles that prevent our air from being at its purest. Buying houseplants would also be another great thing to consider, as they help to improve the oxygen content of the air we take in. As well, making sure to take your shoes off before entering your home will prevent excess dirt and grime to come in from outside. Our team of environmental experts at MBC specializes in Air Quality Services. We employ a number of trained individuals who all have strong understandings of the indoor environment. They maximize their inspection processes to target all areas of concern in your home or office. The air you breathe in your home, if not looked after, can cause health and wellness issues that can be avoided through thorough inspections.
- Test for asbestos. Known for causing lung cancer, mesothelioma and other deadly respiratory diseases, asbestos is definitely a material you do not want in your home. This is not to scare you! Even if asbestos is present, it is not a danger unless the materials are disturbed. If you plan to do renovations, or if you live in an older home, our consultants can complete on-site assessments as well as sampling and analysis of the materials collected. Our team will be able to let you know if you should be concerned about asbestos, and if applicable, locate asbestos contained within such areas as your furnace, plumbing, electrical wiring, attics, cinder block walls, flooring, and ceilings.
- Limit the moisture in your home. When you’re taking a shower – especially when you take those long hot showers during the winter – it’s important to get your exhaust fan running, and to leave it running for about 20-30 minutes after your shower is complete. When you’re cooking in the kitchen, running your exhaust fan is just as important. Limiting moisture in your home will help to prevent the growth of mould. Another helpful tip is to look at your windows and if there is a moisture build-up. If so, it might be time to consider addressing the problem. When mould spores are airborne, they can present many health hazards to our respiratory systems. Asthmatics should be especially aware of this.
Another service we offer is Moisture Monitoring Services, which evaluates buildings for moisture sources such as building envelop failures, leakage issues and occupant-based moisture sources that could be the cause of mould development. We also offer Mould Assessment Services that include inspections involving analytical sampling, moisture analysis and thermal scanning. If you have noticed mould in your home, or areas that have a lot of moisture, be proactive and reach out today.
Let’s work together to make 2021 your healthiest year yet! For more information on any and all of the above-mentioned services, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-547-0608 or email us at: assignments@mbc-group.ca to see how we can help.
