Huntington Beach, California, June 27, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published a new webpage on sources of indoor particulate matter (PM). The agency reports that it is especially concerned about tiny particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller. These particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs where they could cause serious health effects, including decreased lung function and other concerning conditions.
Particulate matter found indoors includes particles that come from outdoor air and particles that are generated indoors. In a residential environment, EPA reports that PM can be generated by:
- Cooking;
- Some cleaning activities;
- Combustion activities – such as burning candles; use of fireplaces, unvented space heaters, and kerosene heaters; and by smoking tobacco or other products;
- Biological contaminants – such as animals, pests, plants and mold;
- Printers; and
- Indoor chemical reactions.
EPA also states that indoor dust is settled PM from a variety of sources and may contain:
- Outdoor soil and dust that has been blown or tracked indoors;
- Biological particles, also known as biological contaminants, including pollen, mold spores, pet dander, dust mites, and human skin flakes and hair;
- Particles from human activities, such as cooking, cleaning and burning candles;
- Particles from consumer and personal care products;
- Plastics, flame retardants and pesticides; and
- Sometimes industrial chemicals and heavy metals, such as lead.
“These are just some of the numerous potential sources of particulate matter and dust that can impact the indoor air quality of a home or building, causing potential respiratory concerns for building occupants,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “The good news is there are ways to measure the amount of PM indoors and identify its composition so that steps can be taken to improve indoor conditions.”
To help identify exposure risks to PM and other airborne pollutants, LA Testing’s California laboratories offer air monitoring instruments, air testing analysis and all of the sampling supplies needed. They have even sponsored an educational video about common sources of indoor particulate matter that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/v3FEI5WNjCI
To learn more about air quality testing services and monitoring instruments, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.