Home Test Kit Helps Identify Asthma Triggers

May 15, 2012 - PRLog -- According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors.  For those suffering from asthma this makes it all the more important that the air they breathe in their homes, offices and schools is free of elevated levels of known asthma triggers.

One common asthma trigger that has been recognized for years is mold.  The EPA has even developed a dedicated section of their website for informing people about the role of mold as an asthma trigger.  The EPA website states, “Molds can be found almost anywhere when moisture is present. Molds create tiny spores to reproduce, just as plants produce seeds. Mold spores float through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on damp places indoors, they may begin growing. For people sensitive to molds, inhaling mold spores can trigger an asthma attack.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recognize the important role that mold exposure can have in triggering asthma.  The CDC reports, “Inhaling or breathing in mold can cause an asthma attack. Get rid of mold in all parts of your home to help control your asthma attacks. Keep the humidity level in your home between 35% and 50%. In hot, humid climates, you may need to use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier or both. Fix water leaks, which allow mold to grow behind walls and under floors.”

One company that has been at the forefront of helping people identify mold risks in indoor environments is IAQ Index.  The company has developed an easy to use test kit to sample for mold in homes, offices and schools.  “Over 25 million people in the U.S. suffer from asthma,” reported Bruce Jacobs, CIH, President of IAQ Index.  “Each year, asthma accounts for over 15 million physician visits, 2 million emergency room visits and costs the nation over $56 billion dollars.  The IAQ Index test kit allows people to quickly and accurately determine if mold is a problem in their environment to help stop asthma attacks and indoor allergies,” he continued.

To learn more about testing for mold please visit IAQ Index at http://www.IAQIndex.com, email info@IAQIndex.com or call (888) 259-3883.
 
About IAQ Index
IAQ Index was developed by a Certified Industrial Hygienist with decades of experience dealing with indoor air quality issues.  IAQ Index was developed as a health-based, easy-to-understand, air quality index that is calculated from data generated for various parameters commonly measured during IAQ surveys.  The approach is similar to the EPA’s Air Quality Index that has been used historically to communicate the risks posed by common pollutants in the ambient air.