Residential dust originates from two primary sources:
- Environmental Dust: This type of dust enters your home from the outdoors. It typically includes biological particles like mould, plant tissue, and pollen, as well as mineral particles such as clay and sand. Environmental dust can contribute anywhere from 5% to 50% of the total dust inside a house.
- Indoor Dust: The majority of residential dust comes from indoor sources. Its composition varies from home to home but often includes construction dust, wood particles, lint, paper fibres, mould spores, and even skin flakes.
Residential dust is a complex mixture, making it difficult to establish universal safety limits. However, excessive dust in the air is a known cause of allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
Test Dust Levels with Our Sampling Kit
LCS Laboratory offers a professional-grade air sampling kit to help homeowners measure dust concentrations in their homes. If you suspect that your house is excessively dusty, our kit provides an easy and reliable way to confirm it.
What’s Included in the Sampling Kit
- One air sampling pump.
- Several cassettes for dust collection (one cassette per room).
- Comprehensive sampling instructions.
- A request form for laboratory analysis.
The process is simple and does not require prior experience. We recommend sampling for 3-4 hours to ensure the best sensitivity. This method follows the guidelines established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, USA) #0500 and can detect dust levels as low as 30 μg/m³.
Laboratory Analysis
At LCS Laboratory, we specialise in professional air monitoring services for both industry and homeowners. We are the first laboratory in North America to offer residential air dust testing to the public. After collecting your samples, return them to our laboratory in London, Ontario, for analysis. We will measure the dust levels captured in the cassettes and calculate the concentration of dust in your home’s air. The cost of laboratory analysis is included in the price of the kit.
Understanding Your Laboratory Report
Your report will present dust concentration levels in μg/m³. While no official standards exist for residential air, we use the Ambient Air Quality Criteria (Ontario, 2012) of 120 μg/m³ as a guideline for acceptable indoor air quality. As long as your dust levels remain below this threshold, adverse health effects are unlikely.
Cost and Ordering
We’re here to help you ensure the air in your home is safe and clean. The estimated cost of testing for three rooms is about $250, plus taxes and shipping. For exact pricing or to place your order online, contact us using the links below:
Contact Us:
- Contact Us for shipping instructions.
- Download our price list.
- Download request forms.
About LCS Laboratory
LCS Laboratory Inc. is a professional testing facility located in London, Ontario, Canada, with over 20 years of experience. We pride ourselves on delivering top-tier service and offering unique testing solutions, including this residential air quality kit, which is unavailable elsewhere. Let us assist you in achieving cleaner, safer air for your home.
