The air we breathe is often filled with microscopic particles known as dust, ranging in size from 0.01 microns to 100 microns. These particles are so light that they can remain suspended in the air for days, exposing us to viruses, bacteria, mould spores, and chemical pollutants. This can lead to illnesses or allergic reactions. The smallest particles pose the greatest risk, as they penetrate deep into the lungs and are absorbed into the alveoli, while larger particles tend to be trapped in the nasal cavity and expelled naturally.
Scientists classify these particles into three main categories:
- PM2.5: Fine particles less than 2.5 microns in size.
- PM10: Coarse particles up to 10 microns in size.
- Total Dust: All particles, from the smallest to the largest.
Understanding the amount and size distribution of dust in your home is crucial for assessing air quality. LCS Laboratory Inc. offers a comprehensive air sampling kit to measure Total Dust, PM10, and PM2.5 concentrations in residential air.
How the Sampling Kit Works
Your kit includes:
- One air sampling pump.
- Several cassettes for dust collection (one cassette per room).
- Clear sampling instructions.
- A request form for laboratory analysis.
The process is straightforward and requires no prior training. Simply operate the pump to collect air samples from the desired rooms for a recommended duration of three hours. This method, based on NIOSH (USA) methodology #0500, achieves high sensitivity and can detect dust levels as low as 30 μg/m³.
Laboratory Analysis
LCS Laboratory Inc. specializes in professional air monitoring services. We are the first and only laboratory in Canada and the United States to offer residential dust testing for homeowners. After you collect the samples, return them to our laboratory in London, Ontario, for analysis. Our team will determine the concentration of dust captured in each cassette and calculate the corresponding air quality levels for your home. The cost of analysis is included in the price of the kit.
Understanding Your Results
Your laboratory report will detail the concentration of dust in μg/m³. For reference, the following standards can guide your assessment of air quality:
- Total Dust: 120 μg/m³ (Ambient Air Quality Criteria, Ontario, 2012).
- PM10: 50 μg/m³ (LEED standard for new buildings, 2017).
- PM2.5: 15 μg/m³ (LEED standard for new buildings, 2017).
Dust levels below these thresholds are unlikely to cause adverse health effects. Ideally, indoor air quality should have dust concentrations lower than those found outdoors.
Why Choose LCS Laboratory?
Located in London, Ontario, LCS Laboratory Inc. has over 20 years of experience providing high-quality testing services. Our laboratory offers unique tests, such as this residential air quality kit, that are not available elsewhere. We are committed to helping homeowners achieve safer, cleaner air.
Take Action Today
Ensure the air in your home is clean and safe. Contact LCS Laboratory with any questions or for shipping instructions: Contact Us. Download our price list and request forms to get started. The estimated cost of testing for three rooms is $310, plus taxes and shipping.
