When you smell unusual chemical odors in your house, you are likely exposed to various organic vapors. Our modern homes are packed with chemicals, and no surprise to anyone, that outbreaks happen from time to time. We often see 5 sources of chemicals in residential houses:
- Household chemicals like detergents, cleaners, furniture polishers, and hobby supplies
- Construction paints, thinners, varnishes, polyurethane foam insulation, glues, and adhesives. All those smells that we feel after a recent renovation.
- Another group of volatiles includes perfume, incense, and all kinds of air fresheners. They are neither safe nor healthy
- Wood and wood products like furniture, flooring boards, laminate, and engineered flooring are famous to release formaldehyde
- Biological volatile organic compounds that are produced by our bodies, our pets, and microorganisms living in our houses.
Formaldehyde is a very toxic and carcinogenic chemical and it is not a surprise that Health Canada regulates its concentration at only 40 parts per billion. Almost all formaldehyde that is found in our homes, originates from synthetic polymers, resins, and adhesives. In addition, some formaldehyde is produced as a byproduct of combustion: around fireplaces, near gas stoves, or from scented candles. Despite its toxicity, formaldehyde-containing products are too common and are found in every house: furniture, laminated, and engineering floors. We had seen houses with formaldehyde concentration in the air 3-5 times above the regulated limit.
LCS Laboratory offers air quality testing of your home and office for vapors of formaldehyde and organic solvents. We have unique expertise and our own testing laboratory to address your need on different levels. We will discuss the project with you well in advance of the sampling day to make sure that we address your needs and concerns. One of our technicians will visit your place to collect data and the air samples, which will be analyzed in our lab and the findings will be presented in form of a comprehensive report. We offer 3 different air quality solutions that are different by scope and therefore by price.
Screening testing for Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) and Formaldehyde. During the visit, we conduct a walkthrough inspection of the property and collect data about TVOC level in your house. The concentration of the solvents and formaldehyde in the air is evaluated and compared against the current standards for TVOC and Formaldehyde. The typical cost of a such project is between $250 and $400- Standard testing for TVOC and Formaldehyde employs governmentally-approved laboratory methods and therefore is significantly more sensitive and accurate than the screening test above. Our technician will collect the air samples during his visit and will forward them to our own laboratory for testing. The findings will be the current standards for TVOC and Formaldehyde. Usually, the cost of the study is between $400 and $800
Comprehensive air quality study of volatile organic materials and formaldehyde assumes the collection and identification of major chemicals found in the air. The samples of air from your house will be analyzed using gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography. The final air quality report will impact of detected chemicals on the air quality of your house. The possible source of contamination will be discussed. This top-of-the-line approach usually costs between $1500 – $5000, and depends on the size of the property.
Service availability. We offer this service to residents of SW Ontario
What is the typical cost of the service? The cost depends on the driving distance to your property, the number of rooms that need to be tested, and the urgency of the project. To request a quote, please send us an email to info@lcslaboratory.com Tell us what service you need, what is your name, the location of the property, and the number of rooms to be tested.
About LCS Laboratory Inc., and this test. We are a professional testing laboratory located in London, Ontario. We offer our 25 years of experience in air quality testing, our accredited lab service, and the perfect 5-star rating as recognized by Google. We offer this and other services for homeowners and construction professionals. Please email us if you have any questions. Thank you for your interest and stay safe.
