How Do You Interpret Indoor Air Quality Test Results?

Every indoor air quality test report includes reference ranges for each pollutant measured, such as mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, or particulate matter. These ranges show what is typical for a home. Your results list a number for each pollutant, and you compare that to the range on the report.

If your reading falls within the reference range, the air is generally acceptable for that pollutant. If it exceeds the range, the report may flag it as elevated. Reference ranges are guidelines, not absolute rules. A small overshoot might not cause health issues, but a large spike often warrants attention.

• Compare each reading to its specific reference range
• Note which pollutants are elevated, if any
• Look for a summary or notes section on the report
• Check the date and time of sampling for accuracy
• See if the lab identified a likely source, like mold or moisture
• Keep the report for future comparison after remediation

The test result alone does not reveal where the problem is. You need to find the source. Common culprits include mold growth from water damage, poor ventilation in bathrooms or kitchens, and off-gassing from building materials. A musty smell often points to mold, while a chemical smell might indicate VOCs from cleaners or paint.

Walk through your home and look for visible signs of moisture, such as water stains, discolored drywall, or peeling paint. Check damp-prone areas like basements, attics, and around windows. If you find water damage, that is a strong clue. The test result helps narrow the search, but you still need to inspect.

You might not need to call anyone for a single elevated reading that is easy to fix. But if the test shows high mold levels and you have had water damage, or if you cannot find the source, professional help is wise. The pros have tools like moisture meters and thermal cameras to find hidden leaks.

If you have had flooding or a burst pipe, cleanup is often beyond what you can do alone. Water-damaged materials need to be removed and replaced. The pros can handle that work, from tearing out wet drywall to drying the space. They can also help you understand whether the air quality issue is likely to resolve after cleanup.