How to test if your house is making you sick at home?

Author: Prof. Danielle Nienow Jr.  |  Last update: Monday, June 2, 2025

If you want to monitor your indoor air quality proactively, you can invest in an air quality monitor. This will help you test if your house is making you sick. These devices constantly check the indoor air quality and provide feedback about the levels of different pollutants.

How can I tell if something in my house is making me sick?

If you're experiencing allergies, persistent headaches, chronic fatigue, or respiratory issues, it could be a sign that your house is making you sick.

How to test for toxic house syndrome?

Lead testing is a quick and effective way to determine if your home is making you sick. Indoor Air Quality testing: Indoor air quality (IAQ) testing collects air samples from your home in an effort to determine what allergens, chemicals or other contaminates are circulating through the air in your home.

How do you tell if the air in your house is making you sick?

Allergies, Irritations, or Respiratory Problems

One of the first (and most alarming) signs that your home has poor air quality is if you or your family experience an increase in allergies, irritations, or respiratory problems. These sudden changes can be caused by a variety of air contaminants, such as: Mold spores.

How can you test the air in your house?

There are many indoor air monitors available on the market, including the Airthings Wave Plus and the uHoo Smart Air Monitor. Alternatively, you can buy another type of smart device that has air quality monitoring functionality, such as a tech-enabled air purifier, smart thermostat or indoor home security camera.

9 Signs You Have Toxic Mold In Your Home

What are the symptoms of poor air quality in a house?

Occupants of homes with poor indoor air quality may complain of symptoms such as headache, eye irritation, fatigue, dry throat, sinus congestion, dizziness, and nausea. Because many illnesses can cause these symptoms, diagnosing sick building syndrome is difficult.

How to detect toxins in your home?

You can use a 3M LeadCheck Swab (found at most hardware stores) to do this; be sure you swab any children's products and imported goods. Conduct a lead risk assessment by a certified inspector before any home remodel.

How do I know if my house is toxic?

If you suspect your asthma worsens or is more severe than usual, contact your doctor or medical professional.
  1. Bad Smells In The Home. When there's a bad smell in the home, you can tell. ...
  2. Peeling Wallpaper. ...
  3. Spots On The Wall. ...
  4. Bad Allergies Won't Go Away. ...
  5. Visible Mold Growth. ...
  6. Past Water Damage.

What are the symptoms of toxic air?

Symptoms may include: irritation of the eyes, nose and throat; coughing; phlegm; chest tightness; and shortness of breath. At greatest risk from particle pollution are people with heart or lung disease, older adults (possibly because they may have undiagnosed heart or lung disease), and children.

How to fix poor air quality in house?

Change your furnace filter regularly. Avoid burning in your home, including fireplaces, wood stoves, gas appliances, and candles. Avoid chemicals such as air fresheners, sprays and cleaning products or use a healthier option. Vacuum your rugs and carpets regularly.

What are the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

How to clean the air in your home?

Simple things you can do to improve your indoor air quality include: Reduce dust by vacuuming regularly and using a microfiber or damp cloth for dusting. Reduce humidity to avoid mold and mildew buildup and change appliance filters regularly. And make sure to test your home for dangerous gases like radon.

What are the symptoms of sick house syndrome?

Indicators of SBS include:

Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors.

How do you test for a sick house?

Home Air Quality Monitor

If you want to monitor your indoor air quality proactively, you can invest in an air quality monitor. This will help you test if your house is making you sick. These devices constantly check the indoor air quality and provide feedback about the levels of different pollutants.

How do you know if something is wrong with your house?

Is Your Home Structurally Unstable? Warning Signs to Know
  1. Bouncy or Sagging Floors.
  2. Gaps Between Walls and Floors.
  3. Cracks in Walls or Ceilings.
  4. Bowing or Leaning Walls.
  5. Sticking Doors and Windows.
  6. Bowing or Leaning Walls.
  7. Musty Smells.
  8. Exterior Wall Cracks.

How do you get rid of sick house syndrome?

How to ease symptoms of sick building syndrome yourself
  1. open windows to improve ventilation, if you can.
  2. set the temperature at about 19C and do not change it lots of times during the day.
  3. try to reduce stress.
  4. take regular screen breaks if you use a computer.
  5. go outside for some fresh air during lunchtime and other breaks.

How can I tell if the air in my house is bad?

6 Obvious Signs Your Home Is an Indoor Air Quality Disaster
  1. You Experience Unexplained Health Issues. ...
  2. Your Vents Are Super Dusty. ...
  3. You Can See Mold or Mildew Growing. ...
  4. You Smell Stale or Unpleasant Odors. ...
  5. Sleep Issues Are Becoming More Prevalent. ...
  6. The Temperature Feels Inconsistent From Room to Room.

What are the signs and symptoms of air sickness?

Symptoms can range from mild to serious, and can include:
  • dizziness.
  • generally feeling unwell and tired.
  • excessive production of saliva.
  • headache.
  • nausea, vomiting.
  • burping.
  • sweating.

How can I test the air quality in my home?

Install an Indoor Air Monitor

An indoor air quality monitor checks and analyses the air quality in your home. This is also one of the easiest approaches to employ when learning how to test home air quality. Just be sure to choose a monitor that best suits your needs.

How can I tell if my house is making me sick?

Repeated or prolonged exposure to high levels of some VOCs can cause blurred vision, headaches, nausea, dizziness, coughing, burning eyes, respiratory irritation, skin rashes, respiratory illness, concentration difficulties, and other symptoms.

What is the most toxic thing in your home?

Poisonous Products in Your Home: How to Stay Safe
  • 1/10. Bleach. Bleach can irritate your nose, skin, eyes, and throat. ...
  • 2/10. Drain Cleaner. Lye and sulfuric acid are the main ingredients in drain cleaners. ...
  • 3/10. Carpet Cleaner. ...
  • 4/10. Ammonia. ...
  • 5/10. Air Freshener. ...
  • 6/10. Laundry Detergent. ...
  • 7/10. Antifreeze. ...
  • 8/10. Mothballs.

How do you get rid of a toxic house?

Keep interactions with your toxic people to a minimum. Don't give them any ammunition to use against you. In most cases children isn't allowed to make decisions for themselves and have to be completely dependable on their parents or guardian until they reach a certain age to move on to their own home.

Could something in my house be making me sick?

Is your house making you sick? Don't be surprised if the answer is yes. Toxins, pesticides, gases, mites, and molds are everywhere, and the more you're exposed to them, the greater your risk for developing the health problems they can cause.

How do I flush all the toxins out of my body?

How To Help Your Body's Detox Processes
  1. Care for Your Skin. ...
  2. Consider Taking Prebiotics. ...
  3. Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods. ...
  4. Get Good Sleep. ...
  5. Get Moving. ...
  6. Stay Hydrated. ...
  7. Swap Added Sugars for Foods Rich in Antioxidants. ...
  8. Take It Easy With Alcohol.

How much does it cost to get your air quality tested?

Average indoor air quality testing costs around $400, but can range from $250 to $550+. Testing specific pollutants can cost you $100 to $1,000+.

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