KEEPING THE ENVIRONMENT SAFE AND HYGIENIC: ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
The environment people live in can pose several risks to their health besides bacteria and viruses. More than 5000 people suffer from environmental toxins in Australia each year. Many of these risks can be overcome with the use of masks, which is now mandatory globally. While face masks are the saviour of the hour, they also can cause physical problems. People wearing respirators or other safety equipment over their noses and mouths should undergo respirator fitness testing in Sydney or other parts of Australia to ensure that they are not negatively affected by wearing this safety equipment.
Face masks are an effective solution to protecting oneself from viruses, bacteria, pollution and other hazardous environmental toxins. But it is nearly impossible to wear face masks all the time, especially if the toxins are present in homes, offices or other spaces frequented by individuals. Sometimes, people may not even be aware of these potential toxins. The most effective solution to eradicate possible toxins is through environmental testing.
WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING?
Environmental testing refers to studying the environment by collecting air and soil samples to test their contents. Agencies offering this service conduct in-depth surveys into the environment and list the different components in the particular surroundings. This list helps people get a comprehensive understanding of the air they breathe. This air might have toxins due to several reasons. After identifying the toxins, these agencies also help purify and eradicate these toxins.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL TESTS?
Several toxins may exist in an environment, but the most dangerous toxins are lead, asbestos and mould. These are also the most common toxins that require environmental testing for identification.
Lead Testing
Older buildings are more likely to have paint in their paint. Lead was a common ingredient in wall and floor paints before government regulations ordered its discontinuation. Some property owners may have put an additional coat of paint to mask the lead, but this is not an effective solution. Instead, lead testing consultants take paint samples and conduct lab tests on the samples. Tests that come back with positive results can commission lead clearing from the same agencies. After the clearance, they must also check the air to ensure the clearing didn’t release toxins before allowing inhabitants to reoccupy the building.
Asbestos Testing
Asbestos is an especially hazardous substance that naturally occurs in fire retardants. Conducting regular tests helps ensure that the asbestos levels are within safe ranges. Agencies conduct asbestos testing by taking air and wall samples to test. They also help clear the asbestos if they find any and also help in the rehabilitation process.
Mould Testing
Mould is essentially a fungus that occurs in damp spots on walls and wooden floors. The fungus releases spores into the air that people breathe and can cause several respiratory problems. Environmental testing agencies conduct air testing to check for mould spores. After testing, they also help clear mould spores and find the cause for the damp spots, which encourage mould growth.
LIVING WITH FACE MASKS AND RESPIRATORS: RESPIRATOR FITNESS TESTING IN SYDNEY
Aerial toxins in homes can affect babies as well, leading to almost 233 infant deaths every year. Wearing face masks or respirators can help combat these usual air toxins until a clearing or testing agency comes to take care of the problem. But before donning a respirator, it is essential to undergo respirator fitness testing in Sydney or other parts of Australia. This test compares the individual’s facial features and the facepiece of the equipment to check if they match. Obtaining this certificate is essential for those who will be wearing them quite frequently.
