Why You Should Assess Indoor Air Quality During and After Construction or Renovation
Whether you’re building a new home, upgrading an office space, or completing a major renovation, indoor air quality (IAQ) should be a top priority. During and after construction, airborne contaminants can accumulate to levels that affect health, comfort, and productivity if they’re not properly identified and controlled.
Construction Dust and Chemical Emissions
According to Health Canada’s Guidance for Indoor Air Quality Professionals (2025), construction and renovation projects can release a variety of pollutants — including fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon monoxide (CO).
These contaminants originate from:
New building materials such as flooring (all types), paints, sealants, adhesives, and insulation.
Dust and debris from drywall sanding, concrete cutting, demolition and Asbestos fibres from old plaster and pipe insulation removal.
Combustion byproducts from equipment and tools powered by gas or diesel.
Moisture accumulation, which can lead to mould growth if surfaces are not properly dried.
Why Testing Matters
Poor indoor air quality doesn’t just create temporary odours or discomfort. It can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms — especially in people with asthma or allergies. Health Canada and ASHRAE (Standards 62.1 and 62.2) emphasize that proper ventilation and post-construction air testing are critical for maintaining healthy indoor environments.
Post-Renovation IAQ Assessment Steps
After construction or renovation, a certified Indoor Air Quality Test Technician (CIAQTT) should:
Measure airborne particulate and chemical pollutants, including VOCs, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde.
Check ventilation performance against ASHRAE standards for airflow and filtration efficiency.
Inspect for hidden moisture or mould using infrared thermography and moisture mapping techniques.
Verify occupant safety by ensuring contaminant levels meet Health Canada exposure guidelines.
How Envirotrak Analytics Can Help
At Envirotrak Analytics Ltd., our Certified Indoor Air Quality Test Technicians and Certified Infrared Moisture Surveyors provide comprehensive IAQ assessments for homes and offices across the Toronto GTA and surrounding regions.
We use calibrated instruments and can deploy real-time monitoring to identify hidden air quality hazards and provide data-driven, action-based recommendations to ensure your space is healthy, compliant, and comfortable.
Protect your investment — and your health — by scheduling an indoor air quality assessment before moving back in.
📍 Visit envirotrak.ca to learn more or book a professional IAQ inspection.
