Healthy Homes 5: Indoor Air Pollutants and Toxic Materials Course

Inspection Education Topics Student Discussions
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Research & Writing Assignment:

Air samples can be used in a mold inspection to help gather some data about mold spores present in house. The samples are taken by using a vacuum pump that forces air through a collection device which catches mold spores. The samples are then sent off to a laboratory to be analyzed for mold.

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Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector in bedroom 12 inches below ceiling. Furnace is right outside bedroom door. New furnace was installed last fall after one occupant of home suffered carbon monoxide poisoning. There was no CO detector at time of poisoning.

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Research & Writing Assignment:

Co is a dangerous poison that causes several health problems. There are too many deaths each year from CO poisoning while all of them could be avoided just by having CO detectors installed in the home. Installed as recommended they can save a lot of lives.

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Research & Writing Essay Instructions

  1. Choose one inspection article from the Library of Inspection Articles or choose one illustration from the Illustration Gallery that directly relates to the main topics of this course. 
  2. Study the article or illustration. 
  3. In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading the article or studying the image. 

Your essay must the following criteria: 

  • It must be written in English. 
  • It must be at least 40 words in length. 
  • It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.  
  • It must sufficiently comment upon the chosen article or illustration that is related to the main topics of this course. 

This research and writing essay assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--performing an inspection, researching, studying, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, and communicating observations in written form. 

Once you submit your essay, it will be posted to the InterNACHI Inspection Forum. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.  

Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. 


Effects of Lead: If you are concerned about your home containing lead within your home’s components, contacting a qualified professional to evaluate would be highly advisable. Lead can be present within paint in older home built within the 1970’s. Inhalation or consumption of lead can be highly toxic in individuals. Young children or babies are more vulnerable to lead exposure, especially unborn babies whose mothers have been exposed to lead. There are many health risks to children that can cause long term effects. Such as stunted growth, headaches, and brain damage. Adults are also not safe from high levels of lead exposure, such as muscles and joint pain, memory loss, and difficulties in pregnancies. If you are suspected to be exposed to lead or are having health related issues, contacting a health care provider is recommended. Additionally if you suspect lead to be present within your home, consulting with a qualified professional or inspector to further evaluate is recommended to determine the presence and removal process.