Why Newer Buildings are Failing Indoor Air Quality Testing in Toronto

Posted in Air Quality, on June 20, 2025

The meteoric construction of new buildings in Toronto leads many people to think that these homes and offices are safer than older ones, with improved air quality, healthier building materials, and modern HVAC equipment. But professional air quality testing in Toronto has revealed many surprising results: new builds suffer from poor air quality and indoor pollution just as much as old properties. In this article, the SafeAir team will explain how air quality testing is necessary for all types of homes and why new builds can often get a failing grade. 

Common Reasons Newer Builds Fail Indoor Air Quality Tests

Home building is a complex science. Most of us don’t associate “science” with construction, but it’s just as much about chemicals and materials as it is about engineering and loads. New homes may fail air quality testing for many reasons, but some of the common ones the SafeAir team has seen include: 

• Tight building envelopes that reduce natural ventilation. 
• The use of synthetic materials and finishes that off-gas or create VOCs. 
• Construction dust, chemicals, and debris left behind. 
• HVAC systems that are not correctly balanced, vented, or maintained. 
• Moisture and mold risks from construction problems. 

Why This Matters for Homeowners

Not all new builds will have indoor air quality problems, but many will. It’s often difficult, if not impossible, to assess air quality problems without professional testing because many of the signs and symptoms are challenging to diagnose with the human senses. For example, reduced ventilation has few visible signs or symptoms, and the ones it might cause, like headaches, are easy to attribute to other problems. 

Poor air quality at home can lead to many health risks. Beyond headaches, many of our clients complain about respiratory issues like coughing or wheezing, itchy eyes, allergies, and poor sleep. The impact on your well-being and overall comfort is hard to quantify, but it is a critical ingredient for rest. Over a long-term period, air quality issues may affect chronic health conditions and can even lead to life-long problems like asthma. 

What You Can Do About It

If you live in a new home or condominium, the first step we recommend is to have an indoor air quality test. This rigorous, science-based protocol will assess your indoor environment for common chemicals, mould growth, airflow, temperature, and dozens of other air quality markers that determine health and comfort. 

Another excellent time for air quality testing in Toronto is during a move or renovation. This can help determine a baseline for your new home (useful for future assessments!) or help you know where improvements need to be made. 

During renos, choose low-VOC or eco-materials to prevent harmful chemicals from being brought into your home. SafeAir also recommends ventilating both during and after any construction work to ensure that the air environment is refreshed. 

Test Your Home with SafeAir

There are many small things the average homeowner can do to help maintain healthy indoor air quality. Some of these things are as straightforward as regularly swapping furnace filters or choosing scent-free products. But when you have questions about air quality safety, the best thing to do is not to guess but consult the experts at SafeAir. Let us help you professionally assess your indoor environment and make your home healthy and comfortable. To learn more about air quality testing in Toronto, contact us to schedule your indoor air quality assessment today. 

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