Your brand-new home in Town and Country or Chesterfield smells like fresh paint and new carpet. The countertops gleam. But beneath that move-in-ready appearance, the air is loaded with hazardous particulates you cannot see, smell, or feel.
Crystalline silica dust, drywall particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fiberglass fragments remain suspended in the air and embedded in every surface after construction crews leave. These contaminants are regulated by OSHA for a reason: they cause silicosis, chronic respiratory disease, and long-term organ damage.
Standard cleaning will not solve this problem. A broom, a mop, and a consumer vacuum redistribute fine particles back into the air your family breathes. Only industrial HEPA H13 extraction and negative air machines can capture and remove them.
What Is Lurking in the Air of Your New Home?
Every phase of construction introduces specific contaminants. Framing generates sawdust. Drywall finishing releases gypsum and crystalline silica. Tile work creates concrete dust. Painting introduces VOCs. Cabinet installation off-gasses formaldehyde from engineered wood products.
The OSHA permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica is 50 µg/m³ over an 8-hour period. New construction sites routinely exceed this threshold. Homeowners in Ladue and Frontenac investing $500K to $3M+ deserve clinically clean air at delivery.
Construction Particulate Size Comparison
| Contaminant | Particle Size | Visible? | HEPA Capture | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drywall Dust | 1 - 100 µm | Partially | 99.97% | Respiratory irritation |
| Crystalline Silica | 0.1 - 10 µm | Invisible | 99.97% | Silicosis, lung cancer (OSHA regulated) |
| Paint VOCs | Gaseous | Invisible | Carbon filtration | Headaches, organ damage |
| Sawdust / Wood Dust | 10 - 200 µm | Visible | 99.97% | Allergies, nasal cancer (hardwoods) |
| Concrete / Mortar Dust | 0.5 - 50 µm | Partially | 99.97% | Chemical burns, silicosis |
| Fiberglass Insulation | 1 - 10 µm | Invisible | 99.97% | Skin, eye, lung irritation |
| Pollen (comparison) | 10 - 100 µm | Visible | 99.97% | Seasonal allergies |
The most dangerous particles — crystalline silica, fiberglass, and fine concrete dust — are invisible to the naked eye. A new home can appear spotless while the air remains hazardous.
What Are VOCs and Why Do New Homes Have Elevated Levels?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gas at room temperature from construction materials. The EPA reports indoor VOC concentrations in new construction are 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels. In some cases, concentrations reach 10 times outdoor levels within the first 6 months.
Interior Paint & Primers
Compounds: Benzene, formaldehyde, toluene
Duration: Heavy 2-4 weeks, continues 6+ months
Adhesives & Sealants
Compounds: Isocyanates, acetone, MEK
Duration: Peak 1-2 weeks, residual months
Engineered Wood & Cabinetry
Compounds: Formaldehyde (urea-formaldehyde resins)
Duration: Continuous for 2+ years
Carpet & Padding
Compounds: Styrene, 4-phenylcyclohexene
Duration: Strongest first 72 hours, continues 4-6 weeks
Vinyl / LVP Flooring
Compounds: Phthalates, plasticizers
Duration: Continuous low-level for years
Spray Foam Insulation
Compounds: Isocyanates, amine catalysts
Duration: Curing 24-72 hours, residual weeks
Professional air scrubbing with activated carbon filtration reduces measurable VOC concentrations by 60-80% in 24-48 hours, compared to weeks of passive ventilation alone.
What Are the Health Consequences of Skipping HEPA Extraction?
The OSHA classify crystalline silica as a known human carcinogen. Chronic low-level exposure — exactly what occurs when families move into improperly cleaned new homes — causes irreversible lung scarring. Children and elderly residents face elevated risk.
Immediate Symptoms (Days to Weeks)
- Persistent coughing and throat irritation
- Eye redness, burning, and watering
- Headaches and dizziness (VOC exposure)
- Nasal congestion and sinus pressure
- Skin irritation from fiberglass particles
- Worsened asthma and allergy symptoms
Long-Term Risks (Months to Years)
- Silicosis (irreversible lung scarring)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Increased lung cancer risk (silica exposure)
- Liver and kidney damage (VOC exposure)
- Chronic bronchitis and reduced lung function
- Neurological effects from sustained VOC inhalation
A professional 3-phase HEPA extraction costs a fraction of a single ER visit for respiratory distress. For families building luxury homes in Ladue or Frontenac, the extraction cost represents less than 0.1% of the total construction budget.
Why Won't Standard Cleaning Remove Post-Construction Contaminants?
Consumer Vacuums Recirculate Dust
Standard filters capture particles above 10-50 microns. Silica dust at 0.1-10 microns passes through and blows back into the room at high velocity.
Mopping Spreads Contamination
Wet mopping dissolves surface dust into slurry that dries and re-deposits across a wider area. Without HEPA pre-vacuuming, mopping makes the problem worse.
HVAC Distributes Particulates
Standard HVAC filters (MERV 8-11) capture less than 20% of fine construction dust. Once activated, the system distributes ductwork contamination throughout every room.
| Method | Equipment | Particle Capture | VOC Removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Builder Broom Clean | Broom, shop vac | Visible debris only | None |
| Standard Maid Service | Consumer vacuum, mop | >10 micron only | None |
| HEPA H13 Extraction | Air scrubbers, negative air machines, HEPA vacuums | 99.97% at 0.3 microns | Carbon filtration + forced air exchange |
The gap is not incremental — it is categorical. For a property investment of $500,000+ in Town and Country or Chesterfield, accepting builder broom-clean compromises your family's respiratory health.
What Does a Professional 3-Phase HEPA Extraction Protocol Include?
Rough Clean & Air Scrubbing
Immediately following construction completion.
- Remove all construction debris and bulk waste
- Deploy negative air machines for airflow
- HEPA H13 air scrubbers running continuously
- Initial HEPA vacuuming of all hard surfaces
- Seal HVAC registers during extraction
- Wet-wipe walls and ceilings
Detail Clean & Surface Extraction
After 24-48 hours of air scrubbing.
- HEPA vacuum all surfaces including inside cabinets
- Detail clean fixtures, hardware, and appliances
- Window tracks, sills, and frames decontamination
- Surface-specific treatment (stone, wood, steel)
- Interior HVAC register and vent detailing
- Wet extraction of embedded flooring particulates
Final Punch & Verification
Final pass confirming clinical standards.
- White-glove surface inspection on all areas
- Touch-up detailing on remaining residue
- Final HEPA pass on all flooring
- HVAC filter replacement and system verification
- Glass and mirror polishing throughout
- Completion walkthrough with owner or builder
This protocol separates professional post-construction extraction from janitorial cleaning. The 24-48 hour interval between phases allows airborne particulates to settle where they can be captured rather than remaining suspended in the air column.
What Equipment Is Required for Post-Construction HEPA Extraction?
HEPA H13 Air Scrubbers
99.97% capture at 0.3 microns
Industrial units cycling 500-2,000 CFM through true HEPA H13 media, positioned to create circulation patterns directing contaminated air through filtration.
Negative Air Machines
Pressure differential containment
Exhausts filtered air outside while drawing contaminated indoor air through HEPA filtration. Prevents cross-contamination between rooms during extraction.
Commercial HEPA Vacuums
Sealed systems, zero bypass
Fully sealed housings prevent bypass leakage. Specialized attachments for crevice extraction, upholstery, and hard surface decontamination.
Activated Carbon Filtration
VOC and chemical vapor adsorption
Granular activated carbon captures gaseous VOCs that HEPA particulate filters cannot address. Essential for formaldehyde, toluene, and off-gassing chemicals.
Clean Town & Country maintains a full commercial extraction inventory for projects across Town and Country, Ladue, and Chesterfield. Our contractor services program provides builders with turnkey post-construction extraction and priority scheduling.
How Does Extraction Cost Compare to the Health Consequences?
| Expense | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| HEPA Extraction (3-Phase) | $0.15 - $0.60 / sq ft | One-time at move-in |
| ER Visit (Respiratory Distress) | $2,500 - $5,000+ | Per incident |
| Annual Asthma Management | $3,000 - $6,000+ | Recurring annually |
| HVAC Duct Cleaning (post-contamination) | $400 - $1,200 | Required after construction |
| Surface Damage from Silica Abrasion | $2,000 - $15,000+ | Permanent if unaddressed |
For a 3,500 sq ft new build, complete extraction costs $525 to $2,100. Against a construction budget of $1M+, that is 0.05% to 0.21% of total investment. View our pricing structure or call (314) 888-5325 for a project-specific estimate.
What Should You Ask Your Builder About Post-Construction Air Quality?
1. “Does your cleaning scope include HEPA H13 extraction?”
If no, the air has not been decontaminated. Builder broom-clean removes visible debris only.
2. “Were negative air machines used during or after construction?”
Negative air pressure captures airborne particulates at their source and prevents cross-contamination.
3. “What is the HVAC filter status at delivery?”
Construction dust saturates filters immediately. New filters should be installed after extraction, not before.
4. “Have VOC-emitting materials had time to off-gas before closing?”
New paint and cabinetry off-gas most aggressively in the first 2-4 weeks. Air scrubbing accelerates this.
5. “Can I schedule independent HEPA extraction before move-in?”
If the builder cannot provide certified extraction, a third-party service protects your family before occupancy.
If your builder does not offer HEPA extraction, contact Clean Town & Country directly to schedule service before your move-in date.
Frequently Asked Questions About HEPA Extraction for New Homes
Why do new homes need HEPA extraction before move-in?
New construction generates silica dust, drywall particulates, and VOCs from paint, adhesives, and cabinetry that remain airborne and embedded in surfaces after builders leave. OSHA limits respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Standard cleaning redistributes these particles rather than capturing them. HEPA H13 filtration captures 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns, removing health hazards before occupancy.
What is HEPA H13 filtration and how does it work?
HEPA H13 is a filtration classification that captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. Silica dust particles measure 0.1 to 100 microns and drywall dust ranges from 1 to 100 microns. HEPA H13 air scrubbers and negative air machines cycle room air multiple times, trapping fine particulates that standard vacuums and HVAC filters cannot capture.
How long does post-construction HEPA extraction take for a new home?
A complete 3-phase post-construction HEPA extraction typically takes 1-3 days depending on home size and contamination level. Phase 1 (Rough Clean) removes bulk debris and runs initial air scrubbing. Phase 2 (Detail Clean) addresses every surface with HEPA vacuums and wet extraction. Phase 3 (Final Punch) verifies air quality and completes touch-up detailing. A 3,000 sq ft home in Town and Country or Ladue averages 2 full days.
What are VOCs in new construction and why are they dangerous?
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals released as gases from new paint, adhesives, sealants, engineered wood products, and cabinetry. The EPA reports that indoor VOC concentrations in new construction can be 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels. Short-term exposure causes headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure is linked to liver and kidney damage. Professional air scrubbing accelerates off-gassing extraction.
Does Clean Town & Country provide HEPA extraction for new builds in St. Louis?
Yes. Clean Town & Country deploys industrial HEPA H13 air scrubbers, negative air machines, and commercial extraction equipment for new construction projects throughout St. Louis County. Our 3-phase post-construction protocol serves builders and homeowners in Town and Country, Ladue, Chesterfield, Frontenac, and the greater metro area. Contact us at (314) 888-5325 for a project-specific estimate.
Protect Your Family Before Move-In Day
Your new home in Town and Country, Ladue, or Chesterfield deserves clinically clean air from day one. Clean Town & Country provides industrial HEPA H13 extraction that eliminates what builders leave behind.
Serving Town and Country, Ladue, Chesterfield, Frontenac, Clayton, Kirkwood & all of St. Louis County