We offer indoor air inspection services such as Mold Inspection, Allergen Inspection, and Radon Inspection.
What does a Mold Inspection Entail?
A quality mold inspection typically behind with a thorough visual inspection of the property. The investigator looks for any signs of current or past water intrusion, since water or moisture is necessary for mold growth. It is imperative that the source of any moisture be identified and fixed to prevent future mold growth.
The inspector looks for moisture around plumbing fixtures, attics, crawl spaces, basements, and anywhere else problems may be present. Sometimes there are plumbing leaks inside wall cavities, which may not be immediately evident. In those circumstances, the investigator may use additional tools such as a moisture meter, borescope, or infrared camera to look for moisture.
Our inspectors take air samples to test for the presence of mold. This method is effective in cases of non-visible and visible mold. Mold can hide behind walls, behind cabinets, or under floorboards, and using an air sample captures spores in the air from these hidden types of mold. Samples are sent to the lab to be analyzed to determine if mold is present and the type of mold. Because low levels of mold are often present and do not cause harm, levels of mold are compared to the exterior to determine if the mold poses a problem and if remediation should be done.
Our flat fee includes two indoor air samples and one exterior sample. That covers two areas in the house that you believe to have mold. Additional samples can be taken if you wish to test for mold in more areas of the property.
It is important to hire only experienced and qualified professionals for this important task. Be sure to also verify that any samples taken will be analyzed by an accredited, independent laboratory.
Mold Facts
What is mold?
- Mold is a fungus; mold are like plants that produce spores instead of seeds, which flot in the air like pollen.
- Molds are common triggers for allergies. They are found in damp areas, such as the basement or the bathrooms, as well as outdoors, in grass, leaf piles, hay, and mulch.
- There are more than 100,000 species of mold. Mold has been found growing in private homes, office buildings, schools, and other locations where organic matter is left unattended.
Who is at a greater risk when exposed to mold?
- Infants, children, and the elderly
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with existing respiratory conditions such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities, and asthma
- Immunocompromised persons (those with HIV, undergoing chemoterapy, liver disease, etc…)
What symptoms are common?
- Respitory problems such as wheezing and difficulty with breathing.
- Eye problems such as burning, watering, reddening, blurry vision, or light sensitivity.
- Nasal and sinus congestion.
- Central nervous system problems such as constant headaches, memory problems, and mood changes.
- Sore throat, nose and throat irritation.
- Shortness of breath, aches and pains, fever and rashes.
Allergen Inspections
Types of Allergen
- Allergen Screen with Dust Check
- German cockroach allergen
- Dog allergen
- Cat allergen
- Dust mite allergen
In-depth Allergen Inspection
Specific testing based on doctor recommendations. May include:
1. Non-biological:
- Soot
- Fibers
- Rust
- Carbon
- Fiberglass
2. Biological:
- Cat dander
- Dog dander
- Inspect parts
- Dust mites
- Skin cell fragments
2. Plants:
- Grass
- Pollen
- Ragweed
- Algae
- Diatoms
- Fern
- Moss
- Spores
- Fungus
Radon Inspections
Important Radon Facts
- Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted.
- The Surgeion General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of cancer in the United States today and recommends that all homes below the third floor be tested for radon.
- The Center for Disease Control, the American Lung Association, and the American Medical Association agree that radon causes thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths each year.
- The EPA recommends that you test your home before putting it on the market and, if necessary, lower the radon levels. This could be a positive selling point.
- The EPA recommends you know the indoor radon level in any home you consider buying.
- In homes with little fresh outside air, radon detectors are recommended.
- Each home must be tested individually. Radon levels can vary signficiantly between neighborhoods and even neighbors.
- Nearly one in fifteen homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more).
- Smoking creates radon gas and greatly increases the chance of lung cancer and other health problems.
- Important information on radon can be found at www.epa.gov/iaq/radon
Radon Inspections
- Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and claims about 20,000 lives annually.
1. Short-Term Testing
- Testing for 2-7 days
- Best for immediate needs (e.g. real estate transfer)
2. Long-Term Testing
- Testing for longer than 90 days
- Best for a more accurate annual average
