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Our Testing
Services
Visual Inspection:
Many experts agree that the
most important part of a mold inspection / investigation is a visual inspection. This is the initial step in identifying possible
contamination problems. The inspection will identify any visible water leaks or moisture stains on ceilings, walls floors
and under counters. The air conditioning system and heating systems will be visually inspected as well as the attic and crawl
spaces. The extent of any water damage and mold growth will be visually assessed by a certified mold inspector. This assessment
is important to determine remedial strategies. Ventilation systems shall also be visually checked, particularly for damp filters
but also for damp conditions elsewhere in the system, and for overall cleanliness.
It is important that someone
who has been trained and understands fundamentals of both fungus and building construction to conduct a thorough investigation.
The use of equipment such as a boroscope to view spaces in duct work or inside walls is utilized, as is a moisture meter to
help identify sources of mold growth and the extent of water damage. Mold sampling will be recommended if there is noticeable
mold growth, musty odor, visible staining or poorly maintained HVAC systems or construction defects. By combining a visual
inspection with air, tape or swab sampling, we can help identify the hidden source of mold, allergens and indoor pollutants
and the extent of any acute or chronic water or moisture damage. Photo documentation can also be useful to inform and present
the conditions at the time of inspection.
Moisture Detection:
If the moisture problems
aren't addressed then the mold problems will return. Often the greatest portion of time in an inspection/investigation
is determining how and where the moisture is coming from.
Phase I Inspection:
Preliminary Assessment:
This is a quick, cost effective assessment to confirm mold growth, check for significant mold related air quality
degradation or have a specific mold identified.
It involves: The taking of up to 3 samples (2 interior and 1 exterior),
brief visual inspection and then preparation of a report containing a summary of field activities, the results of the inspection,
photographs (if required) and any pertinent findings, conclusions and recommendations.
Additional samples $125.00 each
This inspection includes the use of:
- Culture Plate Bioaerosols
(Culture samples can
take 10 days.)
If access to the contaminated area is limited, the report may include recommendations needed to
carefully start cleanup without further sampling or inspections. If mold contamination does exist and a remediation protocol
is desired, Phase II Assessment may be needed to complete a protocol.
Air Sampling:
The
purpose of air sampling is to determine the type and amount of airborne contamination in a building. Air sampling may be necessary
if the presence of mold allergens or toxins is suspected but cannot be identified by a visual inspection. When air sampling
is performed, both the indoor and outdoor air are sampled, so the results can be compared to see if a problem exists. Typically,
the indoor sample is taken while the heating and/or air conditioning unit is operating. This will ensure the interior air
is effectively tested. A certified inspector, trained in appropriate sampling methodology, shall perform all necessary air
monitoring. Air monitoring is essential if there is evidence from a visual inspection that the ventilation systems may be
contaminated. The purpose of such air monitoring is to assess the extent of contamination throughout the building. Sampling
should be conducted while ventilation systems are operating. Air monitoring is necessary if the presence of mold is suspected
in a particular area of the structure (i.e. a microbial volatile odor is detected) but cannot be identified through a visual
inspection or bulk sampling. The purpose of such air monitoring is to determine the location and/or extent of mold contamination.
Air monitoring is also necessary if the building inhabitants are suffering from health problems which are or may be associated
with fungal exposure. If air monitoring is performed, for comparative purposes, outdoor air samples should be collected concurrently
at an air intake, if possible, and at a location representative of outdoor air. The outdoor control air test is very helpful
in evaluating whether there is an internally generated mold problem. Such a problem may exist if indoor mold tests report
mold levels that are either (a) higher than the outdoor control air test or (b) present indoors but absent from the outdoor
control test.
Tape Lift / Swab Sampling:
Tape swab samples are usually collected from visibly
moldy surfaces by wiping the area with a sterile swab. This type of sampling is used to identify specific mold types.
Lab analysis is performed by a qualified 3rd party laboratory. The Lab is not open on weekends. Rush service is available
to decrease wait time. Note: Rush service is only available for spore traps; culture plates still require 7 day incubation
period. All laboratory testing will be done by ProLab.
All mold testing samples entering
my chain of custody will be tested exclusively by ProLabTM Laboratories. ProLab is one of the leading providers of environmental
testing services in the world. ProLab is staffed with certified indoor air quality professionals, P.h.D. mycologists, board-certified
physicians, and registered clinical laboratory technicians. Their clients include home inspectors, the insurance industry,
industrial hygienists, environmental engineers, IAQ professionals, other laboratories, mortgage companies, state DEP offices,
state and local public health departments, schools, university hospitals, attorneys and doctors. ProLab is an EPA recognized
laboratory and participates in the AIHA Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing EMPAT program (EMPAT #163230).
ProLab laboratories are licensed, accredited, certified and affiliated with a number of governmental agencies and independent
associations including the United States EPA, the State of New Jersey DEP, the State of Ohio, The American Industrial Hygiene
Association (NEHA), The Water Quality Association (WQA), The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), The American International
Health Alliance.
Phase II Inspection
Often further investigation is needed to ascertain
the extent of mold contamination. Included are up to 5 samples (4 interior and 1 exterior), inspection and a detailed report.
Get a specific protocol that your professional remediation company can use to start decontaminating the area. Including up
to 3 hours of onsite activities such as: moisture detection, consulting, photo documentation and physical inspection.
Further site inspection can be done if necessary at an hourly rate for inspection plus trip charge. Additional samples
will be collected and analyzed.
Sample Collection Services:
- Total Spore Count in Air (Indoor/Outdoor)
- Viable
air samples to collect spores that will be grown in a lab for analysis.
- Non-viable spore trap cassettes
- Tape lifts
- Swab Samples
- Swab
Samples for Cultures
- Carpet samples for historical data (can
sometimes indicate a previous mold event)
- Allergy dust samples
(to check for dust mites, pet dander, and cockroach allergens)
Recommendations and Laboratory Results:
Once the home has a visual inspection and the mold
circumstances have been evaluated, action can be planned to clean it up and prevent future contamination. Based upon site
evaluations and sampling lab analysis results, we will provide a detailed written report that can be used for disclosure and
references. In all situations, if mold exists, the underlying cause must be corrected.
Post Remediation
(Clearance Testing):
A must for insurance work, post sampling can demonstrate that significant improvements
have been made, and to make sure that your mold remediation project has accomplished its goals. The most important part of
the remediation (clean up) process is the clearance testing. This final testing procedure provides confirmation that the project
has been satisfactorily remediated and that the contamination has not spread to other areas.
Last but not least, if there is still contamination issues, we can help identify the problem and continue
working with the remediation contractor to resolve any situation.
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