3. Mold Testing

Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

A visual inspection is the most important initial step in identifying a possible contamination problem.

The extent of any water damage and mold growth should be visually assessed. This assessment is important in determining remedial strategies. Ventilation systems should also be visually checked, particularly for damp filters but also for damp conditions elsewhere in the system and overall cleanliness. Ceiling tiles, gypsum wallboard (sheetrock), cardboard, paper, and other cellulosic surfaces should be given careful attention during a visual inspection. The use of equipment such as a boroscope, to view spaces in ductwork or behind walls, or a moisture meter, to detect moisture in building materials, may be helpful in identifying hidden sources of fungal growth and the extent of water damage

A particle counter is an instrument that detects and counts particles.

The Indoor Environmentalist can use the particle counter to aid in finding the source of mold growth.

“The main use for handheld particle counters is checking contamination levels and locating sources of particle emissions. The small size and weight of these particle counters make them ideal for point-of-use measurement of particle contamination at critical locations. Hand held particle counters have proven themselves in many settings.”

“Biological contaminants include mold, fungus, bacteria, viruses, animal dander, dust mites, pollen, human skin cells, cockroach parts or anything alive or living at one time.  These are the biggest enemy of Indoor Air Quality specialists because they are the contaminants that cause health problems.  Levels of biological contamination depend on humidity and temperature that supports the livelihood of micro-organisms.  The presents of pets, plants, rodents and insects will raise the level of biological contamination.”

Microbial Mold

We supervise and monitor both demolition and renovation projects for microbial mold contractor’s progress.  Compliance with all government regulations on a day to day basis and conduct on-site inspections before, during and after abatement and review air monitoring test results and prepare all documents necessary.  Provide Mold abatement contractors surveillance and documentation of Contractors. 

Adherence to the project specifications and all applicable EPA, OSHA, DOSH regulations.  Abatement surveillance including conducting inspections, documentation of the integrity of the containment barriers, monitor and document.  We provide trouble shooting of any mold abatement difficulties or potential Health and Safety problems that we may encounter on various projects. Conduct all inside and outside work area air monitoring including before, during and after abatement work.  Furnish job progress and job completion reports. Consult with various different agencies on mold hazard both visited site and report of findings. Test and Evaluate methods of removal in accordance with State and Federal Agencies.

Water & sewer testing Water Bacteriology testing is available.  This test determines absence/presence of Total Coli form and E.Coli bacteria.