MOLD INSPECTION
& AIR QUALITY TESTING
What Is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus. These small organisms can be black, white, orange, green, or purple and live almost anywhere indoors and outside.
Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Molds thrive on moisture and reproduce through lightweight spores that travel through the air.
You’re exposed to mold every day. They’re usually harmless in small amounts. But when they land on a damp spot in your home, they can start to grow. They release spores that you might breathe in. If you're sensitive to mold and inhale a lot of spores, it could make you sick.
Health Effects
Exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as:
-
stuffy nose
-
wheezing
-
red or itchy eyes, or skin
Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions:
-
fever
-
shortness of breath.
In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people.
Most Dangerous Types of Mold
1. Stachybotrys
Commonly referred to as “black mold,” stachybotrys is one of the most dangerous types of mold and can cause:
-
flu-like symptoms
-
diarrhea
-
headaches
-
memory loss
-
severe respiratory damage
Because their lungs are still developing, children are at an even greater risk for health problems associated with exposure to black mold.
2. Chaetomium
Chaetomium is most commonly found in homes that have water damage, as it thrives in wet, dark environments such as drywall, wallpaper, baseboards and carpets. This type of mold is similar to black mold and sometimes even shares the same environments.
General signs:
-
red watery eyes
-
trouble breathing
-
neurological damage
-
certain autoimmune diseases
3. Aspergillus
Although aspergillus spores are present in the air that many of us breathe every day, this type of mold can be dangerous to people with comprised immune systems. Exposure to aspergillus may cause allergic reactions, lung infections and a specific type of infection known as aspergillosis.
Equipment
-
Moisture Meters
-
Infrared Thermal Imaging Devices
-
Video Recording Devices
-
High Quality, Cutting Edge Mold & Air-Quality Inspection Equipment
-
Blacklight
Mold Inspections
Mold sampling identifies the specifics of the mold growing within your home. Sampling for mold is also necessary to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated.
Complete Mold Inspection:
-
3 Air Samples and 1 Surface Samples (more samples can be taken in addition to the base amount)
-
Roof Inspection (condition of roof covering materials, drainage system, roof penetrations)
-
Exterior and Grading
-
Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace and Structure (including ventilation)
-
HVAC system
-
Plumbing
-
Attic, Ventilation and Insulation
-
Interior
-
Moisture, Humidity & Temperature
Call 973-500-3233 for an exact quote now!
General Mold Inspection:
-
3 Air Samples and/or 1 Surface Sample (more samples can be taken in addition to the base amount)
-
Inspection will only include area(s) of concern
Call 973-500-3233 for an exact quote now!
Air Quality Inspection
"Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors,1 where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations." - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA tested the indoor air quality of homes across North America. 90% of homes tested positive for at least one indoor air quality problem. We test for Oxygen levels, Hydrogen Sulfide, Methane, Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Mold Spores, and other toxic particles from materials floating in the indoor air.
We highly recommend this service especially for households with children or high risk individuals with respiratory issues and weaker immune systems.
This service can be an add on to a home inspection, mold inspection, radon test or a stand-alone service.
Call 973-500-3233 for an exact quote now!