VOCs, Mold Testing and Inspections
“Musty smell? Not feeling
well? It could be mold or dangerous VOCs.”
When should you test the air quality?
Mold is not always obvious in a home or building. Is there a musty or "funny" smell? Is there water damage visible or reports of past water leaks or water intrusion? Water intrusion or bursting/leaking pipes can cause hidden water damage, including potentially mold! Is there a damp or wet basement or crawlspace? Can you visually see what looks like mold or mildew? Do you or any of your employees or family members have health issues that make you sensitive to mold?
If you say "yes" to any of these questions, it is best to test for mold.
If it looks like mold it should probably be treated as mold. But how much mold is truly present in your home or building? Is there hidden mold that cannot be seen. These are serious questions that should be answered. Therefore, in Level 1 Mold Testing I primarily focus on air samples and direct samples of suspected mold as the basis of the testing. This is a more expansive way to test for potential mold, especially hidden mold. The approved lab tests I use test the air quality by specifically looking for mold/fungi spores that are present in the air samples I take. It not only tests for the amount of mold in the air but also the type of mold/fungi present. This gives a much more detailed analysis of the air quality and the likely sources of the mold/fungi. Also, the tests will be run in different areas of the home or building, especially those of most concern. Again, this is to give you a detailed mold analysis. If you are aware of mold-like substances or staining I can test those for you as well. This is my Level 1 testing.
I can also do a Level 2 Mold Testing with full Visual Inspection. This is not only testing the air quality for mold/fungi (Level 1) but it is also inspecting the entire home or building, inside and out, looking for visible signs and symptoms of mold, as well looking for issues with the property that could lead to current or future mold. I will not only take air samples but will test any mold-like substances I find during my full visual inspection. This is a much more thorough mold testing and inspection.
VOCs are also a significant cause of health problems. VOCs are volatile organic compounds. These are often emitted from products in our homes or buildings. These are often odorless, tasteless and cannot be seen. Therefore, testing is the only way to know for sure if there are dangerous levels of VOCs in the property that could affect you, your family or employees. Therefore, no air quality testing is complete without looking for dangerous VOCs, especially in commercial properties.
Be confident your home or building does not have a serious air quality issues that put people's health at risk as expose you to potential liability. Have it tested today!
Call for a quote to have your home or building tested for mold and/or VOCs.
1.740.350.3390