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Testing & Inspections |
"Biological pollutants including molds, bacteria, pollen, dust mites, and animal dander promote poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and may be a major factor of days lost from work or school."
American Lung Association
A 1999 Mayo Clinic study found that a reaction to fungi (molds) was the cause of chronic sinusitis in 96% of the patients surveyed.
If you or your family members suffer from:
- Respiratory Allergies
- Asthma
- Headaches
- Runny Nose
- Itchy, Water Eyes
- Sore Throat
- Fatique
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~ Testing and Substance Descriptions ~ |
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Bulk Sampling
Bulk sampling can confirm the presence of microbial activity and identify the actual sources of contamination that will ultimately aid in remediation. Any materials that include settled dust, sections of wallboard, pieces of duct lining, carpet pad segments, return air filters, fabric, wood, wallpaper, clothing, insulation, etc., can be considered bulk samples. These bulk items are submitted as samples and analyzed for microbial contamination.
Endotoxins
Endotoxins are associated with Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) and more commonly Gram-negative Bacilli bacteria. Endotoxins do not require a living host to be toxic to humans. Endotoxins have been linked to water systems (especially ones containing sewage or recycled water) and buildings with humidifiers or sewage or gray water incursions.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong smelling gas found in many products including glue, foam insulation, pressed woods, paper products, cosmetics, fabrics, cleaning agents, carpet padding, and fragrances. Symptoms of formaldehyde exposure include watery eyes, burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat, nausea, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, skin rashes, and allergic reactions.
Herbicides
Herbicides are chemicals that inhibit, retard, or kill plant growth. Exposure can occur through direct dermal contact, inhalation, or ingestion. Over exposure to herbicides can lead to an array of health affects that include irritation to eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. Children are especially susceptible to over exposure with health affects including respiratory distress, cerebral palsy, and impaired development.
Legionella
Legionella is responsible for Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. Transmission occurs through manmade water devices that have warm water, suitable pH, stagnation followed by agitation, other living organisms present, and the presence of sediment. The water devices can include air conditioning cooling towers, potable water systems, water systems in large buildings, whirlpool bath, respiratory care equipment, showers and faucets.
Mercury
Mercury easily vaporizes into the air which carries the toxic vapors to the surrounding environments. Mercury contamination is extremely difficult to remediate, especially in clothes, furniture, carpet, floors, and walls. Exposure, either short term or long term, can result in tremors, changes in vision or hearing, insomnia, weakness, difficulty with memory, headache, irritability, shyness, nervousness, dermal irritation, rashes, and joint pain.
Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs)
MVOC testing is a useful tool in Indoor Air Quality studies because the results can be used as indicators for possible microbial contamination as well as the assessment of possible health risks like asthma or respiratory symptoms. The MVOC concentrations may contribute to symptoms and complaints of occupants in buildings where indoor air quality is not adequate. MVOC's tend to cause odors ranging from dirty socks to mildew.
Pesticides and PCB's
Pesticides can have an array of adverse affects on adults and children. Children are more susceptible to the toxins and are also more likely to be exposed because they frequently put their hands in their mouth and, in the case of small children, crawl on the carpets where chemical residues may reside. Indoor air quality issues arise when pesticides are applied in or around the home, or are transported into the house via clothing, shoes, and skin.
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
PAHs can enter the environment through power plants, heating systems, fireplaces, tobacco smoke, vehicle traffic, and other combustion processes. Some PAHs are considered to be carcinogenic and mutagenic. Exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact.
Surface Sampling
Surface sampling allows for the determination of possible microbial contamination. It can measure the relative degree of contamination and identify the types of microbial growth present. The most common types of surface samples are adhesive tape (tape lift) sampling and surface-wash (swab) sampling. Sampling can yield information about fungi, bacteria, fecal sterols, and mycotoxins.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOC emissions come from paints, strippers, air fresheners, inks, stored fuel, solvents, cleaning supplies, new carpets, cosmetics vehicle exhaust and lawn mowers. Health effects can range from dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, nausea, eye and throat irritation to cancer and even death.
Wall Cavity Sampling
Wall cavities provide a space for toxigenic and allergenic fungi. Growth of these fungi in wall cavities can occur as a result of a number of circumstances ranging from construction and design to defects and accidental water incursions. We use an investigative tool to determine the presence of fungal growth within walls, which assesses fungal contamination without encouraging further contamination within a dwelling.
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