FAQs about Mold:
- We take spore traps, tape lifts and/or carpet dust samples. Spore traps evaluate the number of mold spores in the air, while carpet dust analysis gives historical insight of certain trends and infestations.
- If there is visible mold growth, musty or unusual odor, unremedied water leakage or flooding, or experiencing health problems typically associated with mold exposure, you should look into mold testing.
- Many common indoor molds, for example Aspergillus, Penicillium, or Stachybotrys Chartarum (black mold), can cause a variety of health problems in all individuals. Children and those with suppressed immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
- Mold exposure can cause a variety of health problems ranging from mild to severe. The most common reactions to mold are respiratory symptoms such as coughing, irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, asthma, allergy symptoms, and more.
- Mold produces spores which can stay suspended in the air and spread throughout the indoor environment. Inhaling these spores can cause health problems.
- Keep your indoor humidity level below 50%. This can be controlled by using a dehumidifier. Clean up and fix any water leakage or flooding as soon as possible.
- Our base inspection price is $227. Additional prices depend on the amount and type of samples that need to be taken.
- We can do lab-only tests, where you receive and collect your own spore traps and send them to our lab for analysis. Our lab will send you a detailed report about your sample.
- Mildew typically has a white/gray and powdery appearance, stays on the surface, and is easy to remove. Mold typically has a black/green/red/blue and slimy or fuzzy appearance, can infiltrate deeply, and is harder to remove. Mold causes more health problems than mildew.
- Fungicides or detergents can abate some molds and mildews in mild circumstances. However, if the problem is more severe or in hard-to-reach places, mold remediation is your best option. Painting over mold does not remedy the problem. Recommended remediation contractors can be found on our Resources page.
- Because we offer mold inspection services, we find mold remediation to be a conflict of interest. We want to provide our customers with honest and unbiased reports. Recommended remediation contractors can be found on our Resources page.
- We service the entire Southeast.
- We can test for any type of mold, dust mites, cockroaches, bacteria, asbestos, radon, lead, formaldehyde, and more.
- Black mold is the common name for Stachybotrys Chartarum. Black mold is well known due to its moderate to severe health problems it can cause to those exposed to it.
FAQS ABOUT ASBESTOS:
- Yes. It is highly recommended to do asbestos testing both before and after asbestos removal to ensure it was removed properly.
- Asbestos cannot be seen, felt, tasted, or smelled. If you have an older home, the best way to test for asbestos is to call an asbestos inspector.
- Asbestos exposure is highly toxic and can cause many cancers and diseases. Asbestos exposure is the #1 cause for mesothelioma.
- Homes and buildings built before 1980 likely have asbestos. Material in good condition does not generally pose a threat, though if the material is disturbed in any way, you should avoid the area and call us and an asbestos abatement contractor.
- Hire a licensed contractor. Do not attempt to remove it on your own, as asbestos is extremely dangerous and needs PPE and proper removal.
FAQS ABOUT INDOOR AIR QUALITY:
- We spend 90% of our time indoors. Indoor air is often 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Bad home air quality is a significant burden to health, quality of life, and your wallet.
- We can analyze for mold, particulate matter, and other indoor air pollutants. Our air quality inspection includes a full summary report, description of our findings, and reference to outdoor air quality.
- Accumulation of mold/mildew, Volatile Organic Compounds (i.e. formaldehyde), and particulate matter (i.e. from combustion sources like a stove or smoking). All of these pollutants are from indoor sources.
- Source removal, using a MERV 10+ filter, adequate ventilation, and adequate humidity control are all great solutions to improve your home air quality.
- We have collected over 250 studies and articles from professionals and experts in the field of indoor air quality and its pollutants. A synopsis of these studies can be found on our Studies page.
To see how your state stacks up against poor IAQ, visit this EPA website.
