Mold & Biological Services

Summary

Mold occurs naturally in virtually all environments, and mold spores have been recognized to have allergenic properties. Additional research and an increase in our ability to isolate, quantify, and identify species of molds (fungi) have given us the additional insight into the relationship between fungi in our environment and the health symptoms that commonly result. Mold services include the identification, evaluation and control, or elimination of a mold or moisture source. At this time there are no Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for all substances of biological origin, therefore sampling for mold is not conducted for the purpose of complying with any federal or state regulations. Biological contaminants (e.g., endotoxin, mycotoxins, allergens, and microbial volatile compounds) are fungal, bacterial, animal, or plant substances that can be detected using various sampling media.

Services Options

Mold Investigations

The purpose of sampling for mold is to assist in establishing whether or not mold spores are present in an area, if there is an indoor mold amplification source, and if the fungal spores are in an area in which human exposure is likely to occur. Air samples may be used to detect hidden reservoirs of fungal growth. Surface samples are commonly used to determine whether or not mold is growing and what kind of molds are present. Additionally, a Relative Moldiness Index of a home may be performed to assess if the home has or had a mold amplification site with an EPA developed sampling method.

Mold Remediation Protocols & Post Remediation Verification Testing

Develop a remediation protocol utilizing procedures outlined in the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA's) guidance document titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings (document EPA 402-K-01-001) or procedures outlined in the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restorations Certifications guidance document titled Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation (IICRC 520). Post-remediation air samples and surface samples are collected following remediation activities to determine if the remediation activities were successful in removing the mold contamination.

Moisture Intrusion Analysis

A visual inspection with the use of the ThermaCAM™B2 infrared camera during an inspection may identify potential non-visible water incursions or mold contamination. This is a successful non-destructive investigation method of a larger area in a short time.

Pathogenic Bacterial Assessments

Sampling may be conducted for bacterial agents such as Legionella which is a bacteria relatively common in natural and man-made water systems. Or surface sampling for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA are strains of Staphylococcus aureus, or "staph," bacteria that are resistant to the antibiotic methicillin and to related "beta lactam" antibiotics such as oxacillin. Sampling for many other bacteria may be conducted.