We offer three options for Mold and Air Quality testing.
1. Indoor Air Quality testing – This test involves a personal walkthrough of your home to determine the extent of any air quality concerns. During the assessment, we will discuss the pros and cons of drawing samples and recommend specific areas of concern. We will then draw one or more air samples from one or more rooms in the home as well as one outside sample for control purposes. These samples will then be sent to an accredited laboratory for examination. Finally, a detailed report of the lab findings will be provided.
2. Surface Mold sampling – This test involves an initial walk through the home to access problem areas followed by the professional retrieval of physical mold samples from one or more areas in the home. These samples will then be sent to an accredited laboratory for examination. Finally, a detailed report of the lab findings will be provided.
3. Asbestos fiber air sampling via a PCM test – Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM). This testing method involves using a PCM microscope to count the fibers present on the cassette filter in order to determine if the total fiber concentration is less than the EPA clearance level of 0.01 fibers/cc (fibers per cubic centimeter)1. Phase contrast microscopy enhances the contrast of transparent materials, while also filtering out background light. The air cassettes used for PCM contain a cellulose ester filter with a pore size of 0.8 um. Once the air sampling is complete, the sample is sent to an accredited laboratory. Alternatively, the samples can be analyzed on-site with a microscope for expediency, but these results will not be accredited. Whether in a lab or on-site, the filter is cut into a pie shape and prepped using a mix of vaporized acetone and triacetin. The sample is then placed on a PCM microscope where the fibers are counted up to 100 fields of view.
Credentials – Bill is a Certified Indoor Environmentalist with IAQA #13089