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Why Do Air Testing?
To some degree, mold is everywhere. It's indoors and outdoors, at work, at home, in the city, in the country, everywhere.
Everyone is exposed to some form of mold organisms (biological particles) everyday. Sometimes indoor mold can be problematic. The controversy over mold and its potential for harmful effects is driven primarily by personally motivated, radically opinionated proponents on both sides of the issue.
There are some who will presumptuously tell you that mold is no problem at all, to whom we would say, "Then you won't mind spreading Stachybotrys on your toast every morning." There are others who will tell you that mold is the "end of the world" and try to scare you in to spending a fortune to rebuild your home, which just happens to be the business they are in. [see mold scams]
The truth is, under certain conditions, mold does have the potential to cause serious health problems in some humans and animals. If you are someone who is susceptible to mold allergies or illnesses, you will most likely have an adverse physical reaction in moldy environments. On the other hand and at the very least, when left untreated mold can eventually destroy anything and everything it comes in contact with, including your home and personal belongings.
Why take chances?
If you were told you have an animal in your house, the first thing you would want know to is; do you have a kitty-cat or a lion? If you suspect your home or office has a mold problem, the first responsible step is to find out exactly what you're dealing with. The most practical way to do that is to hire a professional mold inspector who can conduct mold tests to define and quantify molds in your property. And when you do, make sure the mold inspector you hire is not connected to any third parties with something to gain by convincing you that mold is good, bad or indifferent.
The No Odor & No Mold Network by NO ODOR, INC. does not benefit from anyone who would attempt to persuade you that mold is or is not a threat.
Our only interest is in providing our clients with reliable and accurate reporting of the data we collect in the course of the inspection process and the results of mold tests and samples.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TESTING FOR MOLD AND A MOLD INSPECTION?
The purpose of a MOLD INSPECTION is to:
a) Locate mold infestations; b) Determine the cause; and c) Help facilitate an effective remediation (removal) plan.
Almost all of us already have two effective mold detectors: our eyes and our noses. If black or green discoloration is noticed in a location that is damp or had been damp, it is almost certainly mold. If a building smells musty, there probably is mold somewhere.
But sometimes mold is not so easy to locate. And once mold is located, it's not always easy to tell what caused it in the first place, or the proper way to get rid of it.
NO ODOR, INC. can help with the unknown.
The purpose for TESTING MOLD (extracting samples for lab analysis) is to: a) Identify what types of molds are present, both on surfaces and in the air; and b) Determine how much of each mold type is present.
It is estimated there is over 200,000 different types of mold. Some molds produce toxins. Toxins are poison. A little bit of toxic mold might not harm you, but a lot can make you very sick. Once mold is located it is helpful to know exactly what kind of mold it is and how much of it is there, especially when you attempt to remove it. When disturbed, mold can send millions of tiny little toxic spores into the air, and into you!
Understanding what you are dealing with will help facilitate a proper plan to remove mold without causing harm to you and others who occupy the property. Sampling is not always necessary, however, based on overwhelming scientific evidence, we believe that accurate assessments of surface mold and airborne mold spores are only possible when microscopic sampling is analyzed.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
BASIC RESIDENTIAL MOLD INSPECTION: $249.95
(Properties over 2,000 sq. ft. use ¢.25 per sq. ft. to calculate price) Inspection includes:
A non-invasive¹ visual inspection of accessible locations² for surface mold, water intrusion and other causes.
Testing construction materials for moisture content.
¹ "non-invasive" means without cutting walls open.
² "accessible locations" are defined as areas readily observed without the need to move furniture or contents.
OPTIONAL MOLD TESTING (SAMPLING)
SAMPLING FOR LABORATORY ANALYSIS: $125 ea.
Lab analysis of samples identifies mold types and quantities. Sample Options Include: Air-O-Cell Media, Swabs, Tape Lift or Bulk Collection
AIR SAMPLES:
As a rule, when people get sick from mold, it's usually from inhaling airborne mold spores. Lab analysis of air samples will list every type of mold in your air and tell you how much of it is there. An air test consist of a minimum of two samples, one sample from of the indoor air, and one ambient sample from the outdoor air (A minimum of one interior sample per floor of the structure). The outdoor serves as a baseline standard. An "abnormal mold condition" exists when lab results show that the indoor air has a higher spore count than the outdoor air.
Note: if you order an air test in conjunction with a Basic Residential Inspection, the subsequent air sample taken at the time of the original inspection are only $75.00 each
SURFACE SAMPLES:
Surface samples are taken by pressing tape onto a suspect surface, then gently pulling it off and securing it into a zip-lock baggie for lab analysis. The mold that sticks to the tape is analyzed under direct microscopic examination. Surface samples will accurately identify all types of mold growing on a surface, but will not quantify. Furthermore, mold found in surface samples is it necessarily an accurate representation of what is in the air. In fact, it is entirely possible to find specific types of mold growing on surfaces that has not yet become airborne.
WHY IS IT USEFUL TO IDENTIFY SURFACE MOLD TYPES?
Mold produces mold spores. When surface mold is disturbed, thousands (perhaps even millions) of tiny spores become airborne, which may ultimately end up in the lungs of anyone nearby. It is beneficial to know whether or not the mold growing on a surface is toxic before attempting to clean it so that you can take adequate measures to protect yourself and others from potentially harmful effects.
INNER WALL CAVITY: (invasive) $85.00 per opening
No Odor, inc IAQ Division uses state-of-the-art fiber optic technology to inspect inside walls and under cabinet floors. In most cases, only a hole about the size of a quarter needs to be drilled to see up to 3 feet. When that method is not possible, it may be necessary to cut out small sections of wall to properly inspect the inner wall or floor. After inspection, the cut out section is set back in place and the seam is taped. Spackling is the property owner's responsibility.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY:
Upon request, No Odor, Inc. will take digital photos of surface mold contamination and water damage at no extrs charge. zif you would like the photos printed out and included in the written report there will be a $25.00 charge pere 15 photographs.
DOCUMENTATION: Included
Documentation for mold inspections include:
Written discovery reports with complete explanations in laymen terms.
Protimeter test results showing problematic moisture content of construction materials including wood, drywall, concrete, tiles. etc.
Reports in laymen terms for interpretation lab results when applicable.
Guideline information for resolving mold problems.
NOTE: Inspection documents are only given to our client (the person or company who actually pays for the inspection).
PAYMENT:
Inspections must be paid for prior to or at the time the inspection takes place. No Odor, Inc. does not bill for services rendered. Payments of cash, personal check, company check, certified check or money order are accepted on the day of the inspection.
Call Toll Free 1.888.8.NO-MOLD
All testing prices are based on the work being with in a 15 mile radius of our corporate offices. We preformed environmental testing anywhere but you must call for accurate pricing information.
All information is copyrighted and can not be duplicated for any purpose with out express written consent.
Any violations will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Copyrighted 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
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