Environmental Testing Services, Indoor Air Qaulity, Mold Samples Analysis, IAQ South Florida
Call: 305.571.2280 or 866.654.6653
Air Sampling - Indoor Air Quality Testing
Indoor Air Samples are usually performed in order to test for nonviable (dead) mold spores.
Testing for nonviable mold is done by microscopic examination of the sample to identify fungal and non-fungal particles that may be allergenic to individuals. Other particles such as: fiberglass, insect fragments, rusts, dirts, and more are also detected during non-viable testing. This is the quickest way to test for airborne mold spores and other harmful particles.
Testing for viable (living) mold is done by placing the sample onto agar culture medium that supports the growth of the organism(s) in question and allows identification of the species and level of contamination. This takes more time and is more costly.
When colonization occurs one mold has overtaken your entire home. Colonization is the formation of compact population groups of the same type of mold species.
· Bulk Sampling
· Surface Sampling
Surface samples are collected by wiping a measured area with a sterile swab or by lifting a sample with bio tape. The surface sample is cultured and then placed into a petri dish. Surface samples are collected by wiping a measured area with a sterile swab or by lifting a sample with bio tape. The surface sample is cultured and then placed into a petri dish. The petri dish is inspected by a lab technician under a microscope so that the fungi can be removed and identified by species.BACTERIAL TESTING SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE
Same Day Test Results Available on all tests - Standard is 24 - 48 hours
MOLD TESTING METHODS
Bulk/Surface Sampling. A certified inspector, trained in appropriate sampling methodology, performs bulk or surface sampling. Bulk/Surface sampling should be performed if the building inhabitants are suffering from health problems, which are or may be associated with fungal exposure. Bulk/Surface sampling should also be performed to identify the presence or absence of mold if a visual inspection is equivocal (e.g. discoloration, and staining). Bulk samples are collected from visibly moldy surfaces by scraping or cutting materials with a clean tool into a clean plastic bag. Surface samples are collected by wiping a measured area with a sterile swab or by stripping the suspect surface with "Bio Tape lift".
Carpet cassettes are designed for the collection of fibers and particulate from carpets and other dusty areas. Carpet testing will give you historical data off previous mold contamination Cassettes use a 1" piece of tubing with a 45 degree bevel fitted to the inlet port, and come preloaded with .45µ & 5.0µ MCE filter and support pad. Cassettes use a 3-piece styrene housing and helps prevent overloading.
Bio-Tape provides a simple, standardized method to sample for common bioaerosols such as mold and fungi. It consists of a flexible plastic microscope slide with a pre-defined 1" x 1" adhesive area. Each slide is provided with a unique serial number for traceability.
Air Monitoring. A certified inspector, trained in appropriate sampling methodology, performs air monitoring. Air samples can be collected in various ways.
Anderson Style Bioaerosol Sampler imparts viable spores on petri dishes placed in the apparatus at a rate of 28.3 cubic liters of air per minute. Results are provided in colony forming units per cubic meter of air.
Air-O-Cell Cassettes are used for the rapid collection and analysis of a wide range of airborne aerosols including mold spores, pollen, insect parts, fibers, fiberglass, and skin fragments. This sampling device is useful in providing rapid analysis of airborne contaminants. Test is performed at 15 liters per minute.
The Zefon 5 Cell is capable of both personal and conventional air sampling. The Z 5 is proven to have an exceptionally uniform collection trace and is virtually 100% accurate for the entire fungal spore range. (d50 is less than 1 micron!) The Z 5 truly represents the next generation. Test is performed at 5 liters per minute. This cassette collects a wide range of airborne aerosols including mold spores, pollen, insect fragments, fibers, fiber glass and skin fragments.
A Laser Particle Counter is used to assess indoor air quality and cleanliness of rooms. The handheld device monitors environments to test for airborne particles. This device will help track down particle source problems. Its intelligent design and overall utility is invaluable in mold detection and making workplace environments safer and healthier.
The purpose of such air monitoring is to assess the extent of contamination throughout the building. Sampling should be conducted while ventilation systems are operating. Air monitoring should be performed if the presence of mold is suspected in a particular area of the structure (e.g. a microbial volatile odor is detected) but cannot be identified through a visual inspection. The purpose of such air monitoring is to determine the location and/or extent of mold contamination. Air monitoring should also be performed if the building inhabitants are suffering from health problems, which are or may be associated with fungal exposure. If air monitoring should also be performed, for comparative purposes, outdoor air samples should be collected concurrently at an air intake, if possible, and at a location representative of outdoor air. The outdoor control air test is very helpful in evaluating whether there is an internally generated mold problem. Such a problem may exist if indoor mold tests report mold levels that are either (a) higher than the outdoor control air test or (b) present indoors but absent from the outdoor control air test.
Call: 305.571.2280 305.571.2292 866.654.6653
Certifications and Professional Associations
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
AIHA promotes, protects, and enhances industrial hygienists and other occupational health, safety and environmental professionals in their efforts to improve the health and well being of workers, the community, and the environment.
Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA)
The Indoor Air Quality Association is a nonprofit, multi-disciplined organization, dedicated to promoting the exchange of indoor environmental information, through education and research, for the safety and well being of the general public. Certified Indoor Environmental Consultants and Certified Mold Inspectors.
Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO)
As the indoor air quality (IAQ) industry continues to evolve, businesses that are responsible for managing IAQ issues are adapting to meet the demands of the industry. The Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO) was established in 2002 to assist these businesses.
National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP)
As NAMP certified inspectors, we adhere to the highest standards for conduct and ethics in dealing with you, the client. These standards are our guideline for conducting a mold inspection and outline the various components and procedures of a professional mold inspection. These standards address the purpose, scope and limitations of the inspection process.
Professional Laboratories, Inc. (C.I.E.)
Certified Indoor Air Quality Professionals, Ph.D. Mycologists, Board Certified Physicians, Registered Clinical Laboratory Technicians, PRO-LAB has the necessary experience to assist in any environmental investigation. Certified Indoor Environmentalist.
National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)
The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) promotes a high standard of professionalism, business ethics and inspection procedures. NACHI members subscribe to the following Code of Ethics in the course of their business.
Call: 866.654.6653 or 305.571.2292
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