Mold scams in Pittsburgh

By
Home Inspector with Ed Lampl Environmental Testing and Home Inspection in Pittsburgh Certified in all areas

I am a industrial hygiene trained specialist - it is amazing the unethical practices the most of the mold removal companies/mold mitigation companies - sad that Angie's list has a mixed category not educating the public that a mold removal company should never touch a testing instrument. It is not only unethical, it is like a student creating their own final exam - the best way I can describe this. It's the mold scam 101 Pittsburgh - just this past year I have multiple clients that have been involved in real estate transactions approximately three years ago. They're getting sick in their building. They thought the problem was cured. They did everything to control humidity in the water issues. The real problem was they were scammed by the mold removal companies that did their own testing or they were told by the mold removal companies. There is no need to do testing. Remember mold is microscopic - the new scam in Pittsburgh is the mold removal companies telling clients that the lab (processing center) is the third party that is ridiculous. Compromising someone's health over money - when a professional performs mold testing or other industrial hygiene services. They should automatically provide you with the chain of custody. This is your legal document you should never have to ask for this document - they should always provide the original lab report not just a rewritten version. These are all of your legal documents that you are entitled to when hiring a professional to perform industrial hygiene/mold testing services - 

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Understanding Mold Testing – A Component Of Our Sick Building Syndrome Services


Non-Viable Testing /Direct Exam


In implementing high standard quality assurance, the international acceptable stamp product -AIR-O-CELL  - which is a Bioaerosol sampling cassette - made by Zefon international is our standard.

 

Zefon international  - products are used internationally including  New Zealand “one of the air quality capitals”.

 

Using certified bio pumps cleaned with hydrogen peroxide wipes after each use ensures there is no cross-contamination.


Bleach is not used to wipe down the pumps  because the microscopic spore root systems are not killed with this product, which is a common misconception.

 

Each sample has factory sealed tape - assuring our cassettes have not been tampered with.

 

Each sample is carefully handled and re-sealed with the original tape – always making sure our cassettes are never expired - cassettes expire like medicine.


Every outside baseline sample/comparison test is always 10 min./10 in.² - there is never a reason to change the exterior area (square inches). You should always change / location if the conditions are not correct, such as to much particulate at the location. Ragweed-etc, does not require changing the (area ) square inches.  A 5 min. /5 in.² outside sample is not recommended internationally.

 

We only use a national lab where the samples are carefully read, sometimes several times which is part of the quality assurance protocol of the laboratory.


If you ever watched true TV or Court TV - this lab does over 50% of the metal's testimony in those cases.


Swab testing should be performed in conjunction with air testing.  In some cases using a luminometer (instant bacteria level) may indicate the necessity of swab testing.

Rossen Reports: Are mold contractors charging for unneeded work?
Toxic mold in your home can be dangerous, but experts say some contractors are charging big bucks for unneeded repairs. Correspondent Jeff Rossen goes undercover with hidden cameras to investigate.


http://floridadetox.com/tag/mold-toxicity-causing-parkinsons/


Ed Lampl, Professional Home Inspector - 412-222-5968


“Providing the excellence my clients not only expect, but deserve.”


Angie's list Super Service Award 4 years - 2010, 2011,2012 & 2013


Home Inspections + Environmental Testing - Sick Building Syndrome Specialist


ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) #246381


CMI & CMA (Certified Mold  Inspector & Assessor) #2033


Pesticide Applicator #402710 + DEP PA. Radon Certified #2569


www.HomePlusIsUs.com 


"We provide a superior level of service unmatched in the Testing and Building Inspection Industry"


West Penn Multi-List - member - Lockbox Key


Military Quality Infrared Technology - Trained

 

Comments (5)

Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

Edward,

Mold is pretty scary stuff. Now when companies undermine the health of their clients over profit...it is just pitiful and heartless what some individuals what become.

Glad you are spreading the word about some of the local scams regarding mold.

Nov 20, 2014 03:53 AM
Edward Lampl
Ed Lampl Environmental Testing and Home Inspection in Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, PA
mold & home inspections

Thanks so much for paying attention - when I was the managing director of a cancer center in Philadelphia, pushing it towards multispecialty group I watch so many people having low immune deficiency issues when they were undergoing chemotherapy - it was amazing. Patients taking fish oils off the Internet that were not refined which contained mercury hence mercury in their blood - crazy things you would not ever normally think about - I would have them test their house and have mold issues fixed and you would almost instantly see a different person - if you need any guidance or help just shout it's never a problem. I am a specialist

Nov 20, 2014 04:50 AM
John Pusa
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Crest - Glendale, CA
Your All Time Realtor With Exceptional Service

Edward - It is important to know about all the mold problems in any property, mold scams can occur in any area. Thanks for warning and the education on mold.

Nov 20, 2014 07:53 AM
Captain Wayne - Rowlett Real Estate School
Rowlett Real Estate School - Panama City, FL
Rowlett Real Estate School / Owner and Instructor

Hi Edward, Welcome to ActiveRain, It's great to have you aboard.

Nov 20, 2014 10:27 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

More eduacation can always help in driving away mold scams to find them.

Nov 20, 2014 03:59 PM