Testing & Sampling
Know What’s In Your Air
Why Test My Air?
Real Laboratory Analysis gives you more information about the makeup of your air. Home Petri-dish tests do not accurately reflect the make up of the air in your home, only the humidity levels at the time of the test. Real lab testing tells us:
Mold Type:
Different mold are derived from different sources. One could indicate humidity issues, another could point to water damage.
Total Spore Count:
The number of spores can show the severity of the problem, and indicate the severity of the issue.
Control Testing:
Indoor Testing means nothing without a control group for comparison. We always test outdoors to know the expected levels for your neighborhood and the goals for your indoor environment.
If you suspect that mold is growing in your home, it's important to have an air test performed to confirm the presence of elevated mold levels.
Air testing is a process where certified mold specialists take samples of the air in your home, our third-party laboratories will determine the type and quantity of mold present. Laboratory air testing can accurately measure the airborne spore count per cubic meter of air.
Using an outside air sample, we can use comparison to determine what indoor levels of mold are to be expected within your home.
The data breakdown will aid certified experts in knowing what processed should follow to improve overall air quality. If you suspect that mold is growing in your home, it's important to have an air test performed to confirm the presence of elevated mold levels.
Why Is Mold Growing In My Home?
Mold is a common problem in homes, especially in areas with high humidity or spots that have experienced water damage. Mold can grow quickly and easily, spreading throughout your home in as little as 48 hours.
Mold needs 3 things to Grow: Food, Moisture, and Time
Food: Sheetrock, wood, non-synthetic weaves, and other manufactured furnishings and building materials.
There are many types of molds, and none of them will grow without moisture or time.
Once growing, Molds spread by means of tiny spores. Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye.
Potential Health Issues from Prolonged Mold Exposure
Every person is different regarding mold toxicity; some individuals show little to no symptoms, others develop various levels of allergic reactions over time.
Side effects can include but are not limited to:
Irritation of eyes, skin, nose, and throat
Sneezing and coughing
Skin Rash, Dermatitis
Difficulty Breathing
Headache & Migraine
If you believe you may be allergic to mold, or have suffered from mold toxicity due to long-term exposure, please contact your general care doctor. Learn more here: Mayoclinic on Mold
When you smell mold, you are smelling something called Mycotoxins; Mycotoxins are a VOC put off my active mold growth that can cause their own immune issues.
Note: Mycotoxins can be neutralized with an oxidizer such as Ozone generators, or charcoal filters used in conjunction with HEPA Air Scrubbers.
What Labwork Tells Us
Full Breakdowns of all Airborne and Surface-Bound Mold
Microbials by Total Count
Comparison Indoor to Outdoor
Ratio Abnormality
Mold Type-Indicators (Humidity vs Water Damage)
Other Testing Services
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The “Stuff” in your air too tiny to see. Pet dander, pollen, cellulose fibers, fiberglass, and other particles.
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Gaseous, often odorless, Vapors from manufactured materials. Many can cause severe adverse effects from limited exposure.
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A Commonly found VOC itself, found in newly constructed furniture and homes. Must be tested separately in specific circumstances.
Every Testing Includes:
On-site Particulate Analysis
Thermal Imaging for Heat Loss Detection and potential water leak
3rd Party Laboratory Analysis and detailed breakdown of data
Relative Humidity and Moisture Content Readings
Followup Consultation
The Testing Process
Consultation
Our process begins with a consultation about your specific concerns about your home or businesses, and where we are likely to find issues. Be sure to bring up why you want to test:
Do you believe you have symptoms related to testing subject?
Are you buying or selling a property?
Are you seeing visual evidence of mold or other harmful substances?
From here we can decide how best to address your concerns, and what test you need performed.
Inspection
A visual inspection is performed using FLIR infrared technology, along with sampled moisture readings. These numbers and details create a clearer picture of your indoor air quality.
Building history will also be relevant. The age of the building and its past uses allow us to know what issues the building is prone too. Grading and drainage, potential leaks, and air system efficiency will also be noted during this process.
Sampling
Samples are drawn in specified areas to obtain the most accurate snap shots of your indoor air quality.
Our third party lab and their biologists dissect the samples and return a detailed report with all the findings, broken down in relevant measurable units.
Return Times
Return times are dependent on the type off test, along with the current lab traffic. Some air sample mold results, for example, can be returned within 48 hours. We will consult with you about your specific deadlines and testing needs before hand.
Pre and Post Remediation Mold Testing
A neutral 3rd party is required to test air quality for mold when remediation work has occurred.
When contaminated materials are isolated, removed, and disinfected, you need a reliable expert to use real laboratory work to show the job has been done correctly.
The Process
Phone Consultation
Tell us the reason you contacted us, and what concerns you have about your specific job.
Site Inspection
Full moisture and visual inspection of jobsite. This allows us to find the source of the issues plaguing your home.
Free Estimates*
Our quotes are good for 60 days. (*Estimates are complimentary for relevant services)
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Don’t trust your mold project to just anyone; trust us. Carolina Mold Solutions has the experience and track record you need for your restoration and air quality needs.