Air & Water Quality

 

Schedule your appointment today by calling (207) 924-2211 Or, email us at skip@patriotinspectionservices.com

Let’s face it, we all need water and air to survive. Ensuring that the water we drink and the air we breathe is healthy requires testing from time to time.  We offer water quality testing as well as IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) which covers mold and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Water testing is done on several levels starting at the basic test for bacterias and eColi, to more comrehensive testing for things such as arsenic, copper, iron and manganese as well as hardness and pH levels. Depending on your testing needs, we’ve got you covered.

We provide mold and VOC testing for indoor air quality.

Indoor air quality is vital for our good health. Poor air can cause allergies, respiratory issues, asthma, and other chronic diseases. Therefore, it’s essential to keep indoor air clean and safe.

The main factors affecting indoor air quality include:

  1. Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality. Poor ventilation can lead to the accumulation of pollutants and allergens.

  2. Humidity Levels: High humidity can promote the growth of mold and mildew, while low humidity can cause dryness and irritation of the respiratory system.

  3. Pollutants: Common indoor pollutants include dust, pet dander, pollen, and chemical emissions from household products and building materials.

  4. Temperature: Extreme temperatures can affect the comfort and health of occupants, influencing the overall indoor air quality.

  5. Outdoor Air Quality: The quality of the air outside can significantly impact indoor air quality, especially if windows and doors are frequently opened.

VOC testing measures the concentration of volatile organic compounds in the air to ensure a safe and healthy indoor environment. Ask about our VOC testing options and find out whether it is something you should invest in if you are experiencing any health issues that may have begun with poor indoor air quality.

Mold testing is done by taking samples of the air and any visible growth in the home. As a stand alone inspection, it will cover factors that are conducive to mold growth. Testing at a lab is the only way to know what type of molds you may have in your home and in your neighborhood.

Molds are part of the natural environment.  Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and dead trees.  But indoors, mold growth should be avoided.

Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air.  Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet.  There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
 

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing.  Molds have the potential to cause health problems.  Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).

Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.  Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis).  Allergic reactions to mold are common.  They can be immediate or delayed.  Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.  In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.  Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold.  Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.

This article provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure.  For more detailed information, consult a health professional.  You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.

How we inspect for the presence of mold:

We use different methods to inspect for the presence of mold that may cause health issues.

There are two types of mold testing that we offer. One is a Complete Mold Inspection that includes a full examination of the home, three air quality tests and possibly one swab or lift test. Two outside samples are taken for a control and one or two inside the home.  If there is a visible sign of mold in the home, we will use a swab or tape to take samples in those areas.  We send the results to a lab and report back to you when the testing is complete. A limited examination is just that; limited to a certain area or areas of concern.