Mold, bacteria: Building Inspection and Indoor Air Analysis

Our mold inspection methodology and indoor air analysis are based on the following four steps:

• Historical analysis of the building and experienced symptoms of its occupants
• Inspection of the building and its ventilation systems
• Microbiological and chemical analysis: examination of mold, bacteria, asbestos fibers, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, VOC etc.
• Conclusions and recommendations

Historical analysis of the building and experienced symptoms of its occupants

Before starting the actual inspection, we will conduct a brief survey to know the different experienced discomforts by the occupants of the building. Furthermore, historical analysis of the building often enables to target certain problematical zones.

Inspection of the building and its ventilation systems

It is useless to know the nature of a microbial contaminant without knowing the source. In accordance with the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the New York protocol, the first step consists of examining the building to fix the sources of mold and bacteria contamination.

Every investigation is completed with the greatest rigor and the highest professionalism by a qualified expert specialized in indoor environment. We don't use technicians to do this job. Only a professional with an experience of hundreds of buildings can have the necessary expertise to identify the causes of microbial contamination (mold and bacteria), interpret the obtained results, and finally come up with the appropriate solutions.

Our instrumentation and building inspection techniques do not necessitate any invasive or destructive inspection. If needed and agreed by the customer, we can proceed with an invasive inspection. All our equipment is first-class technology: thermographic camera, non-invasive hygrometer, etc.

Observations, measures, and verifications are duly noted and detailed for each site investigated. 

Each investigation includes the following services and measures :

• C02 monitor
• A general sight of the house/building, detected odors upon arrival
• Evaluation of general and specific rooms
• Geographic location and draining
• Relative humidity, temperature, and dew point of ambient measured with high precision electronic psychrometer
• Moisture content of materials (gypsum, plaster, under floor, wood, concrete.)
• Usage of fiber optic boroscope to see the in tight places (ventilation, inside of walls)
• Walls and windows temperature measures to confirm condensation occurring on materials with infrared thermometer on thermal camera
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) ratio measures to confirm air exchange
• Type of ventilation (air exchanger, etc.), cleaning and operating advice
• Digital pictures for report documentation
• Thermographical inspection available.

Microbiological and physical chemical analysis (mold, bacteria, asbestos, gas)

In accordance with Health Canada, it could be necessary to sample and analyze viable samples which can help to detect the first signs of fungal contamination (mold), as well as fungal growth in mural cavities or air ducts which are non-perceptible at the time of inspection.

According to our experience, several other reasons can necessitate anindoor air analysis, among others:

• Health: Identification of contaminants to do a causal link between the illness and experienced symptoms
• Legal causes: Identification of contaminants as legal proof at the moment of conflict to claim the fulfillment of the work or reparation due to hidden vice or presentation of a professional opinion
• Buying a house or a building: A building inspector will unfortunately not process an invasive inspection. We have found out that in close to 99% of the cases, a building inspector is not sufficiently knowledgeable or does not have proper tools to measure the extent of a problem linked to a fungal contamination (mold).

All analyses are carried out in a recognized, independent laboratory by a microbiologist specialized in indoor air quality.

Results are then compared with the interpretation criteria of Health Canada. The identified and counted contaminants are classified according to their pathogenicity to be able to specify if their concentration in the indoor air is a typical of a healthy building. A laboratory certificate will be provided with the final report certifying the authenticity of results.

Conclusions and recommendations

Toxicity of certain molds and funguses involves specific measures to be taken at the time of remediation in order to avoid unwanted consequences on the occupants' health.

If you have a contamination problem, our recommendations will advise on the measures to be taken in order to eradicate the decontamination. Our services are independent from remediation services assuring suitable and well-founded recommendations based on your actual needs.

Our recommendations respect the protocols and standards established by different recognized agencies like Canadian Construction Association (CCA 82), ASHRAE, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Cerification (IICRC)and the city of New York.

Our reports and recommendations are complete, professional and detailed, enabling a complete comprehension of the situation, and necessary measures to be taken.

For more information about indoor air quality analysis and sampling of mold and other contaminants, please visit our section Indoor Air Analysis or contact us.