MOLD INSPECTION/IAQ SERVICES
COMPREHENSIVE MOLD INSPECTION & REPORT
MI Mold Finders provides the most comprehensive mold inspections available in this area. They are conducted by our professional IAQ Testing and Inspection Specialists, certified by the National Association of Mold Remediators and Inspectors (NAMRI). Our inspections involve a thorough industry standard investigation of the structure, covering all key components of the structure including but not limited to:
· Grounds (grading, soil, and drainage)
· Exterior (porches, steps, doors, windows, gutters, downspouts)
· Structural (foundation, attic, crawlspace, roof as observed from ground)
· Plumbing (sinks/drains, toilets, water heaters)
· Interior (all accessible rooms and closets)
· HVAC (filters, return air box, condensate drains, visible ducts and vents)
For more information, click here to review our Mold Pre-Inspection Agreement.
Our Mold Inspections also include utilization of a Laser Particle Counter/Air Quality Monitor to determine and record particulate matter counts in and around the structure during the Inspection period. We collect this data by taking samples from numerous areas, both outside in proximity to entry doors, and indoors in main living/working areas.
These tests provide particulate counts in two size ranges, 0.5 to 2.5 microns (most mold and mold spores range from 3 to 30 microns), and secondly, those larger than 2.5 microns - click here for a Particle Size Chart (useful in knowing what you can easily filter out of your air and what you can't). While these tests do not identify specific species or types of particulates found, we perform them to record and establish a baseline of particulate counts across a wider area. This can help determine the need for further investigation, lab testing or perhaps just the need for an HVAC filter replacement.
Pricing is primarily dependent on size and type of structure.
A detailed report is provided upon completion.
SAMPLE COLLECTING FOR TESTING
Air samples are collected using calibrated pump gear and spore traps. Visible mold samples are captured with tapes, swabs or in bulk. After collection, they are sent out for lab analysis and their results that define the types found and estimated levels of those in the air are provided in report format. These tests are optional and can be purchased separately from other inspection services - Pricing will vary by sample type.
With further regard to air sampling, industry professionals recommend as a minimum, two indoor samples, and one outdoor sample be collected in/at the home - dependent of course on home size and layout. MI Mold Finders recommends this route if site conditions are suspect or most importantly if the occupant's health conditions or concerns demand it.
If visible mold is present, further testing may not be required, however testing to determine the types and levels present in the home including in a crawl space (where elevated moisture levels are very common), is a good protocol to follow. Especially prior to having any encapsulation or remediation services performed, and we stress again, anytime health concerns are an issue. Testing beforehand will help gauge the success of the remediation efforts through post remediation testing and comparison of the before and after results.
In short - ALL mold should be treated as toxic and addressed accordingly about removal and moisture control efforts.
ADVANCED TESTING SERVICES
There are several advanced lab tests such as ERMI and Mycotoxin tests - see below, that can be performed for those who just want to know more, but specifically for those especially sensitive to molds, those with compromised immune systems or existing health conditions that a moldy environment will only serve to aggravate. These tests can also be used as a tool to predict if your home is likely to have a history of water damage.
We take your health very seriously, your professionals at MI Mold Finders will collect test samples for these advanced tests, submit them to the lab for analysis, maintaining an important Chain of Custody (COC) to track the sample(s) from start to finish, ensuring that what was analyzed and reported on did indeed come from your home or building.
Please contact us for more information on these and other lab testing services.
ENVIRONMENTAL RELATIVE MOLDINESS INDEX (ERMI) TEST
What is ERMI? ERMI is the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index - the combination of EPA research, powerful PCR technology, and a new method to screen homes for mold.
The ERMI test involves the analysis of a single sample of dust collected from a home or building, collected from living and/or sleeping quarters of the home. The sample is analyzed using a mold-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MSQPCR) panel of testing developed by the EPA, a highly specific DNA-based method for quantifying mold species. The panel includes 26 species of water damage-related molds and 10 additional common indoor molds. The concentration of spore counts in the sample are used to derive an ERMI score that rates the "moldiness" of the sample against some 1,100 homes tested by the EPA. The ERMI value is typically between -10 and 20. The lower your score, the better.
Please note: The ERMI test should not be interpreted as an indicator of the current health of the occupants or a predictor of the future health. It, however, may give an early warning that the building has a higher mold level than the 1,100 tested when the ERMI was developed.
Usually performed as an adjunct to a standard Mold Inspection, the cost for this test is $495 (includes collection and independent lab analysis).
ENVIRONMENTAL MYCOTOXIN TESTING
Mycotoxins are poisonous compounds produced by a toxigenic mold that grows in damp or water damaged indoor environments.....like your home or work. It is not usually the mold itself that causes health issues, it is the exposure to the mycotoxins they produce and release into the environment, where they can be inhaled by the residents. Mycotoxins are well documented for their toxic effects on the human cell, causing several problems in normal cell function and association with a wide variety of clinical symptoms and diseases such as:
· Kidney Toxicity
· Immune Suppression
· Autism
· Neurotoxicity
· Depression
· Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
· Cancer
· Acute Pulmonary Hemorrhage
· Aplastic Anemia
· Birth Defects
The Environmental Mycotoxin Test will determine the presence or absence of 15 of the most common and most toxic mycotoxins, including 9 Macrocyclic Trichothecenes produced by the "Black Mold", Stachybotrys. MI Mold Finders IAQ Specialists will collect the samples and submit them to the lab for analysis.
Usually performed as an adjunct to a standard Mold Inspection and an ERMI test, the cost for this test is $395 (includes collection and independent lab analysis).
Please contact us with any questions or for more information on any of our test and inspection services.
MI Mold Finders, LLC
Serving the Michigan area communities in and around Oakland, Lenawee, Washtenaw, and Jackson County
Certified, Experienced, Trusted & Insured