About us

MOLD & INDOOR AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENTS

Since 2003 and over 4500 homes inspected, Air Aware Building Science & Diagnostics Inc has continued to grow throughout Ontario as a trusted partner ensuring your homes safety. We are committed to your well being and have become a trusted name among contractors, private home owners, property managers and Realtors® across Ontario. With our sound inspection practices, state-of-the-art technology and the best scientific judgement applicable, we provide safe and effective solutions to indoor air quality issues.

What We Do

Indoor Air Quality Investigations

Do occupants of your home or office associate health symptoms with their indoor environment?

Firstly, a visual assessment is conducted of the entire structure starting on the exterior, attic space(s), all interior living areas, crawlspaces and mechanical systems. Biological and chemical contaminants as well as housing deficiencies that can be attributed to poor indoor air quality are identified. Infrared Thermal Imaging is utilized to detect insulation deficiencies (which create condensation/mold growth issues) and active moisture issues beyond finished interior surfaces such as ceilings, walls and floors.

Biological contaminants include mold, dust mites, animal dander and natural occurring substances. Chemical contaminants include new building materials, volatile organic compounds, personal hygiene products and others. There are also situations where individuals need proof that mold is present such as at rental properties. People with allergies, asthma/other respiratory issues, compromised immune systems, children and the elderly who are particularly sensitive to mold, air testing is recommended. Many home owners are just looking for peace of mind when requesting our air quality services.

Mold Assessment

Air Aware performs the most cost-effective and thorough mold inspection service available in the industry today. We start by doing a visual inspection of the entire building envelope to include the exterior of the property. Infrared Thermal Imaging is always utilized to determine if active issues are present beyond finished interior surfaces. A moisture meter survey of building materials is also conducted.

Do you have musty, earthy odors and do not know the origin of them? Has the building been subject to water penetration, plumbing leaks or a sewer back up?

Areas of mold growth/water damage will be pinpointed throughout the structure. Explicit statements will be documented in the report which will specify the source(s) of the mold growth/water damage. Safe and proper mold clean-up measures are provided to prevent cross-contamination. Solutions to prevent future mold growth are outlined within the report. It is important to identify and correct all of the sources that had contributed to the mold growth to ensure that the mold growth situation does not reoccur.

It is important to note there are two types of mold problems in homes we service - mold that can be seen and mold that is hidden. The common misconception is that if you can't see it, it doesn't exist. Nothing could be further from the truth. Often, mold growth occurs in areas of the basement and attic that are hidden from plain sight: inside walls, on insulation, under flooring, in rafters and other places not easily accessed.

The AirAware
Advantage

Common Indoor Pollutants

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas. It’s produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Carbon monoxide stops your body from using the oxygen it needs to work normally. You may experience tiredness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and a fast heart rate. If the concentration of carbon monoxide is high enough, you could die.

Radon

Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that is found everywhere in low levels. It is made naturally as the uranium in the Earth breaks down. Being exposed to elevated levels of radon increases your risk of getting lung cancer.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a common oxide of nitrogen. It is a toxic and corrosive gas. Please note that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is different from nitrous oxide (N2O), an oxide of nitrogen that is medically useful when administered by trained professionals, such as dentists. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) irritates the throat, eyes, nose, and respiratory tract.

Exposure to very high doses of NO2, such as at the site of a building fire, can lead to pulmonary edema (potentially fatal liquid build-up in the lungs) or lung injury. Moderate exposure can lead to acute or chronic bronchitis. Low-level exposure can impair lung function for people who are already at risk, such as asthmatics, people with chronic obstructive lung disease, and children.

 

Lead Particles

Lead is a natural, soft metal that is very toxic if consumed. Lead was widely used in house paint until it was banned in 1978. Lead particles and dust can become airborne, leading to dangerous indoor air pollution. Exposure to lead can damage the brain, nervous system, kidneys, and red blood cells. If children are exposed, they may develop short attention spans, behavioral problems, lower IQ levels, and delayed growth.

Asbestos

Asbestos is the name used for a group of minerals found naturally all over the world. Although asbestos is not hazardous when intact, disturbing asbestos fibers causes them to become airborne, where they could potentially enter the lungs. In the long-term, exposure to asbestos can lead to various lung disorders, including lung cancer and asbestosis. Asbestosis is an inflammatory condition of the lungs that causes coughing, trouble breathing, and permanent lung damage.

Mold

Molds are types of fungi that grow indoors and outdoors. Some types of mold are harmless, while others are dangerous. Mold can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms can include nasal stuffiness, eye or throat irritation, swelling, coughing or wheezing, headaches, or skin irritation. Severe reactions can lead to fever and trouble breathing. Mold can also trigger asthma attacks.

Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke, also called environmental tobacco smoke, comes from incompletely burned tobacco products. Secondhand smoke contains over 4,700 chemical ingredients. In the short term, exposure to secondhand smoke can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation. In the long-long, it can cause many of the same health problems as smoking, like wheezing, pneumonia, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Asthma attacks may be triggered by secondhand smoke exposure.