Mold & Air Quality Investigation
Keeping your home safe.
Air testing is performed to determine the presence and concentration of biological and chemical contaminants in your home’s air. 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.
Testing is typically done prior to and after remediation work is performed to validate the elimination of the air borne threat. AirAware offers both air and surface testing. We provide a report which includes type(s), concentration and the health effects that can be caused based on the specific types of contaminants present.
Asbestos Testing
Asbestos is a dangerous carcinogen.
Asbestos exposure may cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos poses the greatest danger when it becomes airborne. Demolishing, repairing, or just disturbing suspect materials may cause the asbestos fibers to dislodge and release into the air.
The following are some of the common asbestos containing materials that might be found in your home: acoustic ceiling spray, floor tiles, linoleum, insulation, plaster, drywall/joint compound, exterior stucco, roofing and others.
Thus before you disturb any material you suspect might contain asbestos, it would very wise to have a qualified consultant sample the suspect material(s) in accordance with Ontario Regulations and analyzed by a third party qualified laboratory. Standard turnaround time at the laboratory is two to four business days. Samples can be expedited. A laboratory surcharge would apply to expedited samples.
Buyer & Seller Home Inspection
We provide an on-site written professional home evaluation of 1,000+ items inside and outside of the home including:
Key systems and components:
- Structure and foundation
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems
- Roofs and attics
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Gutters and drainage
- Walls, floors and ceilings
- Porches and decks
- Property and site
We utilized Infrared Thermal Imaging in all of our home inspections and assessments to determine insulation R-values and identify active moisture issues. The infrared camera is designed to detect very slight temperature differences. Water from leakage and wet building materials is usually colder than the surrounding air, therefore, hidden moisture issues inside wall cavities is identified. Extensive air infiltration which may cause condensation inside a wall cavity, or active moisture infiltration from roof leaks, basement water penetration or plumbing leaks can be detected.
Designated Substance Surveys
A comprehensive assessment which determine the type, presence, or absence of, and estimated quantity of any designated substances or hazardous materials on site.
Samples are collected as per the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 30, and Ontario Regulation 290/09 Designated Substances pertaining to:
- Acrylonitrile
- Arsenic
- Asbestos
- Benzene
- Coke Oven Emissions
- Ethylene Oxide
- Isocyanates
- Lead Mercury
- Free Crystalline Silica
- Vinyl Chloride Monomer
- Mold
- PCB’s
This report must be available to contractors and employees under the Occupational Health & Safety Act. This allows for the protection and safety of any persons working at the property and ensures occupants are not at risk in their indoor environments.
Lyme Disease and Air Quality
People who suffer with Lyme disease are extra sensitive to poor indoor air quality. This effectively makes symptoms worse and can make the recovery time from Lyme disease longer.
Indoor mold growth issues can contribute to the symptoms of Lyme disease making them last longer and appear more intense. It is also suspected that exposure to mold growth and its mycotoxins can make you more susceptible to Lyme disease once bitten by a tick.
If you have possible mold growth in your home or office and are suffering from Lyme disease, you may not be getting better! Mold growth (depending on the species) can produce mycotoxins that have a negative effect on your immune system. A compromised immune system can retard Lyme disease treatment.
Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the Borrelia type which is spread by ticks.
The most common sign of infection is an expanding area of redness on the skin, known as erythema migrans, that begins at the site of a tick bite about a week after it has occurred. The rash is typically neither itchy nor painful. Approximately 25–50% of infected people do not develop a rash. Other early symptoms may include fever, headache and feeling tired. If untreated, symptoms may include loss of the ability to move one or both sides of the face, joint pains, severe headaches with neck stiffness, or heart palpitations, among others. Months to years later, repeated episodes of joint pain and swelling may occur. Occasionally, people develop shooting pains or tingling in their arms and legs. Despite appropriate treatment, about 10 to 20% of people develop joint pains, memory problems, and feel tired for at least six months.
A comprehensive indoor air quality assessment by AirAware can help you beat Lyme disease.