Mold and Bioaerosol Services

We are highly experienced professionals. We don`t use scare tactics talking about the hazards of mold! We focus on solving the problem, both the underlying water intrusion and ultimately removal of mold where necessary. Sampling is done only to test a hypothesis, such as identifying hidden mold, verifying that mold cleanups have been effective, or sometimes even to rule out mold as a priority environmental contaminant. While EHSI has worked with a number of highly reputable mold remediation firms in the NJ, NYC and Philadelphia area, our work is independent and impartial from any contractor`s. Our services are often requested by reputable mold remediation firms to act in an independent role to develop the remediation specifications prior to their work in order to achieve unbiased, less costly clean-up results.
Mold and Bioaerosol Inspections

Even though your basement sofa isn`t floating in 3 inches of water, doesn`t mean you don`t have a moisture problem. Damp conditions, such as in basements or areas of water leaks, can lead to mold and mildew formation. Mold and other microbial growth and water damage can be major concerns to businesses and families, causing or worsening health problems. These problems can include creating business or family disruption and reduced financial value in your investments. Young children, the elderly, and asthmatic family members living in mold contaminated homes are special concerns.

We start investigations with a visual inspection for signs of mold and excessive moisture or water intrusion. When we determine the cause(s) of the water intrusion, the mold concerns can be corrected. Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) and Certified Microbial Consultants (CMC) then develop sampling strategies for each specific situation. EHSI has the capability to use a combination of sophisticated techniques to investigate sources of mold and bacterial growth and their byproducts, in addition to other bioaerosols, such as animal and insect allergens. Examples of common bioaerosol tests include:

• Non-Viable or Spore Trap Mold Testing in air or wall cavities
• Viable or Culturable (i.e., "petri dish") Mold or Bacteria in air
• PCR (i.e., "DNA") analysis
• Surface (culturable) wipes and BioTape Lift mold spore samples
• Bulk building materials - analyzed for mold, bacteria and allergens
• Water sample analysis for Legionella and heterotropic plate count
• Full Particle Identification- (air and bulk samples) - for fungal allergens, fibers, dust mites, animal dander, insect parts, minerals and unusual materials
• Infrared Thermography diagnosis- both moisture intrusion and weatherization issues, which can often be the causes of mold problems

All our investigators are experienced, certified professionals. Samples are sent only to accredited laboratories. A comprehensive written report is usually issued outlining the findings of testing, methodologies used, interpretation of results and recommendations for follow-up actions, including recommendations for remediation, if necessary. We give you the straight scoop without trying to scare you about "toxic mold", as many of our competitors. And all our results are evaluated by Certified Industrial Hygienists, Certified Building Analysts and Certified Microbial Consultants. In addition to mold testing, EHSI is certified to conduct sampling for other hazardous building materials, including Asbestos building inspections. The purpose of this testing is to ensure that abatement activities do not adversely impact these materials, resulting in further harmful building contamination or worker/homeowner exposures.

Pre-Remediation Services
If mold or microbial remediation is necessary, experienced professionals from EHSI will meet with you and members of your organization to discuss the abatement project. Development of a written remediation specification is essential to a successful large-scale microbial remediation. It is necessary to describe the objectives of the project, proper containment and work methods, as well as other safety and health issues to protect people and property. CIHs and CMCs will develop these specifications according to a combination of industry consensus standards. The remediation specification may be used as an addendum to bid and contractual documents arranged with prospective remedial contractors.

Remediation Oversight
The "New York City Guidelines" and other industry consensus standards call for a health and safety professional to be on-site to oversee large-scale mold remediation projects. This oversight ensures that the contractor is performing properly. Don`t let the fox watch the henhouse! EHSI will cost-effectively audit contractor work activities throughout the project to ensure the objectives are being met in a safe manner according to the remediation specification. This can be accomplished using both pre-abatement and periodic (e.g., daily, weekly or monthly) documented inspections of the work areas.

Post-Remediation Inspection & Testing
At the end of the abatement, a post-remediation inspection and testing will be conducted by a CIH or CMC. We are one of the few companies to give you written post-remediation inspection criteria BEFORE the project begins. Final post-remediation testing is essential for documenting the successful remediation project. Our testing is designed for rapid turnaround of lab results and flexible acceptance criteria. Reports can be used to document the adequate cleanup of mold to prospective buyers of property, building inspectors and regulatory authorities.