Testing services that engender confidence and comfort

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For our testing clients and the real estate and home inspection professionals that serve them, we utilize modern collection equipment and employ a respectful and friendly data collection process.  Most importantly, after the data collection is completed, we provide the results, and we can also provide personalized consultation and interpretation of results with our experts in the fields of environmental sciences.

• RADON IN AIR (+ Airborne radon is a major cause of lung cancer): When buying a home, a purchaser should determine if the indoor radon is less than 4 pCi/L (EPA limit).  We use EPERM Detectors (CRM’s extra). Results can be available in 2-3 days.
• DISSOLVED RADON IN DRINKING WATER (Radon escaping from water can add to the risk of developing lung cancer, and drinking often-radon-rich well water has been associated with developing leukemia): When purchasing a home with a water well, a buyer should determine if the radon in drinking water is less than 4000 pCi/L (EPA limit). Normally we take 2 samples at the kitchen water tap. Results can be available in 1-2 days.
• RADON EMISSION FROM GRANITE TOPS (Radon escaping from granite adds to the risk of developing lung cancer): The most used natural rock that is cut and shaped to make counter tops is granite. Granite, while attractive, is the most radioactive. We measure on-counter and off-counter radon emission and total radioactivity. Results can be available in 2-3 days.

• INDOOR MOLD INSPECTION (Floating spores are abundantly given off by indoor mold can cause allergenic reactions {sinus congestion, chest tightness, sneezing, runny eyes and nose, etc,}: Indoor mold commonly develops in humid homes, and homes with water pipe or roof leaks. Too-high concentrations of mold spores commonly cause bad smells, irritated eyes and a “wet” nose, and other allergenic reactions. We obtain a Certified analysis of an air or surface sample to determine if mold remediation must be done to create a healthy house, and to provide a “clearance report” to obtain a loan. Results can be available in 3-5 days.

• ASBESTOS INSPECTION (Extremely light needle-shaped crystals of asbestos can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung and thorax cancers, etc.): Homes built before 1980 sometimes have floor tiles (and the underlying glue) made in part with asbestos fibers (makes the tiles resistant to wear) and have pipe/wall insulation containing asbestos (resists decomposition, excellent insulator). Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, are a carcinogen. We determine if asbestos is present by obtaining a Certified analysis of air or surface samples, and present what should be done to make the home safe. Results are available in 3-5 days.

• FHA/VA WATER QUALITY TESTING (Bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness (diarrhea, vomiting, headaches), dissolved nitrogen compounds from fertilizer and pesticides can cause methemoglobinemia (“blue-baby syndrome”), and dissolved metals such as arsenic, copper, lead, and others can cause heavy metal syndrome (liver, kidney and intestinal damage), peripheral neuropathy{(circulatory system problems}, and developmental problems {children who are slow to learn}: Home buyers should make sure that water hazards do not exist. The most common health problems include coliform bacteria, some forms of which cause disease, nitrates and nitrites from lawn and farm fertilizers, arsenic (insect removal, formerly used on farmland), lead from corrosion in water pipes, and iron from pipes and soil. We provide the complete FHA/VA water analysis. Lab results are available in 3-5 working days.

• CONTAMINATED SOIL INSPECTION (Hydrocarbons {heating oil, solvents, etc. and metals {usually arsenic) can contaminate well water): At homes, the most common soil contamination is fuel from leaking underground storage tanks, and heavy metals that are natural in some soils, but can be deposited by inappropriate activities. We collect a soil sample (or sometimes many soil samples), obtain Certified laboratory analyses and if necessary, recommend remediation methodology. Normally laboratory results are available 3-5 days. )

•  VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCs) Airborne VOC’s (e.g., formaldehyde) can cause respiratory disorders, allergenic reactions, skin and eye irritation, etc, are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. 

• FINE AIRBORNE DUST TESTING: Very fine dust suspended in air can be a breathing problem, often originating from the environment around a home. We can measure the indoor airborne concentrations, and within one day determine if these concentrations are safe. Fine dust can cause cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease through pulmonary and systemic inflammation. 

• METHAMPHETAMINE TESTING: The chemical production of “meth” (called speed, crank, crystal, ice, etc.) involves dangerous chemicals that leave harmful residues on walls, appliances, floors and rugs inside homes. Heated chemicals that cool and settle, and chemical spills, contaminate properties. We can conduct “meth screenings” of homes and surrounding property. The off-gassing of contaminated surfaces can cause health reactions described for VOCs (respiratory disorders, allergenic reactions, skin and eye irritation, etc,).