First and foremost, if you believe that you have mold in your house, you must arrange a mold inspection with a trained specialist. Mold can cause major health concerns, so be cautious of possible mold development. Musty scents and visible mold growth are two prominent indications of mold in your house. Mold need moisture to flourish, so chronic dampness or water damage is another indicator. Next, consider getting a mold inspection before selling your house or purchasing a new one.

Mold inspectors conduct mold inspections using a range of techniques. Visual examination, moisture meters, and thermal imaging may be used to identify problem areas. They will also collect samples from any suspect regions, which will be analyzed in a laboratory. Taking these procedures can help to keep mold at bay in your house.

A mold inspection typically takes around one to three hours. However, depending on the size of the property and the number of areas of concern, the duration might vary. The inspector would also need to collect samples from any suspect places to be analyzed in a laboratory, which will take more time.

A mold inspection typically yields results in about an hour, a day, or a week. Any areas of concern and the kind of mold that is present will be discovered by the results. The inspector will make recommendations for the removal of the mold if it is discovered.

If your home tests positive for mold, you must act quickly to eliminate the mold. Removing the source of moisture, cleaning and sanitizing afflicted areas, and repairing any leaks or other sources of water infiltration are all approaches to treat mold. A specialist may also be required to analyze the amount of the mold development and identify the best line of action.

A mold inspection typically costs about the same as a standard home inspection, which is required when purchasing a new home. For houses smaller than 4,000 square feet, mold inspections typically run $500 to $1500. The price ranges from $1500 to $2000 for spaces larger than 4,000 square feet.

While the presence of mold can have a negative smell for some, for others, it can have a direct physical effect. However, allergy sufferers may experience a variety of symptoms, such as runny noses, itching, sneezing, headaches, and coughs. Other conditions, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, difficulty breathing, and both short-term and long-term memory loss, have also been linked to prolonged mold exposure.

If you want to know if an area has been properly cleaned or remedied, surface sampling might be helpful. Professionals with specific experience designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results should conduct mold sampling. The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations may provide guidance on analytical techniques for sample analysis.

A mold inspection is done after a mold remediation operation has been finished but before containment and air-scrubbing have been removed is known as post-remediation verification (Clearance Testing). It usually adheres to industry-accepted standards, which include a visual examination of the remediated area, an evaluation of the moisture management technique used, odor detection, and a repetition of the initial mold tests with a report of findings.

After mold treatment, clearance testing should always be undertaken. Otherwise, you won't know if the cleanup was effective. Let's face it: we want to have faith in our contractors. However, confirming what they say makes excellent business sense. A call to MSE Environmental can have you sorted out in no time. The best thing is that there is typically no charge for getting this query answered. It happens more often than you believe.

Simple air testing for mold following a mold remediation procedure may be inaccurate since the airborne particle level changes greatly from instant to moment, especially depending on building circumstances. An air test collects a tiny volume of air at a single point in time and should not be utilized to determine whether a mold clearance inspection and test is passed or failed.

An Asbestos Survey evaluates possible ACM by collecting samples for examination. It focuses on damaged regions and possibly friable suspicious ACM.

To detect the presence or absence of asbestos fibers in construction materials, visual identification is insufficient. Only an asbestos survey or screening, which includes material collection and laboratory analysis, can reliably detect and quantify asbestos particles in building materials. Building purchasers and owners should be aware of the presence of ACM in their building so that it may be safely managed or removed. If the asbestos-containing building elements are in good condition and the asbestos is "sealed," it can typically be maintained safely in place using an Operations & Maintenance Plan.

During commercial real estate transactions, restoration projects, or financing, asbestos surveys are frequently required as part of due diligence. They can also be required prior to the demolition or renovation of buildings after buildings are suspected to have been damaged by flooding, or after significant natural disasters.

Limited Asbestos Survey - A Limited Asbestos Survey is a larger sample of suspected ACM and building materials. It is a targeted sampling for a single building material based on a customer's need. This material could be the roof, particular walls, siding, or any single area where ACM is suspected or probable.

Pre-Demolition Asbestos Survey - A Pre-Demolition Asbestos Survey is by far the most complete ACM examination. This examination evaluates every part of a structure, including interior and external construction materials, using destructive sample techniques. A demolition survey necessitates the removal of tiny pieces of the structure in order to locate ACM beneath walls, floors, or other difficult-to-reach regions.

Pre-Renovation Asbestos Survey - The Pre-Renovation Asbestos Survey is a thorough examination of building materials, however it is confined to the course of construction and/or the actual building materials. This test might be utilized, for example, while refurbishing a single storefront in a strip mall. In this case, the Asbestos Survey would guarantee that the refurbishment would not harm the environment or release ACM into regions disturbed during construction or renovation operations.

An on-site inspection might take a couple of hours for modest projects or several days for larger constructions. The inspector will need full access to every room and area in the institution, and additional site inspections may be necessary. Regular laboratory analysis takes 1 hour, 4 hours or the same day after site work, with fast or emergency turnaround times available for considerable premium fees.

The typical cost of home asbestos testing is roughly $600, but a thorough inspection might cost up to $1500. Because destruction and the possibility of rendering usually stable material "friable" rises in rehabilitation projects, inspection is significantly more extensive and begins at $1200 for a residential project. However, there are additional elements to consider that might cause the price to rise or fall. The lowest price is $600for a simple inspection, such as when purchasing or selling a property, and the highest cost is closer to $1500 for renovation/demolition projects.

The only way to know for certain whether a substance contains asbestos is to have it analyzed by a reputable environmental consultant like MSE Environmental. The EPA only advises evaluating questionable materials if they are damaged (fraying, etc.) or if you intend to renovate in a way that would disrupt the questionable material. Samples should be performed by an asbestos specialist who has been adequately educated and authorized (inspector).

When purchasing a property, it is critical to check for asbestos. When particles and fibers from asbestos in dwellings are discharged into the air, they have been demonstrated to have negative health impacts.

Asbestos in good condition and left alone is unlikely to pose a health danger. Asbestos dangers arise when it is broken or disturbed, causing asbestos fibers to become airborne and inhalable. Managing asbestos in situ and keeping it in excellent condition is frequently the best way.

There are numerous ways for identifying asbestos minerals. The most common techniques are phase contrast polarized light microscopy (PLM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Other methods that might be used include X-ray diffraction (XRD) and perhaps infrared spectroscopy (IRS). For the analysis of asbestos fibers in air, a sample of air is drawn through a filter by a vacuum pump (usually at a flow-rate of around 1–2 L/minute), and the fibers retained on the filters are examined microscopically.

Before undertaking any remodeling, demolition, asbestos abatement, or other action that may influence suspicious material, a licensed asbestos inspection specialist must conduct an on-site examination. This inspection is mandated by federal rules and regulations established by OSHA and the US EPA, as well as numerous state regulations and municipal legislation.

Lead-based paint inspections detect whether or not lead-based paint is present. It is especially useful in establishing the presence of lead-based paint prior to acquiring, renting, or remodeling a property, as well as identifying possible sources of lead exposure at any time.

A lead inspection simply examines surfaces both inside and outside a property to determine the presence of deadly lead paint. Inspectors will thoroughly check problem areas as well as places that may be difficult to detect. While lead paint is hazardous, it is only hazardous when disturbed or damaged.

Many lead exposure concerns are caused by lead paint. Lead paint may cover a variety of surfaces, and older homes have the most challenges in terms of safety. The most noticeable is "alligatoring," which occurs when the paint begins to crack and wrinkle, resulting in a pattern that mimics reptile scales. This is an indication that your paint contains lead. Another indication that you may be dealing with lead paint is if it leaves a chalky residue when rubbed off.

Lead paint can cause lead poisoning, which can be extremely harmful to some groups, such as children. Due to a variety of variables, children are significantly more prone to become victims of lead exposure and poisoning. Hand-to-mouth behavior, the rate at which lead penetrates into their circulation, and better respiratory functioning can all raise the likelihood of lead exposure in youngsters.

When determining whether or whether there are any possible dangers from the presence of Lead, a Lead Based-Paint Assessment is often performed. A Lead Risk Assessment is useful in the following situations:

• Temporary controls (measures to address LBP without an abatement such as painting, etc.)

• Coverage (documentation of lead status)

• Property sale/turnover

While Lead-Based Paint Inspection is often performed when determining the location of Lead.

A municipal agency may sometimes mandate abatement in a home. At times, you may select abatement because you believe it is the greatest approach to protect your children from lead poisoning. Alternatively, you may want to have your lead-based paint removed rather than commit to long-term routine upkeep. Your risk assessor can assist you in deciding amongst these solutions.

Lead poisoning is a serious issue. A certified risk assessor may assist you in analyzing the report and determining whether abatement or ongoing good maintenance is a better option for you and your family. If you want to abate, use a skilled and certified abatement contractor. A qualified lead-based paint specialist such as MSE Environmental will know how to operate safely and will have documentation of certification.

Black water is defined as water that has been polluted by harmful items such as human waste or dirt. It can enter your house for a variety of causes. Sewage leaks and floodwater discharge are two of the most prevalent. The polluted water can cause major health problems as well as property damage.

The most common causes include:

• Sewage backups

• Water intrusion

• Septic tank leakage

• Severe flooding

• Leaking sewer pipes

Black water might be difficult to distinguish. It may look clean, but it may contain hazardous bacteria and pollutants that will multiply if not properly handled. Black water can also be related with mold development, making it much more hazardous. The easiest method to avoid black water damage is to become familiar with it so that you can see any possible difficulties before they become serious ones.

The first step toward resolving a blackwater problem is to have the area tested for bacteria and toxins by a third-party testing company that does not also provide sewage treatment and cleanup, as this would be a clear conflict of interest. MSE Environmental can help you resolve your sewage issues quickly, effectively, and without trouble.

This evaluation is frequently conducted following a black water sewage occurrence to evaluate if sewage indicator bacteria are present and, if so, what action should be taken. The initial bacteria/sewage evaluation includes a complete, personalized report that details our on-site observations, lab findings interpretation, and suggestions or scope of work if needed.

The bacteria remediation verification is used to verify whether or not the cleanup activities were effective. A typical bacteria clearance evaluation comprises a visual inspection of the work area as well as an assessment of the moisture content of damaged building components. Before clearing, surface samples are obtained and cultivated to ensure the absence of sewage indicator bacteria.

The cost is heavily influenced by the kind of water, the amount of the damage, and the underlying reason. Clean water damage is often less expensive, costing around $3.75 per square foot. Gray water damage costs around $4.50 per square foot, whereas black water damage can cost up to $7 per square foot.

Water damage can occur in multiple ways from a dishwasher leak, plumbing line burst, sewage backup, HVAC line, fire compression system and even a catastrophic flood from rain or hurricane. All of these types of water damages fall in one of 3 categories under the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration

Certification (IICRC) classifications.

Category 1 - clean water originating from a clean sanitary water source

Category 2 – gray water originating from a contaminated water source

Category 3 – black water originating from a grossly contaminated water source

Oftentimes, restoration contractors are experts at drying structures after a water loss but the building owners don't often hire an environmental consultant like MSE Environmental to validate that the structure is dried down to a certain dry standard. That there is no visible fungal growth present from the loss and all potential water contaminants or building materials from black water have been removed. It's imperative the building owner has post-dry down verification and clearance inspection performed with a report for their documentation

According to the IICRC, water categories range:

• Category 1 water damage: Sanitary “Clean Water”

• Category 2 water damage: Significantly Contaminated “Grey Water”

• Category 3 water damage: Grossly Contaminated “Black Water”

MSE Environmental knows how to categorize your water loss right from the start working in conjunction with your restoration contractor to bring your building back to its clean healthy indoor environment. MSE will test for the category of water from the start to prove the category of water to the insurance party when needed and document the water-damaged areas for the building owner.

Mold Air Testing before and after a large water loss not only proves there are low levels of fungal growth from the beginning of water loss it proves the restoration contractor didn't cross-contaminate the structure from before the pre-loss situation accorded. This will also give the building owner peace of mind and reduce potential litigation from elevated exposures to mold from the water-damaged areas that were missed during the drying of the structure.

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, also known as an ESA or Phase I ESA, is done as part of a commercial real estate transaction to examine the present and historical usage of a site. The purpose of the study is to determine whether current or previous property usage have harmed the soil or groundwater underneath the property, which might endanger the environment and/or human health.

When you require a Phase I ESA, the report typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000. If there is a possible case of confinement, you will enter a Phase 2 ESA. These tests and reports are much more expensive. In general, you may anticipate to pay anything from $5,000 to more than $200,000.

Transactions involving commercial real estate. Bank-financed commercial real estate deals. Transactions involving controlled hazardous chemicals utilized in industrial or commercial enterprises (like lumber treatment, electroplating or dry cleaning)

• Who was the previous owner of the property?

• What was the purpose of the land?

• Have there been any occurrences around the property that may have led to the contamination?

• Is the property next to a contaminated site?

• Is there any underground storage tanks (USTs) on the property?

Legionnaires' disease is a severe, often lethal, form of pneumonia. It's caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila found in both potable and nonpotable water systems. Each year, an estimated 10,000 to 18,000 people are infected with the Legionella bacteria in the United States.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by a bacteria called Legionella pneumophila. Legionnaires' illness is contracted by breathing minute droplets of water floating in the air that carry the Legionella bacteria. Most persons exposed to Legionella do not become ill, and the disease does not transmit from person to person.

It is not uncommon for patients with Legionnaires' disease to be admitted to the intensive care unit. Some will suffer long-term impaired health-related quality of life. A study of outbreak survivors showed persistence of fatigue (75%), neurologic symptoms (66%) and neuromuscular symptoms (63%) in months after an outbreak.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by bacteria that may be found all over the world. It typically lives in bodies of water, such as ponds, where it seldom causes problems. Outbreaks occur in purpose-built water systems where temperatures are warm enough to favor bacteria growth, such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers, spa pools, and household water utilized in buildings such as enterprises, hospitals, and hotels.

Yes, experienced legionella risk management specialists from MSE Environmental provide expert and unbiased advice on the prevention and control of legionella bacteria exposure in all engineered water systems, including hot and cold water systems, cooling systems, cooling towers, and complex and novel water systems.

MSE Environmental provides specialized testing and analysis of environmental water samples for legionella bacteria and other waterborne pathogens to serve our industrial, commercial, non-profit, and governmental clients all over the world. To ensure accuracy and dependability, our specialist laboratory and microbiological services adhere to stringent quality control and laboratory accreditation requirements.

Avian Pathogens are feces, excrement, droppings or guano from birds or bats that can produce disease. There are many other types of rodents, raccoons and wildlife whose droppings can disease hazards as well. Birds, bats and pigeons can nest and burrow themselves in all different parts of buildings and structures causing significant amounts of droppings to affect HVAC systems, ventilation cavities, ceiling cavity voids and supply systems.

MSE Environmental Avian Pathogen Investigation Process:

• Inspection & Assessment

• Pre Testing & Sampling,

• Remediation Scope of Work & Protocol Design,

• Post Remediation Verification & Clearance Testing (PRV)

Contaminants in the air may harm everyone's health, not just those who live in large, dirty cities. We should all be concerned about toxins that may harm our health and capacity to breathe. Ignoring the indicators of polluted air can result in many of the health issues described above, as well as hospitalization or early death in severe situations. Air quality is clearly not something anyone should take lightly.

The EPA’s List of the main sources of indoor air pollution are:

Fuel-burning combustion appliances

Tobacco products

Building materials and furnishings as diverse as:

• Deteriorated asbestos-containing insulation

• Newly installed flooring, upholstery, or carpet

• Cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products

Products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies

Central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices

Excess moisture

Outdoor sources such as:

• Radon

• Pesticides

• Outdoor air pollution.

The symptoms of poor air quality exposure differ from person to person. Persons with a weaker immune system, immunocompromised, autoimmune illness, asthma, cancer, or allergies typically exhibit stronger exposure symptoms than healthy individuals. Long-term exposure to mold pollutants and toxins, on the other hand, can be hazardous to one's health. Some of the symptoms of exposure include respiratory distress, coughing, skin rash, sneezing, sinusitis, difficulty swallowing, choking, spitting up (vomiting) mucous, Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Asthmatic signs; wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, burning in lungs, etc., Irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, diarrhea, sharp abdominal pains, stomach lesions, Memory loss; brain fog, slurred speech, Thyroid irregularities, Headaches, Chronic Fatigue, Reproductive system failure, and seizures.

A variety of airborne pollutants can be detected via air quality testing. Identification and enumeration of fungal spores, total dander, fiber and pollen counts, cellulose fibers, dander, fiberglass, and other particles that may impair indoor air quality, and bacteria and viruses are some of the more prevalent pollutants revealed by air quality testing.

There are two samples in each air quality test: one from outside and one from the suspicious area to compare. A typical indoor air quality test takes between 10 and 15 minutes per sample, including time to set up the equipment. However, we can provide a 24-48-hour air monitoring system to provide a more realistic representation of the home's interior air quality if a customer wishes to determine the possibility of prolonged exposure to suspected airborne pollutants.

Commercial testing often costs between $850 and $3200, whereas residential testing typically costs between $500 and $1800.

Wildfire Soot is a mixture of gasses, particles, and chemicals from the burning of carbon-containing materials. The smoke released by these burning materials is carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and soot.

Following a building fire, various pollutants that might cause cancer or persistent scents in your house may be present on the residual materials and in the breathing air. Several distinct forms of combustion by-products may be present in the soot in your habitable area, depending on the materials burnt. The presence of soot on your home's remaining components may cause discoloration of materials/paints owing to the acidic qualities, as well as settling heavy elements of soot in porous building items, resulting in smoke-like aromas that can endure for years!

Inhaling the smoke for a short period of time decreases the body’s oxygen supply, causing acute effects. Such as,

• Coughing

• Stinging Eyes

• Difficulty in breathing

• Scratchy Throat

• Chest Pain

• Headaches

• Rapid Heartbeat

• Reduce alertness

Exposure to carbon monoxide and particulate matter can exacerbate cardiovascular consequences. The effects of breathing in carbon monoxide or small particles usually go away as the exposure stops, however, they might linger for a few days.

The qualified experts at MSE Environmental have received training in site inspections, creating clean-up processes, and conducting post-remediation evaluations.

A few pertinent certificates are:

• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

• Registered Environmental Assessor (REA)

The cost of thoroughly evaluating a residential or commercial property varies. The collection of samples, lab work, and a written report typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000.

Illicit drugs are drugs under the United States Federal control that do not have illicit medical purposes. These drugs are typically consumed, trafficked, or produced illegally. Throughout the country, residential and commercial structures are exposed to the production and after-effects of drug usage. Drug residue within these structures will settle on contents, horizontal planes, and HVAC systems. MSE Environmental provides building evaluations to determine the presence or absence of drug residue on contents, HVAC systems and building components.

MSE Environmental Illicit Drug Inspection Process – Interview Client on Structure Exposure Issues, Inspection & Assessment, Sampling, HVAC Ventilation Evaluation, Corrective Actions & Recommendations:

• Meth Inspections & Sampling

Silica is the basic component of soil, sand, granite and many other materials. It’s of structure of Crystalline. Silica has many industrial uses whether is bricks, roads, construction, glass, agriculture or oil fracking industries. Silica dust exposure without the proper engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) can be hazardous to labored workforce. MSE Environmental understands worker exposure silica hazards and helps clients maintain safety compliance and reduce company risk.

The most pressing issue for any business owner, manager, or safety specialist is how this standard will effect their company and employees, and how they will prepare. A competent health and safety specialist can assist in answering specific questions and concerns.

Silicosis can be caused by inhaling dust containing silica. Particles of silica dust become stuck in lung tissue, causing inflammation and scarring. The particles also decrease the ability of the lungs to absorb oxygen. This condition is termed silicosis. Silicosis is a gradual, debilitating, and occasionally deadly condition that causes chronic lung damage.

MSE Environmental Silica Inspection Process – Interview Client on Occupant Issues, Visual Inspection, Air Monitoring & Sampling, HAZCOM, PPE, Corrective Action Management Implementation & Recommendations:

• Job Site Air Monitoring

• Worker Exposure Personal Monitoring

Radon is a radioactive gas emitted from the earth through rock and soil. You cannot see it, smell it, or taste it. Exposure to radon normally occurs through living or occupying indoor dwellings and causes lung cancer in humans.

Radon gas is present anywhere, could be outdoors or indoors, but the greatest risk of radon exposure is where it is accumulated, such as in houses, buildings, etc. In the United States alone, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer (second to smoking). The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that about 21,000 individuals die every year from radon-related lung cancer.

To get the most accurate results, have your home tested for radon by a professional. A qualified inspector knows exactly where to place the radon device to get the best results, and can inspect the rest of your home for problem spots where radon can seep in.

A short-term radon test measures radon levels within 2-7 days. It is the quickest way to test for radon. Most of the time consumers first test for short-term radon testing. The test only measures a short time frame; thus additional testing is highly recommended if a short-term test result level is above the suggested minimum radon level by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) which is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter).

In long-term radon testing, radon levels are measured within a minimum of 90 days. As data provides, radon levels are high in the heating season and quite low in the non-heating season; hence conducting radon tests between these two seasons is very important.

Radon Testing typically costs at $300 to a $1000.