Residential Real Estate Mold Inspections
Before you buy or sell a home, you should fully investigate the presence of mold or the prospect of mold developing. Cox Environmental’s certified mold inspector serves both Realtors and home owners throughout the state of Oklahoma.
Goals of a Real Estate Mold Inspection
- Perform air quality test, identifying types and levels of indoor vs. outdoor mold spores
- Identify visible fungal growth
- Identify visible signs of water intrusion
The inspection of the inhabitable living space requires approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete, depending on the size of the home. Following the mold inspection, you will receive a lab analysis and detailed written report of findings, detailed recommendations, and remediation protocol when appropriate.
Our thorough inspection process and detailed written report can provide you with the confidence you need when considering a major life purchase. As a result of our services, you will know if your property receives a ‘clean bill of health’ or if remediation is recommended for resolving issues identified.
Commercial Real Estate Testing
Everyone wants to protect their employees and customers. “Sick building syndrome” has become a legal liability, a drain on productivity across the country, and a tenant issue. According to the EPA, “The term “sick building syndrome” (SBS) is used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building. In contrast, the term “building related illness” (BRI) is used when symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants.”
Indicators of Compromised Air Quality
Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors. The cause of the symptoms is not known. Most of the complainants report relief soon after leaving the building. Cox Environmental will perform air quality test, identifying types and levels of indoor vs. outdoor mold spores, identify visible fungal growth, and identify visible signs of water intrusion. Following the inspection, you will receive a lab analysis and detailed written report of findings and recommendations when appropriate. Our thorough inspection process, written report, and detailed protocol can provide protection of your enterprise and your people. As a result of our services you will know if your property receives a ‘clean bill of health’ or if mold/irritants are present, you will receive a detailed plan outlining the remediation recommendations for resolving the issues identified.
Mold Testing
Cox Environmental’s goal is to identify the types and quantity of mold present in your interior atmosphere.
Mold spores can be considered viable [living] or non-viable [non-living] and both can be detrimental to your health. Depending on the type of mold and the quantity, or spore count, we discover, our certified inspector will have the information to develop an effective and detailed protocol mold remediation plan for you.
Mold in your home or place of business is sometimes easily identified but can also be found in hidden locations only found through investigate processes. The type of testing Cox conducts will be dictated by what signs and symptoms you report and based on our assessment and visual inspection.
Cox Environmental generally performs two types of non-destructive indoor air quality mold tests, ensuring that no element of the property will be compromised or harmed in any way.
- Visible mold growth can be analyzed with a direct sample, via Tape Lift or Bulk Sample. These mold spores should be tested because though they may not presently be in the air, they will likely become airborne, especially when remediation takes place.
Moisture Meter readings on inside walls and Relative Humidity readings are taken during our visual inspection inside each property. These included tests help to pinpoint if and where a water intrusion may have occurred and can help in streamlining remediation. Should walls be wet, Cox is able to use an Infrared Camera to gain more details about the location and extent of the damage. Identifying and resolving water intrusion problems around your home or business will help ensure the health and longevity of your property.
Radon Testing
What is a safe level of radon gas? A safe level of radon gas is no radon gas. Radon gas is a carcinogen which causes lung cancer. The US EPA has put it plainly, stating, “Any radon exposure has some risk of causing lung cancer. The lower the radon level in your home, the lower your family’s risk of lung cancer.” The average person receives a higher dose of radiation from the radon levels in their home than from their combined exposure to all other radiation sources, natural or man-made.
Cox Environmental performs Radon testing with activated charcoal kits, having results analyzed by AirChek, Inc. For accurate results, test kits must remain untouched in the property for 48 hours. Cox’s experts are specially trained to interpret lab reports for Radon and other indoor air quality tests. For your convenience, if a Radon problem is identified, we will provide you with a list of qualified mitigation contractors.
Methamphetamine Testing
A meth lab doesn’t have to blow up in order to become a disaster to people, property, and the environment. The cooking process releases a cloud of toxic chemicals and compounds, including hydrochloric acid, phosphorus, and iodine. When meth has been cooked, or smoked in a property, the residue creates dust that remains in and on floors, walls, carpeting, furniture, and ventilation ducts. It’s important for potential homeowners to be aware and able to spot the indicators that a home may have been used to make methamphetamines. Most home inspectors do not test for methamphetamines, so do not rely on the inspector to alert you of any potential methamphetamine problems. Some of the indicators include the smell of ammonia, blacked out or frosted-edged windows, burns on the countertops or flooring, exhaust fans where they might seem to serve no real purpose, or absent or taped off fire detectors. Cox Environmental performs Meth Residue testing using industry standard methods. Tests are performed throughout the property, designed to detect the presence of methamphetamine residue. Detection 0.02 ug or greater (the lowest possible reporting guideline) are deemed positive. Tests are safe on most surfaces and results are provided approximately 4 business days following the inspection.
Air Quality Testing Results
Cox Environmental is specially trained to interpret lab reports for mold and other indoor air quality tests. Every customer will receive their laboratory test results within 48 hours via phone call and email, along with Cox Environmental’s interpretation of those findings in terms
you can easily understand. Additionally, if a mold problem is identified, we will provide you with a detailed remediation plan and a list of qualified contractors.
Cox Environmental uses the services of SanAir Technologies Laboratory for its environmental analysis reports for Mold testing. SanAir is accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and a participant in the Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing Program. SanAir only uses industry approved and standardized procedures and maintains quality control and assurance under the strict guidelines of the AIHA.
For Radon testing, Cox Environmental uses the services of Air Chek, Inc. Founded in 1985, Air Chek continues to set the standard for radon testing. Cox Environmental partners with TEC Analytics for Methamphetamine residue analysis, using a modified NIOSH method 9111 fro the NIOSH Manual of Analytica Methods Fifth Edition.