Non-invasive / non-destructive visual inspections for mold and conditions that cause it. Full and limited inspections include infrared thermography and moisture meter readings.

Testing determines whether mold is problematic indoors and affecting the air quality for building inhabitants. Both surface and air samples may be taken, depending on whether a mold-like substance is visible.

Dusts are ubiquitous. They can be generated from many sources, indoors and outdoors, human/animal activities, construction, combustion, etc.

Dust characterization can be a very useful and important tool for indoor air quality (IAQ) professionals to evaluate a building-related illness. Traditional IAQ investigation involves air sampling for a short period of time. For example: Spore trap sampling for fungal spores are typically performed between 5 and 10 minutes, for a snapshot of the indoor air.

In comparison, dust characterization can obtain crucial information about the history of the living environment ranging from weeks to even months as long as the selected surfaces have not been thoroughly cleaned for that period of time.

The ERMI test involves the analysis of a single sample of dust from a home. The sample is analyzed using mold-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MSQPCR), a highly specific DNA-based method for quantifying mold species. A simple algorithm is used to calculate a ratio of water damage-related species to common indoor molds and the resulting score is called the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index or ERMI. The ERMI value is typically between -10 and 20.

The ERMI test can be used for evaluating “moldiness” in indoor environments. Molds are found in every home but not all molds are always present. The ERMI helps to make an assessment if a home is more or less likely to have “unhealthy” mold conditions based on its history of mold. In particular, residents sensitive to molds should consider using the ERMI to evaluate their indoor environment. ERMI’s are a useful tool for home buyers to predict if their new house is likely to have a history of water damage.

Nearly 30 million tons of asbestos building materials were used in the U.S. between 1900 – 1975, and 80% – 90% percent of that is still in place.  ETA performs bulk surveys and airborne asbestos testing to determine material content or air fiber content during/after renovations involving asbestos abatement.

A post-remediation verification survey known as ‘clearance testing’ includes a visual inspection and moisture assessment of construction materials utilized in mold remediation work, along with air quality testing inside the work chamber to confirm mold abatement. Pre-remediation assessments are utilized to verify the presence of mold that indicates wood decay or unseen sources of mold growth to provide the remediation company with the scope for the job. This information is used to compare in the post-remediation clearance testing to assure that the problem has been thoroughly handled.

Thanks to thermal imaging, ETA Inspectors have the ability to examine roofs, floors and walls for moisture intrusions, energy loss and electrical problems faster and more thoroughly than the competition. While infrared does not specifically detect mold, it does provide Inspectors with the distinct advantage of quickly and accurately identifying conditions where mold typically grows.

Incomplete combustion results in smoke, which produces tiny particles of airborne carbon. When deposited, these particulates are identified as soot. The particle size of smoke residue on a surface may present a respiratory hazard. In addition to being more than just a particulate hazard, it can potentially carry other chemical residues that are possibly harmful to the respiratory system.

Testing and Assessment:  VOC testing is performed in your home or business to establish whether harmful chemicals are present that may cause unfavorable health conditions for occupants. VOC testing is both qualitative and quantitative.

Testing determines if virus contamination (including Coronavirus) has occurred by taking surface or air samples in suspect areas.

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