Inspection

What is a mold and mildew inspection?

A visual inspection is an important initial step in identifying a possible black mold and mildew contamination problem. Our inspectors use a variety of high-quality equipment for moisture and mold detection, including hygrometers (detects humidity levels and accurate temperature readings), boroscopes (fiber optics), protimeters (moisture meters), and laser particle counters (instant airborne particle count). These all help detect hidden black mold and mildew behind the walls, ceilings and floors to determine the area of potential black mold growth and continuing moisture penetration.

Why should you have a mold and mildew inspection?

You should have a mold inspection if you:

• Believe your health has been compromised in your home or workplace.
• Believe that the structural integrity of your home has been compromised from a flood or a leak.
• Are purchasing new real estate.

Why should you choose A-1 Mold Inspection, LLC.?

• A-1 Mold Inspection uses the best tools, technology and services for detecting and identifying black mold and mildew in any environment.
• Our only focus is to detect and identify toxic black mold, we DO NOT provide remediation services, since it would be a conflict of interest.
• Our equipment is periodically calibrated to provide you with the most accurate mold inspection possible.
• We are locally owned and operated in the Greater New Orleans area.

Sampling

Air Sampling

• Air samples test for viable (living) black mold. Mold Sampling and Testing for viable mold is done by placing the sample onto agar culture medium that supports the growth of the organism(s) in question and allows identification of the species and level of contamination. When colonization occurs the black mold has overtaken your entire home. Colonization is the formation of compact population groups of the same type of black mold and mildew species.
• Air samples also test for nonviable (dead black mold). Mold testing for nonviable mold is done by microscopic examination of the sample to identify fungal and non-fungal particles that may be allergenic to individuals.

Bulk Sampling

• Bulk samples include, but are not limited to, chunks of carpet, insulation and wallboards. Bulk samples are collected from visibly moldy surfaces by scraping or cutting materials with a clean tool and placing the sample into a Petri dish mold for testing.

Surface Sampling

• Surface samples are collected by wiping a measured area with a sterile swab or by lifting a sample with bio tape. The surface sample is cultured and then placed into a Petri dish. After allowing 3 - 7 days for the samples to show visible fungal growth, the Petri dish is inspected by a lab technician under a microscope so that the fungi can be removed and identified by species.

Reports

After a complete and thorough mold inspection and testing, we provide each client with a detailed report.

Depending on mold and mildew, the test you select, and if black mold is found, the report will include lab results which will:

• Identify the type of mold/spore.
• Count the number of spores in the air, viable and nonviable.
• Describe the mold and any possible health effects on you and your family due to that mold.
• Determine whether or not mold colonization is present.