CALL USMold Testing, Investigations & ERMI Testing
Showalter Property Consultants offers Mold Testing and Investigations throughout most of Maryland, the Eastern Shore, DC, Baltimore, and surrounding areas, as well as Delaware, Northern Virginia, and Southern Pennsylvania. We offer Mold Air and Surface Sampling, as well as ERMI and Mold DNA testing. We will perform a site assessment and investigation of the building, and based on the findings, we can perform various types of testing or sampling as well as offer recommendations and solutions for remediation.We utilize state-of-the-art testing and investigation equipment, including thermal imaging and moisture detectors. With our equipment and knowledge of construction, and understanding of areas at risk for mold and moisture intrusion, we can help to identify mold problems in your home or workplace.
Stephen Showalter is a co-founder of IESO (Indoor Environmental Standards Organization) for mold testing. We offer several testing methods for mold, including the following: each is a valuable tool to help determine if mold is present.
Mold Sampling Locations
Showalter Property Consultants performs mold sampling in residential homes, commercial buildings, government buildings, industrial workplaces, boats, yachts, RVs, and vehicles.
Mold Investigation and Sampling Levels
Level 1: Mold Inspection (Air and Surface Sampling)
Option 1. We also offer conventional spore traps to identify the type of mold present in the air. We take one sample outside and one sample indoors to compare against the outside reference. Allergen testing can also be added to these samples.
Option 2. We can take air or surface samples to test for the presence of mycotoxins.
Option 3. We can take dust samples to test for the presence of mold and allergens.
Level 2: Mold Investigation (Visual)
Our inspector will conduct a visual inspection to evaluate the building and identify areas of visible suspected mold (fungi), attempting to determine the cause. This will help offer recommendations for the homeowner or mold abatement company on a course of action for mold abatement. Our inspector will use thermal imaging and infrared scanners to locate areas with high humidity and identify those at risk for condensation and moisture. Additionally, they will use moisture meters to pinpoint areas of suspected moisture intrusion, leakage, or other sources that could promote mold growth. The inspector will then issue a narrative, computer-generated report with photos, so the client can clearly understand the scope of the concern regarding moisture and mold risks. The client should prepare the house by ensuring access to all walls, mechanical systems, and the attic, and close all windows and doors for 24 hours before the inspection.
Level 3 Mold Invasive Investigation
A level 3 inspection or investigation determines the source of the moisture. It may include an invasive investigation, opening the wall surface, and closing off another surface to locate the extent of activity or damage that may not be visible during other mold testing protocols and procedures.
Types Of Mold Sampling
Air Sampling for Mold
Air sampling or spore traps consist of drawing a known amount of air over a cassette with a slide inside. The slide is sent off to an accredited lab for evaluation. Air testing consists of a minimum of two samples: one inside and one outside. The more air samples we take, the more information we have about all areas throughout the house. A single test will only tell you about the mold spores near the air test.
Mycotoxin Sampling for Mold
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by various mold species. They can serve as a defense mechanism against other molds or bacteria. Some mycotoxins are carcinogenic, can cause liver and kidney toxicity, and may lead to neurological damage in humans.
LC/MS, which stands for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, is an analytical technique used to separate, identify, and quantify compounds and chemical properties of different molecules.
LC/MS is preferred over ELISA because it offers greater sensitivity and increased selectivity in compound identification. Mass spectrometry is considered the gold standard in forensic toxicology and other applications. Unlike ELISA, which detects mycotoxins by groups, LC/MS identifies specific compounds based on their mass-to-charge ratio.
ERMI Testing
The ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) test is a DNA-based mold identification tool developed by scientists at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We extract a sample from the carpet to obtain what is in your carpet and that you and your children are potentially breathing.
Wall Cavity Sampling for Mold
An air sample with a small access hole through the surface of a wall. A small volume of air is drawn to help determine if there are any mold spores in any given wall cavity.
Surface Sampling for Mold
Surface sampling is fairly straightforward, where we utilize swabs, tape lifts, or bulk samples of suspect areas, which are then sent off to an accredited lab.
Viable Sampling for Mold
An air sample is taken over a specific agar or culture and sent of the lab for culture and Speciation of the mold sample.
MVOCs, Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds Sampling
Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs) may cause a hard-to-detect mold odor or feel to some. We utilize a "whole home" air sample along with a viable sample to help determine if MVOCs are present in the air.
These are not detected by typical mold in air sampling. Some molds may produce MVOCs depending on conditions, such as if they are viable. MVOCs can cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, memory issues, brain fog, and fatigue, and may be implicated in some neurological problems. MVOCs may also irritate the eyes and the mucus membranes of the nose and throat. Often these molds go undetected because they're present behind drywall or underneath the flooring.
There are certain limitations to mold sampling and testing, so please consult with us before deciding. Mold is a moisture-indicating organism that needs moisture (or humidity), food, and air. Molds pose a concern for health-related issues and wood-destroying fungi.
Dr. Referals for Integrative Medicine
Dr. Daniel Johns
Elevate Life
410-268-3333
Dr. Virdee
Easton Integrative Medicine
240-389-4588