ISO/IEC 17025 Explained: What our accreditation means for you
What is ISO/IEC 17025? ISO/IEC 17025 is the international gold standard for testing and calibration laboratories. This standard, produced by ISO (International Standards Organization) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), includes requirements to ensure laboratories are competent, impartial, and consistently operate. For a lab to become ISO/IEC 17025 accredited, it undergoes assessments by a third party […]
AirTrap and Air-O-Cell Side-by-Side Comparison Study
Environmental Analysis Associates, Inc. has issued a report on a comparison study between the AirTrap XL, Air-O-Cell, and upcoming AirTrap Mini cassettes. This is the first assessment into the collection efficiency of the new AirTrap cassettes from Apacor, comparing them to the industry standard cassette, Zefon/Environmental Express Air-O-Cell. Study Details The study was conducted over […]
The Impact of Hot Weather and Humidity on Mold Growth and Mold Testing
As a home inspector, understanding the relationship between hot weather, humidity, and mold growth is crucial for accurate mold testing and effective client education. Let’s dive into how these factors interact and what you need to know to stay on top of mold issues during the hotter months. How Hot Weather and Humidity Encourage Mold […]
Special Considerations for Mold Testing in Different Environments: Residential vs. Commercial Properties
Mold testing is a critical aspect of property inspections, as it can help identify potential health hazards and find potentially damaged building materials caused by mold growth. However, when it comes to testing for mold in different environments, such as residential and commercial properties, inspectors must be mindful of unique considerations that can impact the […]
The Value of Professional Mold Testing: Why DIY Kits Don’t Measure Up
Mold is a pervasive issue in many homes, lurking in unseen corners and potentially posing health risks to occupants. As awareness of mold-related concerns grows, so does the availability of do-it-yourself (DIY) mold testing kits that are readily available for purchase online, including platforms like Amazon. While these kits may seem convenient and cost-effective at […]
Choosing the Right Sampling Duration: 5 Minutes or 10 Minutes?
In the realm of mold testing, air sampling plays a pivotal role in assessing indoor air quality and identifying potential mold contamination. One crucial aspect of conducting air sampling is determining the appropriate sampling duration. While recommendations vary, with some advocating for a 5-minute sampling duration and others suggesting 10 minutes, it’s essential to understand […]
A Guide to the Sporecyte Chain of Custody Form
The Chain of Custody (COC) form is a crucial step in the Sporecyte service process, especially for home inspectors utilizing our service. It’s essential that this form is fully completed in order to process the samples we receive. We know it’s a detailed document with several fields to fill out. That’s why, in this blog, […]
You’ve Discovered Mold? Now What? Remediation, Home Cleaning Techniques
Mold growth can be a problem in many homes, and as a home inspector, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of finding mold during an inspection. When you do, as a professional you want to be able to help your client know how to take proper steps to ensure that any mold found […]
What is a ‘Normal’ Outdoor Mold Level?
We often get asked the question: “What is a ‘normal’ outdoor mold level?”, and my answer is almost always, “It depends.” What might seem like a simple question is very complex in reality. Factor One: Geography and Climate. The USA is a huge country with highly varied climates and natural environments. The most significant factor […]
The Basics of Sampling in Attics and Crawl Spaces
Unfinished attics and crawlspaces are two unique spaces inside a home that require special consideration when sampling for mold. Attics and crawl spaces can have drastically different designs depending on the house and climate area, so the info in this blog might not be a “one size fits all” solution. Still, we hope to provide […]
