Common Questions & Answers About Our Services

A comprehensive professional mold assessment involves several key components to identify and evaluate the extent of mold presence and potential moisture issues. The evaluation typically includes:

Visual Inspection: A thorough inspection of the property to detect any visible signs of mold growth. The inspector will inspect areas prone to mold development, such as bathrooms, basements, and rooms with water damage or leaks.

Moisture Mapping: This process involves using specialized tools to identify areas with elevated moisture levels, even if mold growth isn’t visible. Moisture mapping helps locate hidden leaks or sources of water intrusion that could contribute to mold growth.

Air Sampling: Air sampling assesses the concentration of mold spores in the indoor air. It helps identify the types of mold spores and provides insights into indoor air quality.

Surface Sampling: Surface sampling involves collecting samples from suspicious areas to determine the specific types of mold present. Sampling helps identify potential health hazards and guides the remediation process.

HVAC and Crawlspace Inspection: The inspection extends to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and any crawlspace or attic areas, as these spaces can harbor mold growth and facilitate its spread throughout the property.

Testing for mold is essential for several reasons:

Health Concerns: Mold can release spores and mycotoxins that may cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other health issues, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions, asthma, or allergies. Identifying the presence and type of mold can help determine potential health risks.

Hidden Mold: Mold can grow in remote or hard-to-reach areas, such as inside walls, under flooring, or ceiling cavities. Testing allows professionals to detect mold, ensuring a comprehensive assessment even when it’s not visible.

Extent of Infestation: Mold testing helps determine the size of the mold problem. Understanding the scope of the infestation is crucial for developing an effective remediation plan.

Underlying Water Issues: Mold growth is often linked to water intrusion or excess moisture. By testing for mold, we can identify the source of moisture, which is critical for preventing future mold growth.

Legal and Insurance Purposes: In some cases, mold testing may be necessary for legal or insurance reasons. Proper documentation of mold presence and its extent can support insurance claims or legal disputes. 

Peace of Mind: For homeowners or property managers, mold testing provides peace of mind, knowing that the indoor environment is safe and healthy for occupants.

Pre-Purchase Inspections: Mold testing is essential before buying property in the Lowcountry. Identifying mold issues before purchasing a property allows potential buyers to make informed decisions and negotiate repairs or remediation if needed.

Evaluate Remediation Success: After mold remediation, post-remediation testing can confirm if the cleanup was successful and the mold levels are within acceptable and safe ranges.

Depending on the area you need tested, the price can vary.  Call us at 310-567-1160 or visit the offices of Endymion Environmental.

No, this is not a good idea. I wish building codes were updated with people’s health in mind. The humidity level in the Lowcountry is above 70% for most months of the year. The humidity in your home should be between 45 – 55% RH. With vented spaces, you are constantly letting in polluted and humid air.

If at all possible, I recommend clients put an in-line ventilated dehumidifier in their attic. This brings in outside air to positively pressurize the home. It then filters and dehumidifies the air before it is moved throughout your home.

If you have a crawlspace, it’s recommended that you enclose and encapsulate it and add a dehumidifier. Keep relative humidity between 45-55%. 

Mold can come back under the right conditions. That’s why it’s essential to keep humidity levels between 45-55% and look for leaks. I also recommend that you have your HVAC serviced at least once a year and ensure your roof and gutters are in good condition.

Air Quality Assessments (AQAs) are a comprehensive evaluation of the air quality within a specific indoor or outdoor environment. They involve various steps and methodologies to identify and measure air pollutants, allergens, and other contaminants.

AQAs for your average property in the Santa Monica area may include the following steps:

• Initial inspection: The assessor visually inspects the area for potential sources of pollution, such as smoking, mold growth, or chemical emissions.
• Data collection: Various tools and instruments are used to collect air quality data, such as air quality monitors, particle counters, and sampling equipment.
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) parameters: The assessment includes evaluating IAQ parameters like temperature, humidity, ventilation, and air exchange rates.
• Outdoor air quality: For outdoor assessments, data from local air quality monitoring stations may be used to assess the general outdoor air quality. Additionally, specific pollutant measurements might be taken at the assessment site.
• Laboratory analysis: Air samples collected during the assessment may be sent to a certified laboratory for detailed analysis.
• Data interpretation: The collected data is then analyzed and compared to relevant air quality standards, guidelines, or regulations to assess the air quality’s impact on human health and well-being.
• Report and recommendations: Based on the findings, the air quality assessor generates a comprehensive report outlining the assessment results, potential health risks, and suggestions for improvement. Recommendations may include adjusting ventilation, controlling pollution sources, or implementing air purification systems.

AQAs are essential for identifying potential health hazards and maintaining a healthy indoor environment, especially in workplaces, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings. Regular assessments ensure optimal air quality and the well-being of occupants.

You should get your air quality tested if you are concerned about the air quality in your home, workplace, or school. You may also want to get your air quality tested if you have allergies or asthma or if you have been experiencing respiratory problems.

Air quality testing can assist in identifying potential health hazards, improve indoor air quality, reduce the risk of respiratory problems, improve employee productivity, and protect the health of children and older adults.

Post-remediation testing is the air quality testing after mold remediation has been completed. This type of testing ensures that the mold has been successfully removed and that the air quality is safe.

A mold assessment is a process of inspecting a building for mold growth and identifying the type and extent of the mold. An evaluation can be done to determine whether the mold is a health hazard and to develop a remediation plan.

Air quality testing is the process of measuring the concentration of pollutants in the air. Testing can be done to identify potential health hazards or to ensure that the air quality meets specific standards.

Endymion Environmental provides comprehensive indoor air quality reports using the following methods:  

• Air Samples
• Bio-Tape Lifts
• Manual Moisture Readers
• Particle Counters
• Swab Samples
• Inner Wall Checks