Mold is commonly found throughout the environment, especially in crawlspaces; however, mold can be an issue if the house has undergone a water intrusion event, or if the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system isn’t functioning properly. If you are considering purchasing a new home or experiencing mold-related health effects, Crossroads Environmental, LLC can assist. A typical indoor air quality investigation includes a thorough investigation of all areas of the house as well as of the HVAC system and crawlspace. When visible mold is not apparent, air samples are collected to determine type and amount of airborne mold spores. Mold can be detected by means of air sampling even if mold is hidden behind walls, etc. Following an investigation, a report is submitted to the client with recommendations for remediation, if necessary. Crossroads Environmental, LLC does not perform remediation, as we consider it a conflict of interest, but can assist the homeowner with selecting a professional contractor to fit their needs.
Lead Inspection
A lead inspection is performed to identify the presence of lead in housing in order to protect children, and focuses specifically on the presence of lead in paint. The testing is performed using an XRF device, which is non-destructive, gives instantaneous results, and tests all layers of the paint. The information gathered on the XRF is downloaded and incorporated into a user-friendly report which gives the specific location, component tested, paint color, and lead level of every reading taken. To perform lead inspections in target housing (pre-1978) and child occupied facilities, inspectors must be EPA Accredited. Crossroads’ lead inspectors are EPA Accredited in SC and NC.
Lead Risk Assessment
A lead risk assessment is performed to determine the existence, nature, severity, and location of lead based hazards, as well as recommendations on how to best address any hazards identified. A risk assessment includes 6-8 dust (wipe) samples and 2 soil samples. Water can be sampled upon request.
Combination Inspection/Risk Assessment
If an owner or potential buyer wants to know where the lead-based paint is located as well as where the lead-based paint hazards are, a combination inspection/risk assessment is recommended, which would include surface-by-surface paint testing plus dust (wipe) and soil sampling.
Lead Hazard Screen
A lead hazard screen is a type of risk assessment that is more cost effective, and can be performed in houses that are in good condition and less likely to contain lead-based paint hazards. In a hazard screen, fewer dust samples are collected, but the criteria to be used in evaluating the dust results are more stringent. A hazard screen includes 5 dust (wipe) samples, no soil samples, and no water samples. If a house fails the hazard screen, then a full risk assessment is recommended.
Asbestos is commonly found in houses built or renovated up until the early 1980’s. Asbestos-containing materials are not a hazard when in good intact condition. Asbestos was commonly used in “popcorn” ceiling texture, flooring materials, mud used on joints of sheetrock, as pipe insulation, and as duct tape on ductwork.
Crossroads Environmental, LLC can perform sampling to determine the presence of asbestos, provide a hazard assessment related to known asbestos, and/or provide air monitoring for asbestos.
