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Mold
Is
your home making you and your family sick?
Described
as Sick Home Syndrome, or Sick Building Syndrome, a
toxic mold contamination can be the cause of many
unhealthy conditions. Exposure to the mold spores
themselves can provoke reactions, especially those with
asthma, allergies, the infirm, elderly, or infants.
Beyond that, molds produce mycotoxins, causing
additional toxic symptoms. Some symptoms are:
-
Lung
and/or nasal congestion
-
Irritation of the eyes
-
Inflammation of the sinuses
-
Irritation of the skin/rash
-
Shortness of breath
-
Headache
-
Runny
nose
-
Fatigue
-
Cough
-
Sore
throat
-
Hoarseness
-
Inflammation of the ear
-
Bleeding Lungs
-
Nose
Bleeds
-
Memory
Loss
Of
course, those symptoms don't confirm that a mold
contamination is the problem, but a home with high
levels of toxic mold should be considered a risk. Not
everyone will react the same to mold, but exposure is a
risk to anyone over time.
Testing
for Mold at Chicago Inspection Agency is thorough and
comprehensive:
The
Infrared Test
By
utilizing the Flir
Infrared camera together with a moisture
meter, Chicago Inspection Agency
can expose mold contaminations hidden behind walls, in
ceilings, etc. that may have resulted from flooding or
other water damage. In real estate transactions, both
prospective buyers and sellers can be assured the real
condition of the house's structure is assessed before
the closing. This is especially pertinent when a
foreclosed property is under consideration. Some
properties may have sat vacant with no heat, ventilation
or air conditioning for many months - an ideal breeding
condition for mold.
The
Lab Test
Testing involves collection of samples and submission
to lab for results. Expect 3-5 days for final results. A
mold test should be considered whenever flooding, or
long term dampness or leaking is noted.
The Analysis
Upon
inspection, Chicago Inspection Agency will provide a
complete analysis of existing mold and moisture issues,
and provide solutions for remediation.
The
sample collection it's sent to a lab and within 3-5
days, state certified analysis of the actual mold counts
and the risk levels are assessed. This is included in
the final
written report.
More on Mold
As a
remedy for toxic environment, the government considers
mold testing and remediation a complete tax write-off.
Call us for more information.
If you
had your home remediated, you'll want an independent
test to confirm it's non-toxic status. Otherwise you
could be liable for future inhabitants heath issues.
And, you'll have the peace of mind knowing your home is
at it should be.
Chicago
Inspection Agency also provides CorrectFilters indoor
air filtering products.
Click here
for more details. |
 Lead
Lead is
so poisonous, even tiny amounts of it in the blood can
cause severe problems - especially in children's
development. Estimates are that one million American
children have blood lead levels needing medical
attention, and one million more may have been mentally
or emotionally impaired already.
Found in
paint, plumbing, dust, soil and cooking utensils, lead
poisoning is not only a dangerous situation in many
older homes, but can be an expensive cleanup.
This test
reports immediate results of lead content above the safe
EPA limit in the home via a color test. Charges are for
each area tested.
 Radon
the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the
second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States
today.
Radon is an odorless. tasteless, radioactive gas that
emits from soil and usually enters your house through
cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home
traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may
have a radon problem. This means new and old homes,
well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without
basements
The Radon test requires 2 days of capture within a
suspected area and then 3-5 days for testing the exposure
rating. Your property is at risk if over the EPA
maximum 4.0 Pico Curies per liter of air (4 pCi/L).
Pests
Our regular inspection of your home can alert us to
pests, which we will note and advise on for further
action. Evidence of bees, wasps, wood eating insects and
animals often comes up in thorough inspection of a
property, and we routinely advise our customers on their
next best course of action
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