M3 Environmental LLC is a Monterey-based industrial hygienist that provides fungus and mildew testing for homeowners, commercial property owners, and property managers throughout the State of California. A fungus is a group of eukaryotic organisms, which include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Mildew, also known as mold, is a thin growth made up of fungal filaments that grow on plants and organic matter such as woods, paper, and leather, as well as ceilings, walls and floors of home or offices that are experiencing moisture control problems. We have the capability to test for a comprehensive variety of fungi and is California’s premier source for environmental testing and assessment.
Why Test For Fungi & Mildew?
Testing for fungi and mildew is important to safeguard human health and to prevent structural damage to buildings. Exposure to certain types of fungi can cause health risks, including allergic reactions such as fever, runny nose, asthma attacks, red eyes and skin rash. Some varieties of mold can cause eye, skin, nose, and throat irritation, even among people who are not allergic to mold. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is another illness caused by contact with some fungi. In extreme cases, some people may contract a deadly fungal infection called Mucormycosis, which can lethally affect their sinuses, brain, lungs, skin, and kidneys. If your home or building has elevated levels of moisture due to humidity, condensation, pipe leaks, roof leaks, or flooding, it is important to test for the various forms of fungi in order to ensure the health and safety of your family, employees and tenants.
It is also critical to test for mildew following a water loss or whenever your building is subject to high relative indoor humidity, because mold can cause significant structural damage. Left to grow, it will eat away at wood and other organic building materials and furnishings. It can weaken floors and wooden frames, decreasing the lifespan of the structure.
Types Of Fungi Testing
We test for a broad spectrum of fungi. Some of the most common types of fungus that we test for include Cladosporium, aspergillus, and Stachybotrys chartarum. Cladosporium is a common type of mold that affects moist, porous surfaces, such as attics, windowsills and other areas of a building that have moderate moisture levels. It is most often associated with asthma attacks and hay fever symptoms. Aspergillus is the most common type of environmental fungus. It grows on water damaged organic building materials and can cause headaches, eye and skin irritation, asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as Black Mold, is the one of the most toxic types of fungi. It is responsible for “Sick Building Syndrom” and is present when mold grows on cellulose-based materials where moisture levels are over 90%. Stachybotrys chartarum causes poor indoor air quality and can grow on moist drywall, ceiling tiles, wicker, straw baskets and paper materials. It will not grow on plastic, vinyl, concrete, glass, or metal; however, it can cause severe and sometimes lethal health problems.
Please contact our team of Certified Environmental Inspectors for a complete list of fungi tests that we offer.
Types Of Fungus & Mildew Testing
We offer a comprehensive battery of environmental tests. We provide indoor air sampling and monitoring, as well as on-site visual assessments. Our team of Council-certified Microbial Consultants also use a variety of surface sampling techniques, such as bulk sampling, swab sampling and tape sampling. These tests determine which fungi are present and in what concentration. Our samples are analyzed by a third party laboratory accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. Upon receiving their findings, we write a report and a remediation plan for the removal of the fungus and the cleaning of the building by a certified remediation contractor. After the contractor has completed the cleanup protocol, we will retest the affected and surrounding areas and issue a clearance once our tests show that the hazard has been removed.
Fungus & Mildew Testing in Monterey
With over two decades of experience providing environmental testing for municipalities, homeowners, property owners and property managers throughout Monterey County and the State of California, M3 Environmental LLC is California’s leading environmental assessment firm. As a full-service industrial hygienist, We are able to consult you through every aspect of your case from air quality and surface testing to reporting and remediation plan construction to retesting and project clearance. Our top priorities are to protect your health and property, and as such, we provide thorough and timely testing solutions at an affordable cost on projects of all sizes. Additionally, we are able to offer our clients expert witness services for court cases and other legal proceedings.
If you suspect that your building has been affected by the growth of mold, mildew or other types of fungi, let our experts assist you.
