Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 It is the general name given to a number of naturally occurring hydrated mineral silicates, each of which possesses a specific crystalline structure, is incombustible in air, and is separable into fibers. Asbestos includes the asbestiform varieties of Chrysotile (serpentine), Crocidolite (riebeckite), Amosite (cummingtonite-grunerite), Anthophyllite, and Actinolite.  Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) ‑ may be defined, as by the EPA, as any friable material or product containing greater than one percent asbestos or, by convention, as any material or product that contains >1% asbestos. 

Asbestos can be found virtually in every building material, water, and soil. It has been extensively used in the manufacture of building materials (among many other products) due to its fire-retardant properties.  They are also used in ships and brake linings. 

Long-term exposure to asbestos can pose health risks such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.  Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the parenchyma tissue of the lungs.  It is the scarring of lung tissue resulting from the inhalation of asbestos fibers.  This can cause the slow onset of shortness of breath on exertion and over time, lead to respiratory failure. Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that can be caused when asbestos lodges in the lining of the lungs.

• Polarized Light Microscopy
• Phase Contrast Microscopy 
• Transmission Electron Microscopy 
• Scanning Electron Microscopy

It is a kingdom of eukaryotic organisms that are, in general, consumers of decaying carbon sources.  

A subgrouping of organisms in the Kingdom of Fungi.  It primarily produces filaments as a basis for establishing growth.

Mold growth can be caused by water intrusion due to water leaks from broken pipes, or moisture entering the building from cracks or improperly sealed windows.  Mold requires food, air, a surface to grow on, suitable temperature, and moisture in order to grow. 

Depending on the type of mold, exposure to them have been found to potentially cause allergy symptoms, respiratory problems, skin irritations, etc.

The typical instrument used to test for mold in the laboratory is a Brightfield Compound Microscope. Phase Contrast Optical Microscope are also used in some laboratories. In direct exam, air samples are collected and analyzed in the laboratory using an optical microscope with no viability testing or unnecessary manipulation.  Spores found in the samples are identified to Genus or categorical level and physically counted “directly” after the samples are prepared.  The spore identification informs the client as to what type of spores are in the air at the time of sampling. This aids the client in determining what type of molds may be elevated indoors compared to control or outdoor samples.  For culturable analysis, mold is allowed to grow in nutrient agar under controlled conditions.  This normally takes anywhere from 5-10 days. This type of testing has its limitations.  It is a useful tool for viability testing but may not be effective in showing the presence of fungi that are slow or difficult to culture in normal laboratory conditions.  Competition is inherent in biological systems, therefore, some fungi that are better adapted at growing under lab conditions may prevent others from growing.