Welcome to Building Forensics We set the standards across the UK in Mould Investigation and Indoor Air Quality testing Qualified in both the UK and USA as certified Indoor Environmental Hygienists we are active members of both Surviving Mold (sic) and the International Society for Environmental Acquired Illness (ISEAI) group of Indoor Environmental groups, writing USA and international standards on water damage and biological investigations for environmental acquired illness.
EXPERTS Expertise in Mould, Biotoxin Contaminates and Water Damage, we specialise in building related illness and sick buildings. Water damage from condensation, leaks or flooding can result in biological amplification in only 48 hours, mould, bacteria and even the release of chemicals (VOCs) from wet construction materials which can affect your health. Some of these contaminates can remain in the environment for decades unless professionally removed.
OUR CLIENTELE With over 30 years of experience we’ve helped thousands of people in the UK and across Europe reduce the risk of mould and bio -contaminates in their homes and help to improve their health. We have worked with the NHS, homeowners, tenants, landlords as well as offices and warehouses.
WE UNDERSTAND YOUR ISOLATION So often we find only one or two members of a family affected by Bio Toxin illness and we help identify the reasons and provide assistance to you and your medical (nutritionist) team.
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU We investigate all parameters of IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) from building design, construction defect, water damage and general ventilation issues. We asses and diagnose the cause of mould and other biotoxin contaminates. The Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is often responsible for asthma, cold and flu like symptoms, memory loss, brain fog and varying complaints from hair loss to skin irritation.
Bio toxins and mould have now been linked to Cancer, Chronic Fatigue, MS and Alzheimer's and even gynaecological and gut problems. Our various forms of scientific investigation and lab analysis may assist in the identification of these triggers. Building related illness can sometimes, but not always, be recognised when your symptoms improve after leaving the property for a few days. So, if you have mould or water damage in your property and/or suffering from a building related illness then you may require our services.
DO YOU NEED US? At a glance Air Sampling Surface Sampling – ERMI Bacteria Sampling Moisture Mapping Thermal Imaging Ventilation Investigation Building Design and Construction Defect VOC’s We are proud to say we are a Which Trusted Trader
Important Mould information for YOU
We are seeing great progress in the identification and treatment in Chronic Inflammatory Response (CIRS) and Mould related illness and thank the many Nutritionists and GPs that have become involved in this debilitating and emerging problem and provide this web site information to assist those who need information.
Mould (FREE Landlord Letter )
Mould is a health hazard from either allergens or toxins and is recognised in as class 1 health hazard under a law HHSRS 2006 which places it in the same category as asbestos. Mould must be removed but the causation must be identified, and surfaces dried to prevent future growth. Apart from removing surface contamination the air should be assessed and where necessary cleaned too. If you have health problems (see typical symptoms) mould and associated bio contamination may be the culprit. If you are a tenant your landlord has legal obligations to provide you with a safe place to live and comply to HHSRS and other regulations. Unfortunately, not all landlords will comply to their legal obligations and some may have to be shown their responsibilities and possible penalties. We have provided tenants with a free letter to provide their landlord with an outline of responsibilities and legal obligations (download) Please note this is not legal advice.
If you have been affected by a black water, or sewage, flood you should recognise the fact that the water is always contaminated and poses a serious health hazard (see our Sky News extract with comment by professor Murray from Public Health). The problem is that as the water evaporates the pathogens and biological activity remains on surfaces and as it dries it becomes airborne. The inhalation route of exposure can be more serious as ingestion (hand to mouth) or skin contact through cuts and grazes.
As surfaces dry out the microscopic dust and particulates become airborne through normal movement or even the drying regime.
The Environment Agency funded a British Standard Institute "Best Code of Practice" called PAS 64.The guidance and standards document identifies the route to recovery, drying, restoration and sanitation. The most important issue is the requirement for contractors to prove and verify their actions and provide meaningful certification. This clearance and evidence of professional competence should be demanded to ensure building occupants are not exposed to airborne contamination and years of chronic illness from airborne or surface contamination and this certification is increasingly required at a point of sale of a property. Click here to see the outline of PAS 64.
