Home- Environment and mould surveys Qualified and recognised as both Indoor Environmental Hygienists and experts in building related decontamination, Building Forensics can provide absolute cutting-edge solutions in both fields. As professionals in this industry, we are the first to accept that undertaking both investigation and remediation is a conflict of interest but after years of restricting our services to one or the other we now provide both services as most of our clients are aware of general industry shortfalls. We clearly lay out our proposals, checks and balances and accept our clients will make informed evidence-based decisions with or without our guidance.
Building Forensics undertake various levels of investigation to suite your budget, your health concerns or to support your medical team’s diagnosis or their specific concerns or requirements for possible presence of triggers. While these triggers may be biological, they may also be chemical and possibly originating from biological sources as well as building materials etc.
The following tables provide differing options to suite client requirements.
The following tables mirror some of the more common issues identified in the Peer reviewed and published consensus papers by Jeff Charlton and co-authors including Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker.
In most cases, water, known as "The Universal Solvent" is often the causation of bio-amplification and chemical degradation, often resulting in airborne contaminates from particulates, VOCs and pathogenic risks.
Air sampling Benefit Surface sampling Benefit PCR-DNA Species /hazardassessment ATP Cleanlinesscomparison Total Spores Genus /risk Biological Risks /hazards VOCs Chemical off gassing ERMI Hazard levels mould mVOCs Microbial off gassing Endotoxins Hazard levels gramneg Particulate Comparative riskareas Actinos Hazard gram positive Culture Serious limitations Chemical Residues NAHA Presence mould andallergens but not risk or hazard PCR-DNA Dust analysis(historic exposure to risk/hazard Mycotoxin No measurable benefit Mycotoxins Limited benefit, dueto ppb in 5mg of dust Total VOCs Carbon monoxide,dioxide and various toxic chemicals EMF Dirty electricity andhigh dose
Type ofsampling/method Benefits Shortfalls Surface sampling Benefit Infra-red scanning Thermal bridging/Dewpoint Misinterpreting Deltat ATP Cleanlinesscomparison Moisture mapping Identify currentwater damage Cannot identifyhistoric Biological Risks /hazards Boroscope /snakecamera Cavity investigation Cannot visuallyidentify all bio-contaminates ERMI Hazard levels mould Drone Thermal imaging,identify roof insulation/leaks Legal distance issues Endotoxins Hazard levels gramneg Particle counts Identify hyphalfragment high risk areas Mixed resultsdepending on ambient levels, etc Actinos Hazard gram positive Wall temp/Thermometer Identify Dew Pointrisks Differingenvironmental conditions can influence findings Chemical Residues Air sampling Identify airbornerisks and hazards Can be influenced byenvironmental conditions PCR-DNA Dust analysis(historic exposure to risk/hazard Surface sampling Identification ofcontamination Limited by samplefrequency Mycotoxins Limited benefit, dueto ppb in 5mg of dust Air sampling Assess airbornerespiratory risks Limited bydisturbance of air pathways Robot Access hard to reach areas Limited by range/risk factors Live sampling andanalysis of mould, bacteria, virus, VOCs and other environmental factors Immediate on- siteidentification of high-risk areas. Available November2023
We undertake various forms of survey and investigation , but the extent and depth will depend on your health and budget. Of course, you will compare costs with other companies but you won’t be able to compare what we do or more importantly the results and or benefit. See our "Get a quote" automated button for price list