Professional Mold Inspections & Environmental Testing in Coquitlam, BC

Friable vs non-friable asbestos Asbestos-containing materials fall into two general categories; Friable Friable material, which means that when it is dry, it can be crumbled, pulverized or powdered by hand. These materials in this state will release asbestos fibres into the air and subsequently once inhaled can cause asbestos exposure. Some examples of friable asbestos-containing materials include but not limited are; drywall joint compounds, vermiculite, sprayed asbestos fire retardants, thermal lagging; such as pipe insulation, donnacona board and sheet vinyl (linoleum) underlay or backing, just to name a few. Non-friable Bonded asbestos is used to refer to asbestos-containing materials in which the asbestos is firmly bound into the matrix of the material. These materials are unlikely to release any quantifiable levels of asbestos fibre into the air if left undisturbed. Non-friable materials generally pose a lower risk to health. Some examples of non-friable bonded asbestos-containing materials include but not limited are; asbestos cement products (flat and corrugated sheeting used in wall, ceiling and roof systems, as well as rain leaders) vinyl floor tiles (however removal of the glue can be classed as friable)

Lead is a heavy metal that has seen use throughout early history, now in modern times it has been used extensively in construction and consumer products. Two common consumer materials lead was used in, was paint and ceramic tiles. In paints it was used to assist it in drying quickly, it was more resistant to wear and it made colours more vibrant. Lead was also used in paints to provide a high-quality, durable protective coating. The amount and type of lead used in paints depended on what they were being applied to. Lead was also used in the coatings of ceramic tile floors for the same reasons as above and to this day is still found in many ceramic floor tiles. However, the amounts of lead used do varies in different types of ceramic tiles and we have discovered through testing that some varnishes on hardwood floors can contain lead as well. The properties of lead combined with its relative abundance and low cost resulted in widespread use throughout time.

The health effects of mold exposure can vary greatly in people. Most people are continuously exposed to different types of molds through ingestion and inhalation with no apparent health effects. However, certain types and quantities of molds have been known to cause severe health effects, hypersensitivity, and infections. Children, the elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable to adverse health effects from mold exposure. However, even healthy persons may experience adverse health effects when exposed to high concentrations of mold. Mold can also cause any of the following symptoms: allergic reactions asthma pneumonitis infections of the upper airway sinusitis chronic headaches wheezing or coughing

If you have the right conditions such as; an organic material, air, moisture and oxygen, then mold can grow. When mold is present you have moisture somewhere within the premises and eliminating the source of the moisture is to stop and prevent the regrowth of mold where it is present.

Airborne mold testing can be performed to determine the type and approximate concentration of mold in the air. While conducting mold inspections, one of our goals is to identify whether or not the mold is allergenic, pathogenic, or toxigenic. It will also assist us as to the location of the mold source.