Home Environmental Services in Westfield, MA, offers investigation and consultation services to keep interior environments safe from biological and chemical pollutants. Most biological indoor air quality issues arise from excess moisture due to leaks, high humidity, and dew point issues. Mold and fungus can develop on damp materials after only 48 hours, increasing concern in indoor environments. This is why we provide indoor pollution solutions in New England and New York.
Our investigators take samples from the air and material surfaces for microscopic examination for a culture of viable biological growths, or DNA analysis. This data helps us determine the necessary remedial procedures and preventative measures. It can also help your doctor diagnose and treat environmental illnesses or allergies to molds, dust mites, or animal dander. Our biological pollutant investigations target mold, bacteria, and allergens. We can provide a full ERMI analysis and ERMI/HERTSMI-2 analysis when helpful.
Remember that sampling and laboratory analysis should always be combined with a comprehensive environmental assessment to understand the sources of biological pollutants and the steps necessary for a return to healthy conditions indoors.
“No sampling can replace the skill of the experienced mold inspector in investigating mold problems. ERMI may be a helpful tool. As further research refines the use and application of ERMI we will have a greater ability to direct the use of ERMI testing”. Inside Indoor Air Quality: Environmental Relative Moldiness Index. by King-The Lin, Ph.D. Ritchie C. Shoemaker MD
In the context of mold, activated carbon works through adsorption, which attracts and holds particles on its porous surface. This is most effective for improving air quality by capturing airborne contaminants, not for eradicating the mold growth itself.
• Captures mycotoxins: Activated carbon is effective at binding to and removing mycotoxins, which are the harmful toxins released by mold and fungus. This can help reduce respiratory irritation and other health effects.
• Filters mold spores: When used in an air filter, activated carbon can trap airborne mold spores, preventing them from spreading to other parts of a building.
• Neutralizes odors: It is highly effective at absorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and musty odors associated with mold and mildew.
• Requires replacement: As the carbon becomes saturated with pollutants, it loses its effectiveness. Replacement of the carbon is necessary to maintain air-purifying benefits.
While standard HEPA filters can trap airborne particles that PFAS may cling to, they are not designed to remove the gaseous PFAS molecules themselves. For effective removal of these “forever chemicals,” an air purification system must combine a HEPA filter with an Activated Carbon Filter.
Why HEPA filters alone are insufficient for removing PFAS.
• HEPA filters trap particles: HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air, filters are designed to capture microscopic particulate matter from the air, such as dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria. This is a physical process, as the air passes through a fine mesh of fibers that trap the particles.
• PFAS are gaseous chemicals: Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals that can be found in the air as tiny vapor or gas molecules. These molecules are far too small to be caught by the pleated fibers of a standard HEPA filter.
• Particulate vs. gaseous pollutants: Trying to trap gaseous PFAS molecules with a HEPA filter is like trying to catch sand with a fishing net; the molecules simply pass through the filter.
For an air purifier to effectively capture PFAS, it must feature a multi-stage filtration system that includes both a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter.
• HEPA filter: A HEPA filter in the system catches the larger, non-gaseous particles like dust, pollen, and any particulate matter that PFAS may have adhered to.
• Activated carbon filter: This stage is critical for removing chemicals like PFAS and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The activated carbon has a highly porous structure that attracts and traps gaseous chemicals through a process called adsorption, chemically bonding them to the carbon surface.
• System-based removal: By combining these technologies, a unit can both filter out particles and then also utilize the activated carbon to absorb the harmful gaseous chemicals.
To reduce indoor air contamination from PFAS, look for air purifiers with specific features:
• True HEPA filters: Ensure the device uses a “True HEPA” filter, which offers the most comprehensive particulate matter filtration.
• Thick activated carbon bed: A system with a thick, robust activated carbon bed is better than one with a thin layer of carbon, as it offers a higher capacity for adsorbing chemicals like PFAS.
• Proper sizing: Use a purifier appropriately sized for the building to ensure it can effectively cycle and clean the air.
• Regular maintenance: For the system to remain effective, you must replace the carbon according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Once the activated carbon becomes saturated with pollutants, it will no longer be able to trap new ones.
Using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, we can identify even minimal quantities of chemical pollutants (VOCs) in samples. Our investigation helps determine any suspected chemical off-gassing indoors that can affect those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) issues. Today, there are many low or no-VOC products available to consumers.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The Surgeon General of the United States and the EPA® recommend testing and reducing radon levels in the home. If your home tests at radon levels higher than 2 pCi/L, it is advisable to remediate this dangerous health threat by an experienced team. Lower levels can still pose a risk and can be reduced. If you smoke or have smoked, and your home has elevated radon levels, your risk of lung cancer can be especially high.
Using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, we can identify even minimal quantities of chemical pollutants (VOCs) in samples. Our investigation helps determine any suspected chemical off-gassing indoors that can affect those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) issues. Today, there are many low or no-VOC products available to consumers.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The Surgeon General of the United States and the EPA® recommend testing and reducing radon levels in the home. If your home tests at radon levels higher than 2 pCi/L, it is advisable to remediate this dangerous health threat by an experienced team. Lower levels can still pose a risk and can be reduced. If you smoke or have smoked, and your home has elevated radon levels, your risk of lung cancer can be especially high.
The EPA recommends a clear and appropriate plan be developed and carried out when offending materials are found in your home or office. By resolving the situation, it will ensure the protection of the occupants. Containment and personal protection procedures are necessary in some cases. When dealing with mold, the EPA discourages introducing biocides (chlorine bleach), harsh chemical cleaners, or ozone (ionization) as unnecessary and potentially harmful. The EPA and IICRC have developed clear guidelines for properly removing mold and other containments from occupied spaces. Proper guidelines must be followed to ensure your safety.
We offer our comprehensive indoor air quality investigations and solutions for virtually any indoor environment. Our clients include:
