Wonder what's in the air you breath and water you drink?

Looking for peace-of-mind and not sure to sample or test your environment?

testing what counts...

Challenge

Many people are rightly concerned about invisible and odorless pollutants lurking in their environment. Finding a good laboratory, buying sampling equipment, and carefully following collection protocols is time consuming and tedious. Even the smallest misstep in collection can skew the lab results of your sample. 

Solution

HBI has strategic partnerships with only the highest caliber certified labs and we follow strict collection protocols ensuring accurate lab results. Our user-friendly reports summarize lab findings and provide practical suggestions for mitigation – if necessary.

Success Story

After years of persistent allergies in their home, an East Bay family hired HBI to collect air and dust samples. The Healthy Building Inspector did not smell anything unusual in the building or exhibit any symptoms, however relative humidity was high in parts of the home and there was evidence of moisture in the laundry closet. Elevated concentrations of mold spores and dust mites were discovered in the air and dust samples at the lab. Knowing that mold and dust mites flourish in moist environments, the source of moisture (improperly exhausted cloths drier) was quickly identified, and after mitigation the family was finally free of adverse symptoms in their home.

Environmental Sampling Benefits

With extensive building and environmental science knowledge we combine principles of Building Biology (German-based) and US environmental testing protocols to create a holistic approach to environmental sampling.

Environmental Testing Services

HBI inspectors arrive at your building without adding fragrances or other common indoor environmental quality (IEQ) pollutants that might skew the results. Sampling itself usually takes less than 30 minutes, and lab results are typically returned between 2-14 days after sampling. You receive a copy of the lab report and a summary from HBI interpreting the results and suggesting next steps, if necessary, for your project. Sampling & Lab Analysis services include:

Air Quality Testing

Mold Clearance Testing

Surface Sampling

Water Quality Testing

Air Quality Testing includes screening for particulates, allergens, molds (viable and non-viable), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Lab results can help in the diagnosis of a building and confirm occupant concerns about specific pollutants.

Mold Clearance Testing involves testing for mold before and after mitigation to confirm the cleanup was done properly and the building is safe to occupy.

Surface sampling can include tape and swab samples for dust or mold, and also solid material samples for lab analysis. Soil Testing samples are included in this category.

Water Quality Testing involves testing before and after any filtration device in the building to determine if source water is contaminated and the efficacy of the filtration system. We offer one of the most comprehensive water quality screens available (>175 pollutants including pesticides, VOCs, and heavy metals).

Qualifications

With an educational background in environmental science and completion of a 400 hour  course in Building Biology Environmental Inspections, HBI specializes in the collection and analysis of environmental samples. Our laboratories are all certified and recognized as among the best in the country.