Environmental Services
NPI's Environmental Services consist of both Mold Investigation as well as Radon Testing.
Mold
This service determines whether harmful mold is present in a home and can assess the extent of moisture in areas. Exposure to bacterial and fungus in indoor air has emerged as a significant health problem in residential environments as well as in occupational settings. There are numerous types of molds, some of which can be poisonous and toxic to humans. Molds can also create large range of health problems depending on the exposure and tolerance of the individual. They key to mold control is moisture control.
As an added service, NPI can assess a mold issue with sample testing, moisture meter testing, and infrared scanning. Mold spores pose a larger health concern becuase they become airborne and can be inhaled. The health related problems associated with exposure to mold range from allergic reactions, to respiratory tract inflammation and infection. Some molds can be extrememly dangerous wuch as legionella, which is the cuse of Legionnairs Disease. For more information refer to:
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. But it can still be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
Radon levels can be tested by a NPI. This added service of the inspection, includes the placement of a testing device to measure the ongoing level of radon in the habitbale areas of the home. These machines evaluate the levels of radon and determine if any form of improvement (called mitigation) is recommended. If a Radon tests comes back higher than 4.0pCi/L then some action should be taken to reduce the radon level and you can contact a qualified radon-reduction contractor. The EPA's document A Citizen's Guide to Radon (Third Edition) provides the basic information everyone should know about Radon. A Radon test is conducted over a 48 hour period and the buyer or real estate agent is informed after the test is completed.
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