Mold Detection Services, Inc.
David B. Leshner
3550 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 400
Miami, FL 33137
www.mdsdog.com
866.654.6653 (MOLD)
Tel: (305) 571-2280
Fax: (305) 571-2285

A Thermal Image is Worth a Thousand Words - Mold Detection Services Does it Again

South Florida is our territory. Dade, Broward and Palm Beaches are the areas we get most of our business from. Certified Mold Inspectors and Certified Mold Dogs are utilized along with other high tech equipment such as laser particle counters and infrared thermal imaging cameras. We also offer a full range of Mold Testing and Sampling from an accredited laboratory.

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Mold Detection Services primary focus is the detection of mold.  By employing only certified mold inspectors and utilizing the best equipment available in the industry, we are able to provide accurate sampling techniques.  Consequently, our clients receive the highest quality service.   

Our inspectors use a variety of high-quality equipment to detect mold, including hygrometers (detects humidity levels and accurate temperature readings), boroscopes (fiber optics), infrared cameras (thermal imaging),  protimeters (moisture meter), and laser particle counters (instant airborne particle count), all of which are routinely calibrated.  These help detect hidden mold behind walls, ceilings and floors to determine areas of potential mold growth and continuing moisture penetration.  These findings are recorded and incorporated into the Final Report.

M.D.S. also has an invaluable piece of equipment that no other mold inspection company in South Florida offers—certified MoldDogs.  This detection method is particularly useful for pinpointing problem areas and accurately inspecting more square footage in less time.  A certified MoldDog finds what an inspector’s eyes can't see, since mold can't hide from a MoldDog's nose.

In addition to a thorough inspection, M.D.S. offers testing (air samples, bulk samples, swabs and glass slides).   All test samples are analyzed by a nationally recognized lab, dedicated to the production of accurate results which allows M.D.S. to provide each client with reliable results in a relatively short time. 

Our clients also receive an extensive Final Report, which contains the observations made on the day/time of the inspection (ie. humidity, moisture, particle readings, etc…) and detailed test results, which identify the type of mold/spore present, count the number of spores in the air, describe the mold and any possible health effects and assess whether an unusual mold condition exists. 

M.D.S. does not offer remediation services since we believe that would be an ethical conflict.   We do, however, provide clearance testing to confirm whether a mold problem has been eliminated.

Quick Facts about MoldDogs

·                                 The MoldDog is the latest weapon in the war on mold in the United States.

·                                 MoldDogs quickly detect and pinpoint exact areas of mold, which can lead to lower remediation costs for homeowners and insurers.

·                                 In Europe, dogs have been used to detect mold for over 20 years.

·                                 A MoldDog’s “nose” is the best inspection tool to detect and pinpoint sources of mold before further testing is conducted.

·                                 MoldDogs are trained to discriminate scents from various types of microbial colonies in a variety of structures, including places where people cannot reach or see.

·                                 Scent discrimination enables the MoldDogs to ignore normal product materials found in the home so that it alerts only to mold.

·                                 Our MoldDogs are certified to detect and pinpoint at least 18 different kinds of toxic molds.

·                                 Immediately upon finding mold, the MoldDogs alert the handler.

·                                 Our MoldDogs receive more than 1,000 hours of training before put into service and, thereafter, are continuously trained on a daily basis, tested quarterly, and re-certified annually.

·                                 MoldDogs quickly and accurately inspect expansive areas.

                                 The training that each MoldDog goes through includes odor identification, search patterns, scent discrimination, and various types of building search areas.

·                                 Our MoldDogs are rescued from the Humane Society and live with their handlers as loving pets.

·                                 MoldDogs find what the human eye can’t see.

MDS will inspect and test for mold in homes, apartments, workplaces, commercial properties, boats, and any other places where mold grows. The service includes a thorough inspection with follow up testing, accompanied by an extensive report.  In addition to the MoldDog, the inspector’s use hydrometers (detects humidity levels and accurate temperature reading), boroscopes (fiber optics), protimeters (moisture meter), infrared cameras (thermal imaging) and laser particle counters (instant airborne particle count).

ABOUT US

Training/Qualifications

Training re: Certified Mold Inspector

MDS requires all inspectors to obtain and maintain the following certifications:

• NAMP – National Association of Mold Professionals

• As NAMP certified inspectors, we adhere to the highest standards for conduct and ethics in dealing with you, the client. These standards are our guideline for conducting a mold inspection and outline the various components and procedures of a professional mold inspection. These standards address the purpose, scope and limitations of the inspection process. NAMP Code of Ethics promotes ethical and responsible behavior among members.

• Florida Canine Academy, Inc.

• As Florida Canine Academy certified inspectors, we have successfully completed over 1000 hours of canine and handler training in mold detection.

• Professional Laboratories, Inc. (PRO-LAB™)

• Each inspector has successfully passed and completed a course in mold inspection.  This course teaches inspectors the proper protocols for sampling/testing including equipment usage, chain of custody, and different techniques used in the collection of samples.

• Indoor Air Quality Association Membership

• American Industrial Hygiene Association Membership

• National Association Of Certified Home Inspectors Membership

• Indoor Environmental Standards Organization Member

Training re: Dogs

When the handler arrives at the Florida Canine Academy, he or she is given the same training and held to the same standards as handlers of drug and bomb dogs.  This training includes canine handling, search patterns, working in different types of buildings and structures, and scent discrimination training.  Handlers are required to maintain their certification. They are trained to perform canine first aid, canine CPR, and sampling techniques.

The MoldDog and handler are then paired and trained together extensively.  At the end of the course, the Certified Master Trainer verifies that each canine team is capable of discriminating mold scents and issues a certification.  After the course, the training continues as daily training techniques are practiced.  In addition, quarterly testing and annual re-certification are required.

MoldDogs are trained to discriminate scents of various types of microbial colonies in a variety of structures, including attics and crawl spaces. Scent discrimination enables the MoldDog to differentiate between normal product materials found in the home and alert only on mold.  The dog is certified to detect and pinpoint at least eighteen different kinds of the most common toxic molds.  If the dog finds mold, the dog will alert the handler to the location.  The dogs receive over 1,000 hours of training from the time they come from the humane society to the point that the handler enters the class.

Inspection Process:

A visual inspection is an important initial step in identifying a possible mold contamination problem. Not only does our inspector use a variety of high-quality equipment to detect mold, but also utilizes our MoldDog in order to find what the inspector’s eyes can't see since mold can't hide from a MoldDog's nose. Certified MoldDogs pinpoint areas where mold exists. 

In addition to a MoldDog, our inspectors use hygrometers (detects humidity levels and accurate temperature readings), boroscopes (fiber optics), protimiters (moisture meter), and laser particle counters (instant airborne particle count).  These all help detect hidden mold behind the walls, ceilings and floors to determine the areas of potential mold growth and continuing moisture penetration.

Sampling/Testing:

Bulk/Surface Sampling:

         A certified inspector, trained in appropriate sampling methodology, performs bulk or surface sampling.  Bulk/Surface sampling should be performed if the building inhabitants are suffering from health problems, which are or may be associated with fungal exposure.  Bulk/Surface sampling should also be performed to identify the presence or absence of mold if a visual inspection is equivocal (e.g. discoloration, and staining).  Bulk samples are collected from visibly moldy surfaces by scraping or cutting materials with a clean tool into a clean plastic bag.  Surface samples are collected by wiping a measured area with a sterile swab or by stripping the suspect surface with clear tape.

Carpet cassettes are designed for the collection of fibers and particulate from carpets and other dusty areas. Carpet testing will give you historical data off previous mold contamination Cassettes use a 1" piece of tubing with a 45 degree bevel fitted to the inlet port, and come preloaded with .45µ & 5.0µ MCE filter and support pad. Cassettes use a 3 piece styrene housing and helps prevent overloading. 

Bio-Tape provides a simple, standardized method to sample for common bioaerosols such as mold and fungi. It consists of a flexible plastic microscope slide with a pre-defined 1" x 1" adhesive area. Each slide is provided with a unique serial number for traceability.

Air Monitoring:

A certified inspector, trained in appropriate sampling methodology, performs air monitoring.  Air samples can be collected in various ways:

Anderson Style Bioaerosol Sampler  imparts viable spores on petri dishes placed in the apparatus at a rate of 28.3 cubic liters of air per minute.  Results are provided in colony forming units per cubic meter of air.

Air-O-Cell Cassettes are used for the rapid collection and analysis of a wide range of airborne aerosols including mold spores, pollen, insect parts, fibers, fiberglass, and skin fragments. This sampling device is useful in providing rapid analysis of airborne contaminants.  Test is performed at 15 liters per minute.

The micro 5 Micro Cell is the first spore trap impactor in the industry capable of both personal and conventional air sampling. The micro 5 is proven to have an exceptionally uniform collection trace and is virtually 100% accurate for the entire fungal spore range. (d50 is less than 1 micron!) The micro 5 truly represents the next generation.  Test is performed at 5 liters per minute.

A Laser Particle Counter is used to assess indoor air quality and cleanliness of rooms.  The handheld device monitors environments to test for airborne particles.  This device will help track down particle source problems.  Its intelligent design and overall utility is invaluable in mold detection and making workplace environments safer and healthier.

The purpose of such air monitoring is to assess the extent of contamination throughout the building.  Sampling should be conducted while ventilation systems are operating.  Air monitoring should be performed if the presence of mold is suspected in a particular area of the structure (e.g. a microbial volatile odor is detected) but cannot be identified through a visual inspection.  The purpose of such air monitoring is to determine the location and/or extent of mold contamination.  Air monitoring should also be performed if the building inhabitants are suffering from health problems, which are or may be associated with fungal exposure.  If air monitoring should also be performed, for comparative purposes, outdoor air samples should be collected concurrently at an air intake, if possible, and at a location representative of outdoor air.  The outdoor control air test is very helpful in evaluating whether there is an internally generated mold problem.  Such a problem may exist if indoor mold tests report mold levels that are either (a) higher than the outdoor control air test or (b) present indoors but absent from the outdoor control air test.

Reports:

After a complete and thorough inspection and testing, we provide each client with a detailed report. The Final Report contains the following:

1.      Observations made on the day/time of the inspection:

• Certified Mold Inspector Visual Observations

• Humidity Readings

• Temperature Readings

• Moisture Readings

Infrared Camera- Thermal Imaging

• Laser Particle Counter Readings

• Certified MoldDog Alerts

• Boroscope Observations (if necessary)

2.      Detailed test results

• Identify the type of mold/spore present

• Count the number of spores in the air

• Describe the mold and any possible health effects

• Assess whether an unusual mold condition)

3.       Digital photos of visible mold

Goals:

MDS, Inc. was founded on the premise that we would provide the best tools, technology, and service for detecting and identifying mold in any environment.  MDS, Inc. has recruited man’s best friend to assist us in detecting mold.  Our only focus is to detect and identify mold, we DO NOT provide remediation services, since it would be a conflict of interest.  Our equipment is routinely calibrated to provide you with the most accurate inspection possible.