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:
Infrared Camera- Thermal Imaging
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.
M.D.S.’s 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.
