Services

ZWS offers specialized services in the following fields:

Mold Assessments — The key to conducting mold assessments is finding all areas of elevated moisture and sources of moisture intrusion. Without a source of moisture, mold will not actively grow. ZWS uses a combination of Thermal Imaging Cameras (see Thermography section), moisture meters, and hygrometers to find these problem areas.

Mold Pictures

Water Loss Consulting — ZWS provides third party consultation on water damaged buildings. Clients who typically need this service include structural drying companies, general contractors, property management companies, and insurance companies. ZWS does not perform the structural drying itself; instead, our professionals ensure that the building is dried correctly and in a timely manner. Prompt drying is essential for preventing structural damage and mold growth.

Thermal Imaging Pictures

Coliforms and other Sewage Organisms — Coliform and Sewage Organism testing are commonly conducted after a property has suffered a sewage backup, and the area has been cleaned. Testing confirms that harmful bacteria have been killed, or removed, from the affected area. The building's water supply may also require analysis

Swab, contact plate, and bulk sampling are the primary methods for surface testing. Results are obtained within 3 to 4 business days.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) — Many new building products, such as pressed wood (i.e. particle board, oriented strand board (OSB), plywood), paints, and adhesives off-gas potentially harmful chemicals called VOC’s. VOC sampling is performed by drawing a calibrated amount of air into a silonite coated canister. The air is then analyzed for compounds such as formaldehyde, butane, and isopropanol.

Appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Results are commonly obtained within 7 to 10 business days.

Radon Testing — Radon is a gaseous radioactive element having between 20 and 25 isotopes. Radon is a toxic, colorless gas derived from the radioactive decay of radium.

Sampling is conducted in accordance with EPA guidelines. Appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Sampling will require a minimum of 48 hours without disturbance, and results are generally obtained within 48 hours of sampling.

Allergen Testing — Asthma is the most common chronic illness among children in the United States and affects a substantial portion of the general population. Cat dander, cockroach, dust mite, dog dander, mouse, and rat allergens can be tested within a building by obtaining dust samples. Results are received within 3 to 5 business days (rushes are available).

Legionella — Complete eradication of Legionella in water supplies is virtually impossible. Unfortunately, man-made water devices such as air conditioning cooling towers, water systems in large buildings, whirlpool baths, respiratory care equipment, showers and faucets can support growth, and allows Legionella to become an opportunistic pathogen. Legionella is responsible for Legionnaire's disease and Pontiac Fever.

Legionella is commonly collected through water sampling. Results are obtained within 10 business days.

Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) — Pesticides can have an array of adverse affects on adults and children including from respiratory problems, skin reactions, nervous system damage, endocrine disorders, increased sensitivity to other chemicals, fatigue, headache, learning disabilities, and even cancer.

The type of pesticide, or PCB, would determine the sampling method. Results are commonly provided within 7-10 business days.

Mercury — The largest contributors to mercury in the environment are coal burning utility companies, municipal waste combustors, medical waste incinerators, and hazardous waste combustors. Mercury is also produced naturally in the environment and can be found in small amounts in soils, rocks, and oceans. Exposure to mercury, or its vapors, can result in tremors, changes in vision or hearing, insomnia, weakness, difficulty with memory, headache, irritability, nervousness, dermal irritation, rashes, or joint pains.

Mercury can be sampled from the air or on surfaces. Analyses of results are received within 7 to 10 business days.

Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOC) — mVOC's are a byproduct of mold growth and have been detected in areas lacking visible mold growth, or elevated concentrations of airborne mold spores. Test results are used to identify possible hidden mold growth as well as assessing potential health risks (such as asthma and/or respiratory problems). Results are obtained within 7 to 10 business days.

Metals – The type of metal needing analysis would determine the testing strategy and sampling method. Results are generally returned within 7 to 10 business days.

Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) – Some PAH's are considered to be carcinogenic and/or mutagenic and can enter the indoor environment through a variety of combustion processes.

Sampling is performed according to specific project requirements and will require 1 to 8 hours. Results are obtained within 7-10 business days.

Avian Pathogens — Some avian pathogens can cause histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, psittacosis, or meningitis in adults. These fungal spores usually grow on bird or bat droppings and are spread by birds (pigeons), cats, dogs, and cockroaches.

Several testing methods can be used including air sampling, dust collection, bulk swab sampling, or swab. Sampling takes approximately 90 minutes, and results are obtained in 3 to 5 business days.

All samples are analyzed by a third party laboratory.