Indoor Sciences

Fact Sheet

About Indoor Sciences

Indoor Sciences is a division of Saniservice, based in Dubai, UAE, specializing in comprehensive indoor environmental quality (IEQ) services. Their multidisciplinary team, comprising certified building scientists, architects, engineers, and microbiologists, focuses on identifying and addressing factors affecting indoor environments to enhance health, comfort, and safety.

Key Services Offered:

    • Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Testing: Assesses pollutant levels, allergens, and other airborne contaminants to ensure a healthy indoor atmosphere.
    • Microbiology Testing: Identifies and quantifies microorganisms like bacteria and fungi in air, water, and surfaces to assess potential health risks.
    • Mold Inspection: Conducts thorough evaluations to detect mold presence, sources of moisture, and potential health hazards associated with mold growth.
    • ERMI Testing: Utilizes the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index to provide a standardized measure of mold-related risks in indoor environments.
    • Water Quality Testing: Analyzes water systems for contaminants, including heavy metals and chemicals, to ensure safety and purity.
    • Physicochemical Monitoring: Examines physical and chemical properties such as temperature, humidity, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to identify sources of discomfort or health risks.
    • Moisture Intrusion Investigation: Detects and addresses sources of moisture intrusion that can lead to mold growth and structural damage.
    • Structural Visual Inspection: Evaluates building components to identify issues impacting indoor environmental quality, such as moisture intrusion and ventilation problems.
    • Environmental Mycotoxin Testing: Assesses indoor environments for airborne and surface mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by certain molds, which can pose serious health risks. This testing helps determine contamination levels and guides remediation strategies.

Indoor Sciences also offers free online consultations and appointment bookings through our website. Our office is located at Al Joud Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE.

Our Services

At Indoor Sciences, we specialize in assessing and improving Indoor Environmental Health by identifying potential hazards and ensuring optimal indoor conditions. Our team of Building Scientists, HVAC Engineers, Microbiologists, and Architects provides a holistic approach to diagnosing and resolving indoor environmental issues.

Each service we offer plays a crucial role in protecting human health, enhancing indoor air quality, and preventing building deterioration. Below is a detailed overview of our services and why they are vital for creating a safe, healthy, and comfortable indoor environment.


1. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Testing

Why It’s Important:

Indoor air can be 5 to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, and long-term health risks. Pollutants such as dust, VOCs, carbon dioxide, and allergens can accumulate due to poor ventilation, inadequate filtration, or off-gassing from building materials.

What We Do:

We conduct comprehensive air quality assessments, measuring particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), CO₂ levels, humidity, and air exchange rates to ensure that indoor air is safe and within recommended health guidelines.


2. Microbiology Testing

Why It’s Important:

Microbial contamination, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause respiratory illnesses, allergic reactions, and infections. Identifying these microorganisms is essential for preventing sick building syndrome (SBS) and maintaining a hygienic indoor environment.

What We Do:

Our microbiological testing includes surface, air, and water sampling to detect bacterial and fungal contamination. This helps businesses and homeowners proactively mitigate health risks associated with indoor microbiological pollutants.


3. Mold Inspection

Why It’s Important:

Mold growth often goes undetected but can severely impact indoor health. Mold exposure is linked to asthma, allergies, neurological symptoms, and immune system disorders. Mold thrives in moisture-prone areas and deteriorates indoor air quality.

What We Do:

Our mold inspection includes air and surface sampling, moisture mapping, infrared thermography, and laboratory analysis. We provide scientific data-driven recommendations for mold prevention and remediation to ensure a mold-free environment.


4. Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) Testing

Why It’s Important:

Traditional mold tests may not always provide a full picture of indoor mold contamination. ERMI testing is an advanced DNA-based analysis that accurately quantifies mold species present in an environment, offering a standardized mold risk assessment.

What We Do:

Using state-of-the-art quantitative PCR (qPCR) technology, we provide an ERMI score to assess mold contamination levels. This allows homeowners and businesses to take targeted remediation actions based on precise data.


5. Environmental Mycotoxin Testing

Why It’s Important:

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds and are linked to neurological disorders, immune suppression, and respiratory issues. Unlike mold spores, mycotoxins are invisible and can remain in an environment even after mold removal.

What We Do:

We conduct specialized air and surface sampling to detect the presence of harmful mycotoxins. Our testing helps mitigate exposure risks by identifying and addressing indoor environments contaminated with these dangerous toxins.


6. Water Quality Testing

Why It’s Important:

Contaminated water can introduce harmful bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals into indoor environments. Poor water quality can impact drinking water safety, HVAC systems, and humidity control, contributing to indoor environmental hazards.

What We Do:

We analyze potable water, cooling tower water, and building water systems for microbial, chemical, and heavy metal contaminants. This ensures compliance with water safety regulations and prevents waterborne illnesses.


7. Physicochemical Monitoring

Why It’s Important:

Indoor environmental conditions play a significant role in air quality, comfort, and occupant health. Poor control of temperature, humidity, pollutants, and air pressure can lead to respiratory issues, discomfort, and increased exposure to harmful gases and particles.

For example, high levels of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) can penetrate deep into the lungs, while elevated CO (carbon monoxide) levels can pose severe health risks. Additionally, fluctuations in air pressure can affect ventilation efficiency, causing discomfort and exacerbating indoor air pollution.

What We Do:

We conduct real-time monitoring of critical indoor environmental parameters, including:

  • Temperature: Ensures thermal comfort and prevents conditions conducive to microbial growth.
  • Relative Humidity (RH): Maintains a balanced moisture level to prevent mold growth and respiratory discomfort.
  • PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter): Measures microscopic particles that can enter the respiratory system and affect lung health.
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO): Detects exposure to this odorless, toxic gas that can cause dizziness, headaches, or severe poisoning.
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Monitors CO₂ levels to assess ventilation efficiency and prevent drowsiness or cognitive impairment.
  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂): Identifies this combustion-related pollutant, commonly emitted from vehicles and cooking appliances.
  • Ozone (O₃): Measures indoor ozone levels, which can irritate the lungs and exacerbate respiratory diseases.
  • Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs): Detects airborne chemicals from paints, cleaning products, and furnishings that can cause irritation and long-term health effects.
  • Air Pressure: Evaluates pressure differentials to optimize ventilation and prevent outdoor contaminants from infiltrating indoor spaces.

By monitoring and analyzing these physicochemical factors, we help optimize indoor conditions for comfort, health, and safety while ensuring compliance with air quality standards.


8. Moisture Intrusion Investigation

Why It’s Important:

Moisture is the leading cause of mold growth, structural damage, and indoor air quality deterioration. High humidity and hidden water leaks can create a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and dust mites, impacting both human health and building longevity.

What We Do:

We use thermal imaging, moisture meters, and air sampling to detect hidden moisture problems. By identifying sources of water intrusion, we help prevent costly damage and improve indoor air quality.


9. Structural Visual Inspection

Why It’s Important:

The structural condition of a building directly affects indoor environmental health. Poor construction, aging materials, and defects in the building envelope can lead to poor ventilation, air leaks, and moisture intrusion, which contribute to mold growth and indoor pollutants.

What We Do:

We conduct comprehensive structural visual inspections to identify visible defects, material degradation, and design flaws that impact indoor environmental quality. Our findings help prevent long-term structural issues and improve indoor air control and occupant safety.


Why Choose Us?

At Indoor Sciences, we take a scientific and data-driven approach to indoor environmental health. Our team combines advanced technology with expert knowledge to deliver accurate, actionable solutions for improving indoor environments.

Protect your indoor environment today! Contact us for a comprehensive environmental assessment to ensure a safer, healthier space for your home or business.

Our Services

The first thing we need to remember about molds is that they are ubiquitous, this is the reason why they are very hard to ‘kill’. In fact, molds are not regulated because controlling them depends on many variables.

Molds need 3 things to grow, food, oxygen, and water. Among these 3, water is the only one we can try to control. Therefore, mold prevention hinges on moisture and humidity control indoors.

It must be made clear that the term “mold remediation” is actually a collection of processes which includes:

  1. Testing
  2. Isolation
  3. Cleaning
  4. Disinfecting
  5. Drying
  6. Protection
  7. Maintenance 

An important aspect of mold control which we can try to lessen if to control the number of spores in the air. Molds create spores, this is how they reproduce. These spores are microscopic, and they stay airborne for a long time. There are always equal amounts of molds indoors and outdoors. So, controlling the amount of spores in the air is important as well. But we must remember that the biggest polluter of the indoor environment is “us”. We bring in bacteria, we breathe off co2, we take in mold spores from outside when we go out for a jog or walk in the park. This is why efficient mold growth prevention should be a continuous endeavour. Regular cleaning, air disinfection, using air sanitizers and not HEPA based air purifiers and dehumidifiers are essential to mold prevention.

In Saniservice, we have developed a protocol for controlling mold in indoor environments. We use different methods of disinfecting the air and indoor spaces and recommend only the products that we have tried and rigorously tested in our internal laboratory.

Our preventive treatment is designed for controlling airborne spores and spores that have already settles in surfaces and just waiting for the right conditions to propagate.

The method we use depends on the area, the furniture within the space, the materials, and surfaces amongst others.

Once we have determined the variables of the indoor space, we can them employ a method or a combination of methods that is appropriate for the indoor space. This may be any of the following:

• Dry Fogging
• Direct spray treatment
• Electrostatic spray
• Plasma treatment
• Ozone Treatment
• Steam
• Heat Treatment

In terms of the products we use with the above methods, we also have different products depending on the condition of the indoor environment and its occupants. We strive to use products with zero chemicals or close to it as much as possible, however, due to the nature of the mold infestation in an indoor space, sometimes we need to use products that have some chemical based agents on them but are municipality approved and still safe for building occupants.

Some products we use:
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Sodium Hypochlorite
• Sodium Bicarbonate
• Carbon Dioxide
• Plant and mineral based cleaners

We also use our proprietary mold cleaner for severe infestation, and we also developed our own strain of probiotic bacteria in house which is effective against mold and mold smell.

We provide Mold Inspection and Mold rediation services in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.  This service is available all over the UAE.

 

Why is your mold remediation service very expensive?

At Saniservice, we believe in delivering an exceptional experience, much like flying first class. Imagine being on the same flight, departing and arriving at the same time, with the same crew and pilot, yet the experience in Economy Cabin differs vastly from First Class. That’s how we view all our premium services.

Our dedication to quality defines our pricing, as we are committed to providing a first-class service that ensures you do not only the top quality of service that we are known for but a very different first-class experience altogether.

The quality and reliability of our services is what differentiate Saniservice. Please see what clients say about us by visiting www.mysaniserviceexperience.com

At Saniservice, quality isn’t just a promise; it’s our culture and standards.

 

What is our Mold Remediation Procedure?

Saniservice strictly follows the guidelines of the IICRC and IAC2 in terms of its mold remediation service.  After a thorough inspection assessment and testing, The Indoor Sciences department will create a mold remediation plan based on the following guidelines:

  1. Proper Protection (PPE) – All our technicians wear the proper PPE during the mold remediation service.
  2. The Mold Remediation Process
    1. Preparation
      • Technicians will prepare the products required for the mold remediation.  this may include proprietary mold remediation solutions and/or fungicides depending on the discretion of the Indoor Sciences department.
    2. Isolation
      • Avoid moving any affected items
      • Isolate the affected Area with plastic covering
      • Seal all air vents and HVAC openings
      • Start air purification and dehumidification machines
      • Place air mover with ducting going outside to an open area
      • As soon as isolation is setup, NO ONE is allowed to leave the area until the remediation process is finished.
  3. Removal
    1. Remove all affected items. If required, cut out affected gypsum walls or ceiling.
    2. Wrap affected items on a bio-hazard bag, properly sealing it
    3. Put all affected, wrapped items in one area
  4. Treatment
    1. Treat affected area with the DOT cleaner solution
    2. If mold leaves marks on the wall, use CO2 Treatment
  5. Cleaning
    1. Scrub or wipe any traces of mold on the affected area
    2. DO NOT use the same cloth or cleaning item on different surfaces
    3. After using a cleaning item, it must be sealed in a secure container
  6. Disinfection
    1. Depending on the type of mold contamination we may use different disinfection method or a combination of disinfection methods
    2. Fogging with H2O2
    3. Electrostatic Disinfection
    4. Ozone Treatment
  7. Drying
    1. Drying the space should be a continuous process all throughout the remediation activity
    2. If there are water damaged areas, we should leave the dehumidifier running for a specified amount of time.
  8. Clean-up and Restoration
    1. Restore the place to its original state
    2. Dispose of all infected materials and place them outside the property
  9. Post testing
  10. Reporting
  11. Post Service – Disinfect all materials used in the remediation process
 

What happens next after a mold remediation service?

We must remember that ‘Mold Remediation’ only refers to the proper removal of molds as per the mold remediation guidelines of the IICRC and IAC2 so that it doesn’t cross contaminate or spread in the other parts of the home or office.  Remediation is not a guarantee that mold will not come back.  The only way to make sure that molds are controlled is if moisture is controlled.  What we can guarantee is, after our remediation service, there will be safe levels of mold presence in the indoor environment.

It is crucial  to note that molds need 3 things to grow.  Food, Oxygen and Water.  Among the 3, the only thing we can control is water.  Therefore, is important that after remediation, building occupants should try to maintain ‘dry’ conditions.  This includes making sure there are no leaks or water intrusion in your indoor environment, that the relative humidity is constantly under 60%, and that the home has proper insulation, ventilation and circulation amongst others.  Maintaining a hygienic home or office  also plays a crucial role in your indoor microbiome, it is one of the crucial factors that determines mold growth in indoor environments.

During our inspection and mold remediation service, we will identify the possible causes of moisture in your facility, and addressing the issues we raised on the reports is critical in determining if molds can grow and re-infest your space.  We will also give you recommendations on how to address structural, mechanical, and microbiological issues and point you towards the right directions on how to rectify them.

In cases where there are structural issues where rectification may be impossible, we will recommend interventions that can help mitigate the problem.

Our buildings like our homes and offices are ‘living, breathing and influential’ entities, and therefore it should be treated as such as it has a direct influence on our health.  To control such an entity, we need to understand the air tightness, insulation, and mechanicals with the aim of optimizing the “skin” and “circulatory” systems of your home to achieve control over your indoor environment.  However, this needs a deeper investigation of your indoor environment and the immediate external factors that affect it.  If you want to know more about how Saniservice can help you with this, call us on 04 3215505 or our indoor science hotline on 800-66537, one of our Building Science experts will always be available to assist you.

 

Full Mold Inspection

Our full mold inspection covers all the possible causes of mold infestation in an indoor environment.  A full mold inspection includes:

    1. Microbiological testing – where we test your air for the presence of molds and benchmark the resulting colonies formed against the Dubai Municipality guidelines
    2. Physicochemical Benchmarking – where we monitor 9 parameters: temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, TVOC, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone and Particulate Matter 2.5 microns.
    3. Structural Inspection – where we investigate the whole building envelope to check for structural defects that may contribute to moisture intrusion, heat bleed etc. This test covers the 3 aspects of home control which are air tightness, insulation and mechanical.  (Mechanicals is further augmented in the next item)
    4. Mechanicals – where we investigate the mechanical factors that affect your home, from your HVAC, ducting, chilled water supply, fresh air supply, ventilation and circulation.

The aim of this investigation is to determine why your home is conducive to mold, does the facility support the condition for mold growth and what is causing its persistence.  In our reports, we will highlight our specific findings and corroborate all the data we gathered to come up with our actionable recommendations that will point you to the right direction on not only how to remediate the molds in your indoor environment but how to prevent it from coming back or inhibit its eventual propagation.

ERMI Testing

What is an ERMI Test?

At Saniservice’s Indoor Sciences Division, we are committed to providing our clients with the most comprehensive and effective tools for assessing indoor environmental quality. One such tool is the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI), developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a research tool to investigate mold contamination in homes.

The ERMI is a standardized method for quantifying the relative abundance of 36 different mold species found in a home’s dust sample. By analyzing the concentrations of these mold species, the ERMI can provide an objective assessment of the “moldiness” of a given indoor environment.The ERMI test involves collecting a dust sample, typically from carpeted areas, and analyzing it using advanced mold-specific quantitative PCR (MSQPCR) technology. This highly sensitive DNA-based method allows us to precisely identify and measure the levels of various mold species.

To provide context, the ERMI results are compared to a national database of over 1,000 homes, allowing us to determine where your indoor environment falls on the relative moldiness scale:

  • ERMI Score -10 to -4 (Quartile 1): Low Relative Moldiness
  • ERMI Score -4 to 0 (Quartile 2): Low to Medium Relative Moldiness
  • ERMI Score 0 to 5 (Quartile 3): Medium to High Relative Moldiness
  • ERMI Score 5 to 20 (Quartile 4): High Relative Moldiness
  • ERMI Score > 20: Very High Relative Moldiness

The ERMI offers several advantages over traditional mold screening methods:

  1. Carpet dust acts as a reservoir for mold spores and is more representative of mold levels over time versus short-term air samples.
  2. The use of MSQPCR for this test allows for increased precision as it is based on a biochemical assay using calibrated instrumentation.
  3. The ERMI provides an objective and standardized method for screening homes for mold, allowing for comparison across different environments.

By incorporating the ERMI test into our comprehensive indoor air quality assessments, Saniservice’s Indoor Sciences Division can provide you with a detailed understanding of the mold-related risks in your home. This information is invaluable in developing targeted solutions to address the root causes of mold growth and improve the overall indoor environmental quality.Whether you’re concerned about the health of your family, preparing to purchase a new home, or seeking to optimize the performance of your existing living or working space, the ERMI test is a powerful tool in our arsenal. 

We provide ERMI Testing services in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.  This service is available all over the UAE.

 

What is the cost for an ERMI test?

An ERMI starts at AED 1500 + VAT per location within DUbai.  Pricing outside Dubai may vary depending on the location.

The test results takes about 14 days to finish, afterwhich an ERMI report will be sent to the client.

Environmental Mycotoxin Test

Why It’s Important

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds, and their presence in indoor environments can pose serious health risks. Unlike mold spores, which can be filtered out of the air, mycotoxins are chemical toxins that can persist in indoor spaces even after mold remediation. These toxins are:

  • Airborne for Extended Periods: Mycotoxins can linger in the air and remain suspended in dust particles, increasing the risk of inhalation.
  • Adhering to Respirable Dust: Mycotoxins can attach to fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and smaller), making them easily inhalable and absorbable into the body.
  • Resistant to HEPA Filtration: Unlike mold spores, mycotoxins are too small and chemically stable to be effectively removed by standard HEPA filters.
  • Persistent After Mold Removal: Even if visible mold growth is eliminated, mycotoxins can remain on surfaces, furniture, and in air ducts, continuously exposing occupants to health risks.

Exposure to mycotoxins has been linked to a range of health effects, including:

  • Neurological Issues: Brain fog, headaches, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.
  • Respiratory Problems: Chronic coughing, wheezing, and airway irritation.
  • Immune System Suppression: Increased susceptibility to infections.
  • Skin Irritation: Rashes and hypersensitivity reactions.

Because of these dangers, accurate mycotoxin testing is essential to fully assess and mitigate toxic mold contamination in indoor environments.


How Environmental Mycotoxin Testing is Performed

At Indoor Sciences, we use advanced air, surface, and dust sampling techniques to detect the presence of mycotoxins in indoor spaces. Our testing process includes:

1. Air Sampling

  • Airborne mycotoxins can attach to respirable dust and ultrafine particles, making them easy to inhale.
  • We use high-volume air samplers equipped with specialized filters to capture airborne particles that may contain mycotoxins.

2. Surface Sampling

  • Mycotoxins settle on walls, furniture, carpets, and HVAC systems.
  • We collect surface samples using sterile swabs and wipe tests to determine contamination levels.

3. Dust Sampling

  • Since mycotoxins bind to fine dust particles, dust sampling provides a long-term contamination record.
  • We collect settled dust from floors, vents, and furniture to analyze for mycotoxin presence.

After sample collection, we analyze mycotoxin levels using the ELISA method, ensuring highly sensitive and accurate detection.


ELISA Method: How We Detect Mycotoxins

At Indoor Sciences, we utilize the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method for mycotoxin detection. ELISA is a biochemical test that uses antibodies to detect specific toxins, making it an ideal method for analyzing mycotoxins in air, dust, and surface samples.

How the ELISA Method Works for Mycotoxin Testing:

  1. Extraction: Mycotoxins are extracted from collected samples using a solvent-based extraction process.
  2. Binding to Antibodies: The extracted sample is introduced to a plate coated with antibodies that specifically bind to mycotoxins.
  3. Enzyme Reaction: A color-changing enzyme is added, which reacts when mycotoxins are present.
  4. Quantification: The intensity of the color change is measured, allowing us to determine mycotoxin concentration levels in the sample.

The ELISA method is highly sensitive, fast, and cost-effective, making it one of the most reliable approaches for identifying hazardous mycotoxin contamination in indoor environments.


What We Do with the Results

Once the mycotoxin analysis is complete, we provide:
A detailed report with quantitative mycotoxin levels found in the indoor environment.
Risk assessment based on contamination levels and health guidelines.
Customized recommendations for effective mycotoxin mitigation, including advanced air purification, specialized cleaning techniques, and source control strategies.

Since HEPA filtration alone is not effective against mycotoxins, our approach focuses on innovative removal methods that neutralize and eliminate toxic residues from indoor spaces.


Standard mold remediation does not guarantee the removal of mycotoxins, making specialized Environmental Mycotoxin Testing essential for truly ensuring a safe indoor environment. Our advanced sampling and ELISA-based detection provide scientifically validated insights into mycotoxin contamination, allowing homeowners, businesses, and medical professionals to take targeted actions to protect health and well-being.

If you suspect mycotoxins in your indoor environment, contact us today to schedule a comprehensive mycotoxin assessment.

Why Are We Expensive?

At Saniservice, we believe in delivering an exceptional experience, much like flying first class. Imagine being on the same flight, departing and arriving at the same time, with the same crew and pilot, yet the experience in Economy Cabin differs vastly from First Class. That’s how we view all our premium services.

Our dedication to quality defines our pricing, as we are committed to providing a first-class service that ensures you do not only the top quality of service that we are known for but a very different first-class experience altogether.

The quality and reliability of our services is what differentiate Saniservice. Please see what clients say about us by visiting www.mysaniserviceexperience.com

At Saniservice, quality isn’t just a promise; it’s our culture and standards.

When do I get my Test Results?

For tests that involves laboratory procedure, the turn-around time is as follows:

  • Microbiological Test:  5 to 7 Days
  • ERMI Test: 14 Days
  • Mycotoxin Test: 4 Days
  • Mold Identification test: 14 Days

For Physicochemical Tests, the collection of data is usually 24 to 48 hours.  The analysys takes 1 day. In total, it will take at least 5 days for Physicochemical results to be delivered.

The full mold inspection is a combination of tests, example, physicochemical + microbiology.  Therefore, the turnaround time for a full mold test will be equivalent to the the above turn-around for each individual tests.

What happens during a Mold Inspection and/or Mold Remediation service?

What happens during a Mold Inspection and/or  Mold Remediation service?

 

A full mold inspection involves four independent testing and diagnostic benchmarking:

  1. Microbiological testing
  2. Physicochemical Benchmarking
  3. Structural Inspection
  4. Mechanicals

 

During our inspection and mold remediation service, we will identify the possible causes of moisture in your facility, and addressing the issues we raised on the reports is critical in determining if molds can grow and re-infest your space.  We will also give you recommendations on how to address structural, mechanical, and microbiological issues and point you towards the right directions on how to rectify them.

 

A full mold inspection is “destructive” in nature.  Molds do not always grow in accessible places, in the same way, water has no predictable flow especially when it has reached covered spaces or structural members.  In the event that we find or even suspect mold growth or water intrusion in covered or inaccessible places, we will recommend the removal or dismantling of furniture and fixtures to gain access to the area in question.  However, we do not provide removal and restoration of fixtures, furniture and structural members.  We inform the client that they need to arrange for a third-party provider who we can work with  and communicate what they need to do and coordinate the removal dates that synchronizes with our recommended intervention.  Saniservice does not take responsibility in the removal and restoration of any furniture, fixtures and structural members such as walls, beams, floors, ceilings, counters, cabinetries, etc.

 

During the Mold Remediation service, there is always the chance that we will find more infested areas as we create access, dismantle furniture or open floor tiles.  In cases like these, the whole mold remediation schedule might be affected.  We will therefore coordinate this with clients and inform them of the additional working hours needed and coordinate with any third-party entities to come up with a timetable and costing for the additional work required.

 

NOTES FOR MOLD REMEDIATION SERVICE:

What happens next after a mold remediation service?

We must remember that ‘Mold Remediation’   only refers to the ‘proper’ removal of molds from mold  affected areas while following the existing standards of remediation so that it doesn’t cross contaminate or spread in the other parts of the home or office.  Remediation is NOT a guarantee that mold will not come back.  What we can guarantee is, that after our remediation service, there will be safe levels of mold in the indoor environment. 

 

How do I make sure molds will not grow back?

You cannot ‘kill’ molds.  Molds are ubiquitous.  They are everywhere, as they play a very important role in our environment, and that is to start the process of decay.  . 

It is crucial  to note that molds need 3 things to grow.  Food, Oxygen and Water.  Among the 3, the only thing we can control is water.  Therefore, is important that after remediation, building occupants should try to maintain ‘dry’ conditions.  This includes making sure there are no leaks or water intrusion in your indoor environment, that the relative humidity is constantly under 60%, and that the home has proper insulation, ventilation and circulation amongst others.  Maintaining a hygienic home or office  also plays a crucial role in your indoor microbiome, it is one of the crucial factors that determines mold growth in indoor environments.

 

In cases where there are structural issues where rectification may be impossible, we will recommend interventions that can help mitigate the problem.

Our buildings like our homes and offices are ‘living, breathing and influential’ entities, and therefore it should be treated as such as it has a direct influence on our health.  To control such an entity, we need to understand the air tightness, insulation, and mechanicals with the aim of optimizing the “skin” and “circulatory” systems of your home to achieve control over your indoor environment.  However, this needs a deeper investigation of your indoor environment and the immediate external factors that affect it.  If you want to know more about how Saniservice can help you with this, call us on 04 3215505 or our indoor science hotline on 800-66537, one of our Building Science experts will always be available to assist you.

What is an Indoor Air Quality Test?

Our indoor air quality testing is basically a “snapshot” of your indoor air’s “vitals”.  There are 2 parts to our Indoor Air Quality Test:

 

  1. Microbiological testing – where we test your air for the presence of molds and benchmark the resulting colonies formed against the Dubai Municipality guidelines
  2. Physicochemical Benchmarking – where we monitor 9 parameters: temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, TVOC, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone and Particulate Matter 2.5 microns.

 

The aim of this test is to understand the quality of your indoor air and what is affecting it.  This will give you the idea and direction in narrowing down indoor environmental concerns to the specific cause of an underlying problem.

 

However, the indoor air quality test is only an indicator of your home’s vitals.  It is not designed to identify the actual cause of the problem that might be persisting in your indoor environment.  IAQ testing will NOT tell you why molds are growing in your home, why your TVOC is high, why relative humidity is elevated, etc.  But it can point you in the right direction regarding what further testing is required to get to the specific issue.

From an IAQ test, we can recommend the next possible tests and make recommendations for specific protocols and procedures to be performed to the pertinent department who can design the required testing for you.

What is a full mold inspection?

Our full mold inspection covers all the possible causes of mold infestation in an indoor environment.  A full mold inspection includes:

 

  1. Microbiological testing – where we test your air for the presence of molds and benchmark the resulting colonies formed against the Dubai Municipality guidelines
  2. Physicochemical Benchmarking – where we monitor 9 parameters: temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, TVOC, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone and Particulate Matter 2.5 microns.
  3. Structural Visual Inspection – where we investigate the whole building envelope to check for structural defects that may contribute to moisture intrusion, heat bleed etc.  This test covers the 3 aspects of home control which are air tightness, insulation and mechanical.  (Mechanicals is further augmented in the next item)
  4. Mechanicals – where we investigate the mechanical factors that affect your home, from your HVAC, ducting, chilled water supply, fresh air supply, ventilation and circulation.

 

The aim of this investigation is to determine why your home is conducive to mold, does the facility support the condition for mold growth and what is causing its persistence.  In our reports, we will highlight our specific findings and corroborate all the data we gathered to come up with our actionable recommendations that will point you to the right direction on not only how to remediate the molds in your indoor environment but how to prevent it from coming back or inhibit its eventual propagation.