Quest field journal / Inspection knowledge
Practical guidance on mold, asbestos, moisture, indoor air quality and environmental testing from Quest.
Explore the journalMold and moisture
If molds could speak and be honest, they love lurking around your home and you are even unaware. They love to multiply & silently impose health risks. Unattended, mold gets into the structure of the building ruining part of the house & causing high expenses & risks. Quest Mold & Asbestos Inspections and Testing is [...]
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Choose a knowledge pathMold and moisture
Inspection, sampling, moisture, exposure and property decision guides.
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Testing methods, material surveys, renovation planning and NYC requirements.
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Indoor air, VOCs, formaldehyde, silica, smoke and environmental testing.
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Recently published by QuestClear explanations for property owners, managers, contractors and anyone deciding what to test next.
We all associate the work “mold” with damp, dark areas like basements, bathrooms, or areas that have water damage. There is one part of your house that could be concealing mold without you realizing it: your air conditioner filter. Think of your AC system as your “lungs” of your home. It circulates air around your [...]
Painting Over Mold: A Dangerous Cover-Up That Puts Lives in Danger It’s a common tale in most rental homes. Tenants might notice a musty smell lingering, or perhaps some discoloration on the walls,they mention to their landlord and then, almost like magic, it vanishes. A fresh coat of paint appears overnight. Problem solved. Unfortunately, this [...]
An ACP5 asbestos inspection is a survey performed by a DEP-certified Asbestos Investigator, resulting in the Asbestos Assessment Report (Form ACP5) filed with NYC DEP for a $47 fee. NYC requires it because the Department of Buildings will not issue permits for work disturbing materials in pre-April 1987 buildings without a valid ACP5 control number. [...]
WORRIED ABOUT HAVING MOLDS AT HOME? HERE ARE 5 MAIN REASONS WHY YOU NEED MOLD TESTING Most people neglect the importance of a mold inspection, and act only upon when mold growth becomes visible and destructive, eventually finding themselves regretting of how much money they could have saved if they have only prevented it in [...]
Molds are present everywhere. They are part of the ecological community and play an important role. However, a substantial concentration of molds at home is troublesome and even risky to health. Given this, it is unlikely to remove molds. Rather, it can be controlled. The goal is to maintain normal mold conditions at home. But [...]
Molds at home are bothersome and can lead to health issues. Given this, it is important to ask for help from a professional to conduct a mold assessment/inspection. During the inspection, the client is briefed about the procedures to be done in the property which includes taking samples and testing them in a laboratory. After [...]
Molds exists everywhere whether we see it or not. They even exist in your home, and most likely you are breathing its spores now while you are reading this. Given that, people have been asking various questions regarding molds. Is it dangerous? What is even a mold? etc. So today, we offer answers to 7 [...]
Indoor air quality plays an important role in the health, comfort, and safety of your home or business and those occupying it. Without it you are not actually aware of what is going on behind and underneath the surfaces. Many property owners wrongly assume that mold is only a problem when you can physically see [...]
Mold contamination inside homes and commercial buildings in the Long Island is often misunderstood because testing methods are frequently used without clear context. Two of the most common methods are air sampling and surface sampling for mold, yet they serve very different purposes and answer different questions. Understanding how each method works is essential before [...]
Asbestos is a mineral that was once widely used in both construction and manufacturing, and it presents grave health risks when its fibers are released to the atmosphere. Testing asbestos in the air is an indispensable step toward safety in a building or area where ACMs could be present. This article discusses the importance of [...]
As a parent, you want your child to be safe and healthy while at school. However, did you know that many schools across the United States contain asbestos materials? Asbestos is a dangerous carcinogen that can cause serious health problems, such as mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, [...]
Asbestos, originally a naturally occurring mineral, has quite a history that is intricate and controversial in depth, spanning several thousand years. Once trumpeted for remarkable properties, its use is now synonymous with serious health risks. This article examines the trajectory of asbestos from ancient applications to the status of a hazardous material today. Ancient OriginsThe [...]
Scientific methods in the early Twentieth Century revealed that asbestos was the most effective and cost-efficient insulating material for fire resistance. Shipbuilders commonly incorporate asbestos into various components such as gaskets, seals, and fireproofing materials due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion, ensuring the safety and durability of vessels. This mineral, [...]
Asbestos used to be a common addition to materials used for builidng because it was durable, fire-resistant, and it insulates; however, it is known to be harmful. Over the last several decades, its use has been highly regulated and in many countries banned due to it causing serious health issues including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesotheliom. One thing most homeowners do not realize is that ACMs might still exist in certain building parts, [...]
We have all heard this before: “No one goes in the basement, so we should be okay, right?”That is not exactly true. We hear this a lot: “There is mold in the basement, but we barely go there.” At first, that sounds like it makes sense. If you are not in the basement, it shouldn’t [...]
Black Molds are known to be a threat to various households and properties. Despite its notoriety, many people still don’t know so much about it and what can be done to eliminate its risks to our lives. Given this, it is vital that to have succinct information containing frequently asked questions about black molds. Let’s [...]
When it comes to mold inspection, the first thing you should seek for is a mold testing firm that employs a licensed/professional mold inspector with considerable knowledge and expertise who uses updated and innovative technology and proven and tested tools. In an assessment for mold, humidity, and other contaminants at home, the quality of skill, [...]
Discovering mold in your living space can pose serious health risks. Mold, a type of fungus thriving in damp environments, can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and skin irritation. This comprehensive guide delves into the significance of mold testing, elucidates the mold testing process, and highlights the role of Quest Testing, a reputable company in [...]
Residents in the heart of the Bronx are eagerly anticipating a piece of land being turned into Grant Park, a green haven on Fifth Avenue. However, as they were preparing for development, an unexpected discovery emerged, an unidentified large tank. There was a lot of speculation about what it might have been. Locals suggested leftovers [...]
Make sure your property’s air is safe after fire damage with Quest Mold and Asbestos Inspections and Testing. Using Fire Air Quality Testing, we identify dangerous impurities including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, VOCs, etc., to ensure the health of employees and occupants. We know how critical it is to keep a healthy environment across properties, especially after a [...]
House flipping can be extremely lucrative, but it is also fraught with its share of problems and ethical issues. Unfortunately, too many house flippers would rather establish a quick profit than be concerned with safety, and because of this, they cut corners, which has grave long-term consequences for both the buyers and the community. The [...]
Formaldehyde is a colorless chemical released by composite wood, cabinetry, flooring, adhesives, and paints through off-gassing. It can irritate eyes, nose, throat, and airways, and is classified as a human carcinogen. Because odor doesn’t indicate concentration, professional formaldehyde testing and air sampling with laboratory analysis is the only way to measure actual levels. Formaldehyde in [...]
Mold can be a stealthy invader, hiding behind the scenes in parts of your home that seldom get your attention. Although most of us think about mold growing in our basements, or in our bathrooms, it can grow in various places - affecting your indoor air quality and the structural integrity of your house. Even with a [...]
Climate change is changing the various conditions which trigger mold growth indoors. Increased global temperatures, shifting weather patterns lead to greater rainfall, increased humidity, and extreme weather conditions such as flooding, hurricanes that can create ideal conditions that enhance mold development. Health Risks of Mold Growth Mold is very dangerous to human health due to [...]
Mold could do lots of property and health damage if left unchecked. At Quest Mold & Asbestos Inspection & Testing, we follow a clearly defined procedure to ensure accurate results and easy-to-follow remediation instructions. What follows is an in-depth look at how mold testing is performed step by step. 1. Initial Site Inspection Every project [...]
Asbestos testing in NYC costs $250 to $750 for a residential survey and $1,000 to $5,000 for a commercial pre-renovation survey. Individual bulk samples run $25 to $150, most firms charge a $150 to $300 minimum, and the DEP ACP5 filing fee is $47. Final price depends on sample count, access difficulty, lab method, and [...]
Hiring an asbestos testing company is not the same as hiring a general home inspector. The person collecting samples needs the right asbestos credentials, the laboratory must be qualified to analyze those samples, and the final report should clearly identify what was tested and what the results mean. If you are comparing an asbestos testing company in New York, start with licensing [...]
Asbestos, a natural mineral, is a fibrous silicate that was well utilized in construction and manufacturing, more so in the 20th century, due to its properties of fire resistance and durability. It has however been linked with numerous serious health issues like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Consequently, asbestos has been banned or subject to strict [...]
Mold Is NOT always visible right away. The majority of homeowners and property managers do not realize that they have a mold problem until they begin to detect unexplained damp odors, allergies, or discoloration on the ceiling or walls. Even worse, hidden mold can travel very quickly inside your home whether it’s through your walls, [...]
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was in wide use throughout construction up until the 1980s. It was literally everywhere-from insulation down to the floor tiles and the ceiling tiles. Asbestos exposure has serious health consequences, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. As in the case of any building material, asbestos can be dangerous depending on [...]
Indoor air quality is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy home environment. However, many homeowners are unaware of the potential mold problem lurking in their homes. Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp and humid environments, and it can cause a variety of health problems if left unchecked. Mold spores are [...]
Knowing Asbestos: Types and Places Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been widely used because of its fire-resistant properties and durability. It is associated with serious health hazards such as lung cancer and asbestosis, so knowledge of the several types of asbestos and their locations is especially important to the homeowner, builder, and [...]
Many people are or have been diagnosed with an allergy to penicillin as a negative reaction to taking antibiotics including Amoxicillin, Augmentin, or Penicillin V. But on the opposite side of the same coin, many people suffer from an allergic reaction for an extended period of time. This exposure can be not drug related but [...]
Mold Blog/ By: Jayde Santiago Mold is a common problem in many houses, if not taken care of properly, it will develop into serious health issues. It causes respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and in rare cases, neurological damage. In order not to compromise your family’s health, you need to be aware of how to clean [...]
Mold is a natural part of the environment, but when it grows indoors because of excess moisture, leaks, flooding, or high humidity, it can become an indoor environmental concern. While some people may not notice any reaction to mold, others can experience allergy symptoms, respiratory irritation, or worsening asthma. Understanding mold exposure and allergic reactions, [...]
In most cases, yes. A clearance test after mold remediation, also called post-remediation verification (PRV), provides objective proof that the mold was properly removed and the area is safe. It’s especially important for severe contamination, real estate sales, health concerns, or when you want documented evidence the job was done right. Many property owners assume [...]
When it comes to dealing with mold, terms like “inspection” and “remediation” often swirl around, causing confusion. As a family-owned Mold and Asbestos Testing Company in NY, we’re here to break down the basics and help you understand the clear distinctions between these two important processes. Making Sense of Mold Inspections What It Does: Think [...]
Mold Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction Mold is a concern for both landlords and tenants who are often misled by myths about this type of fungus, which causes unnecessary stress and misinformation. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common mold myths by providing you with the facts you need to [...]
In 2025, mold remediation will probably improve its practices by using new and better technology. This blog focuses on providing the best new tools, techniques, & statistics to improve the safety and efficiency of mold testing as Quest Mold and Asbestos Inspections and Testing adapt to the latest. Not only is mold unsightly to look at, [...]
Mold grows inside your house often out of sight. Molds may not always be visible, but they are there. It spreads through different means and can put your family’s health in danger. It is such a sneaky one and many a time, the first you know of it, is when you are living with it. [...]
Mold can be difficult to detect since it grows in damp, hidden areas. If you suspect a problem, you will likely come across mold testing in New York and mold inspection, but choosing the right one can be confusing.
Facing the insidious threat of mold within your property can be a distressing experience. Mold not only compromises structural integrity but also poses potential health hazards. As a family-owned Mold and Asbestos Testing Company in NY, we recognize the importance of addressing this concern promptly and comprehensively. In this article, we will elucidate the significance [...]
For people who are allergic or highly sensitive to mold, concerns about indoor exposure can be especially important. Penicillium is a common environmental mold that can enter buildings and grow when moisture is present. Understanding where Penicillium may be found, what conditions support its growth, and how environmental Mold Testing can help investigate potential mold [...]
An asbestos inspector collects a sample from old floor tile, plaster, insulation, or another suspect material, but collecting it is only half of the testing process. The laboratory still needs an analytical method to determine whether asbestos is present. Two methods you may see on asbestos reports are PLM and TEM. Understanding PLM vs TEM asbestos testing matters because they do not perform exactly the [...]
Mold reproduces very fast in warm and humid environments, making it an issue in those climates. Homes and buildings in these areas are often the perfect area for mold to grow, which not only ruins surfaces but can cause severe health problems. Managing humidity indoors is an important part of controlling the growth of mold. [...]
The presence of toxic mold in your home is not just a structural concern; it can also have potential health implications. In this article, we aim to shed light on the symptoms associated with exposure to toxic mold. As a family-owned Mold and Asbestos Testing Company in NY, we prioritize your well-being and believe that [...]
New York regulations on crystalline silica ensure minimal exposure to minerals detrimental to the health of the workers. The succeeding article will go through the description of silica, the health issues it poses, how it is assessed, and the strategies involved in trying to avoid overexposure of workers in the workplace. What is Silica?Silica or [...]
Asbestos, though once a common building material, has marked buildings across the world. Among the most common usages for this mineral were floor tiles, mostly for durability and fire resistance, soundproofing being among its other principal qualities. In the last couple of decades, however, the use of asbestos itself has been highly regulated or banned [...]
Mold damage presents a complex economic challenge for homeowners and insurers alike. Addressing mold infestations is not just a matter of health and property maintenance, but also a significant financial burden. The costs associated with mold can vary widely, but it is clear that the financial impact is substantial, spanning mold removal, remediation, and potential [...]
Mold infestation in a property is a significant concern that affects both homeowners and potential buyers. Its presence can lead to a variety of health problems and costly remediation, which in turn can impact the value and desirability of a property. When mold is found during a home inspection, it often raises red flags that [...]
In the renovation and construction industry, asbestos is known as an issue that should cause concern. In populated areas like New York City and surrounding areas it remains a problem even today. Asbestos, once known for its fire deterrent qualities and used in building materials, is now a known health hazard. Breathing asbestos fibers can [...]
One of the most critical steps in mold inspectors and asbestos inspectors is receiving accurate results to determine any potential health effects and remediation steps needed. Control testing, or ambient outdoor testing, is one of the most critical aspects of air quality testing. Control testing is a key part of this process beyond the actual inspections: at [...]
Mold Blog/ By: Jayde Santiago Mold infestation at home may influence a wide range of physical and mental disorders. Mold is classified under a group of fungus that grows on damp surfaces and prefers the atmosphere of bathrooms, kitchens, and sometimes basements. It reproduces by releasing small spores into the air capable of causing health [...]
Silica, a naturally occurring mineral that highly affects our health and process of industrial production. From the dusty streets of the construction sites to the green grassy plains and sceneries, silica appears everywhere and most of the time goes completely unnoticed. Silica cannot harm us in its natural states; once agitated, it creates potential health [...]
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry for its heat-resistant properties. However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Despite being banned in many countries, asbestos can still be found in many unexpected places in [...]
Air pollution is widely recognized as a major threat to environmental and public health. For decades it has been linked to respiratory disease, cardiovascular conditions and premature death. However, new studies have suggested that long term exposure to air pollution may also lead to the onset of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) as well as speed [...]
A Guide for Homeowners, Tenants, and Property Managers If mold analysis has been done in a residential area, then in most cases, a report from a laboratory involves one of these three states of fungal ecology. These were all established as a means of establishing air quality in a residential area, as well as understanding [...]
Mold can be a serious health hazard for you and your family. If not addressed, it can compromise your property’s structural integrity and result in expensive repairs. In this blog, we will talk about why mold testing is so important, why you should choose Quest Mold and Asbestos Inspections and what you can expect from us. The Importance [...]
Fires pose a significant risk to both property and health, not only due to the immediate destruction caused by flames but also due to lingering air quality issues. Recently, Quest Mold and Asbestos Inspections and Testing conducted air quality assessments to analyze airborne contaminants resulting from a fire. See the full report: Post Fire Air [...]
In Manhattan, mold is quite common because of the number of people, high humidity climate, and the buildings are aging. This creates the perfect opportunity for mold to grow and reproduce quickly. This article points out the main causes, harsh impact, and solutions for these mold issues. Being informed is the best way to take [...]
Water damage to homes is commonly attributed to flood or heavy rain, but the most common culprit is right in front of our faces-household appliances. The washing machine, dishwasher, sink, and refrigerator are all fixtures and appliances that leak and overflow and spit water into spaces that are sometimes not visible. If this water isn’t [...]
Asbestos was once widely used in residential construction due to its durability and heat resistance. However, it is now known to pose serious health risks when disturbed. Many older properties still contain asbestos materials, which makes early identification essential. If you own or are planning to buy an older property, recognizing the warning signs can [...]
Are you aware that the air inside your home can become more polluted than the air outside? Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are usually the reason for this. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are toxins that are released into the air that can endanger our health; surprisingly, many people are not aware of them being in their [...]
In a Syosset Long Island, amidst the nicely mowed lawns, is a partially constructed house that tells a cautionary tale. What started as a dream home for one ambitious builder turned into a story of unexpected challenges and hidden dangers. Around a year ago the owner laid the foundation, walls started to rise, and hope [...]
One of the most common but most missed causes of indoor mold growth is not having proper air flow. It might be a wet basement, an airtight room, or a subpar ventilated crawl space, but the fact remains that still air can hold moisture. Where moisture is present, mold and mildew are sure to arrive. [...]
Mold is a common problem in rental properties, especially in older buildings. When mold appears, some landlords choose the quickest and cheapest solution available. Many property owners cut corners in order to save money right away or prevent upsetting tenants. They concentrate on making the mold less noticeable rather than figuring out the cause of [...]
Quest Mold and Asbestos Inspections and Testing offers professional, rapid and thorough asbestos testing in Long Island and beyond. Our focus on high standards alongside a wealth of expertise guarantees not only the safety and security of your property to environmental and health guidelines through exceptional service. This blog will help you learn about the significance of asbestos [...]
Mycotoxin testing is a laboratory analysis that detects toxic compounds: including aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, trichothecenes, and gliotoxin produced by molds such as Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium. A qualified inspector collects settled dust, air, surface, or bulk samples from the property, and an accredited laboratory analyzes them using methods such as LC-MS/MS. Results are [...]
