You pick the issues you want to include in the screen (see information below on common home contaminants), and an environmental professional will come to your house, collect the appropriate samples, and provide a report outlining the data obtained, along with an explanation of what it means.

Lead in Paint

Lead was banned in paint in 1979; however, retailers could continue to sell existing stock. So while your home may have been constructed after 1979, the paint may still contain lead. Pinyon can test the paint on the walls, window sills, door frames, etc., using a surface swab test that supplies immediate results.

Lead in Pipes and Water

The US Congress has banned the use of lead solder within homes and buildings, which became effective in 1988. If you have an older home that you believe has lead piping or solder, or you want to check your drinking water, this test will detect lead to the drinking water standard of 15 parts per million.

Mold - Airborne

This test will evaluate whether you might have hidden mold growth in your home. There is a minimum of two samples (one inside and one outside). If you have multiple levels in your home, or a basement or crawlspace, you may want us to obtain one sample per level.

Mold - Visible Growth

If you see mold growth, or dark staining that you think might be mold, we can collect a bulk sample of the area by using tape or swabs. You may want us to sample each occurrence of visible mold growth in your home.

Asbestos - Airborne

Asbestos is a health hazard when fibers are inhaled. The use of asbestos in most building materials was banned in 1979; however, retailers were allowed to sell their stock after that time. Pinyon recommends a cut-off year of 1988. Prior to that time, asbestos was used in flooring, walls, ceiling tiles and finishes, and as wrapping on plumbing and electrical systems. Collection of an air sample can be used to see if you have airborne asbestos fibers in your home.

Asbestos - Bulk Samples

A friable material is one that can be crushed with hand pressure, releasing fibers into the air. Pinyon recommends collecting samples of friable materials in homes constructed prior to 1988 (see airborne asbestos). At least three samples of a building material are required to classify the material as not containing asbestos.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is added to many new building materials to prevent mold growth. Formaldehyde can be off-gassed for up to one year and is typically found in upholstered items, carpet, and particle board. It can cause symptoms in sensitized individuals at very low concentrations, and is tested using sampling tubes that changes color when exposed to formaldehyde.

Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide

These gases are combustion by-products from household items such as unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves. They can also occur from automobile exhaust in attached garages.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is used as an indicator of poor ventilation. This test is recommended in homes that are energy efficient or "tight." Although not a problem in itself, it can indicate other concerns.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Many common household products emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or solvent chemicals. Examples include cleaning chemicals, air fresheners, gasoline vapors, and dry cleaning chemicals. The contaminant may be identified more quickly if the chemicals used in the home are available for inspection during the site visit.

Radon

Radon is an odorless gas that is a by-product of the natural decay of uranium. It enters a home from surrounding soils through small spaces and openings. It typically con-centrates in lower levels, such as basements. Radon tests are simple to complete, and can identify the radon levels in your home.

Others:

If other chemicals or contaminants are of concern, list them on the order form or call Pinyon for a quote. Additional tests are typically $5.00 for evaluation using colorimetric tubes.

For more information, or to schedule a Home EnviroScreen, either complete the Homeowner Questionnaire or contact Pinyon at: