LCS Laboratory offers an absolutely unique set of tests specifically designed for Home Buyers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors. Our tests are developed in full compliance with the health and safety standards and are based on OSHA, NIOSH and EPA standard methods.
Our tests target 3 aspects of chemical safety of residential houses: 1) hazardous construction materials; 2) contamination of the property; 3) indoor air quality of the property. All tests have different purposes and can deeply affect the price of the property. In this article we address the most common tests that can tell you a lot about property in question.
Hazardous Construction Materials
Asbestos. This fibrous mineral was a favourite industry additive used in most construction materials in Canada. The majority of Canadian houses built before 1985 contain some asbestos. It is OK to live next to asbestos, but it is not safe to “disturb” or work with Materials Containing Asbestos.- Vermiculite is a form of processed mica. Both mica and vermiculite are considered to be safe. Unfortunately, some batches of vermiculite are naturally contaminated with asbestos. Homeowners had used vermiculite as wall and attic insulation and unknowingly contaminated their houses with asbestos
- Lead was a used as basis for commercial paints until the mid 1980’s. It is not safe for you and for the environment to scrape off old paint. Make sure that you know what you are working with before you start. LCS lab is able to test paint chips for lead content.
- UFFI is a short for Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation. This wall insulation was used to retrofit older buildings and is known to be a source of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is carcinogenic and should be avoided whenever possible.
Coal Tar was a typical component of roofing materials and water barriers. Even 30-60 years after the manufacturing date, the samples of coal tar still smell like “mothballs”. This is because it contains highly toxic and carcinogenic PAH’s.
Contamination of the Property
- Lead dust can accumulate in significant concentrations on hard-to-reach surfaces such as furniture tops, door and window frames. The most common source is old paint which has been removed by the previous owners during a pre-sale renovation. The level of this dust is strictly regulated by the EPA. Lead dust is especially dangerous because it is able to diffuse by air drafts and contaminate our skin or get into food.
Mold stains are common for surfaces affected by water. Mold related diseases are rare, but mold spores can cause severe allergic reactions. Mold staining of walls and ceilings may indicate previous flooding or water damage.- Nicotine tests are performed if it is important to prove that the house was occupied by a non-smoker. Nicotine can be used as an indicator of recent events only. In 24-48 hours it will completely evaporate.
- Polynuclear Aromatic Compounds (PAH) are a group of 16 tar-like compounds. Some PAH’s are toxic and some are carcinogenic. They are formed when any material is burnt (ex. kitchen fire, wood burning stoves, cigarette smoke etc.).
- Pet’s hair, skin dust and bio-dust can cause severe allergic reactions to new home buyers. If the property is being presented as “pet-free”, LCS Laboratory can test settled dust for residual animal hair
- THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is active component of marijuana smoke. We offer THC test on surface swabs. This test is important if concerned about the history of the property.
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality testing can be very complex. We recommend that it would be performed by professional air quality specialists. If you need assistance, please email us and we can recommend one of consultants who work alongside our laboratory. The most commonly asked tests are:
If your clients require those or any other tests, please email us at your convenience to discuss the project
