LCS Laboratory Inc. offers comprehensive identification of residential dust components, helping homeowners understand the unique environmental characteristics of their homes. Through advanced microscopy techniques, we analyze a small dust sample to pinpoint potential sources of contamination.
Why Analyze Residential Dust?
The composition of household dust can reveal a lot about the environment and activities within a home. Our microscopy-based analysis allows us to identify and report on different dust particles, providing insights into possible indoor air quality concerns and contamination sources.
What We Test For in Residential Dust:
- Construction and Renovation Dust: Particles like wood dust, metal shavings, rust, paint chips, and fiberglass are common after construction or remodeling projects.
- Textile Fibers: Wool, cotton, synthetic fibers, and carpet dust often indicate high-traffic areas and areas where clothing and fabrics are frequently used.
-
mold spores and skin cells
Biological Particles: Mold spores may signal humidity issues or water damage, while skin cells, insect parts, pollen, hair, and other biological dust can contribute to allergies and suggest the need for deeper cleaning.
- Outdoor Environmental Dust: Plant tissue, pollen, and other naural outdoor particles are signs of dust infiltration from outside.
Our Advanced Analysis Techniques
Using Phase Contrast Microscopy, Polarized Light Microscopy, and specialized staining, we examine the dust sample for particle size, shape, color, staining response, magnetic properties, and optical characteristics. This detailed analysis helps us identify and quantify each type of particle in the sample.
How to Collect and Submit a Sample
- Dust Collection: Gather a small amount of dust (at least the size of a match head) from floors, furniture surfaces, or your vacuum cleaner.
- Packaging: Place the sample in a Ziploc bag and label it with the collection location (e.g., “kitchen table dust” or “office dust”).
- Complete the Request Form: Download our request form, fill out your contact details, sample identification, turnaround time, and specific test requirements.
- Shipping: Send the labeled sample and completed request form to our laboratory in London, Ontario.
For questions or assistance with the submission process, please feel free to contact us.
Convenient Online Ordering
For an instant quote and to prepay your order, please follow the link below to our secure payment portal.
More details can be seen on our YouTube chanel
at 7:49 pm
Hello – My wife and I are plagued with dust entering the living area of our house via the warm air return vent grates. We would like to know what the grey colored dust is composed of. Does your firm analyze such dust?
at 8:02 am
Hello Mike. Yes we do analyse such samples using light microscopy
at 5:34 pm
Can you do an analysis based upon provided photographs taken by others, with a microscope? If so, I have light, polorized and dark-field scopes. Would stains (I have several) be of value? Suggested magnification, etc. This would be for my own residence. We have far too much dust in this place and it is affecting my spouse’s health.
at 8:26 pm
Hello Pat, I think we can. I sent you an email of what we need.
at 11:07 pm
I cleaned out my Aunt’s apartment after she passed away, and ended up storing items for various family members. After moving a Mahogany side table, I had a burning red rash with blisters. Since then, I’ve had a problem with dust in my house that’s causing the same painful red rash and blisters all over my skin. Are you able to test for particles in the dust that may cause severe contact dermatitis? I’ve tried cleaning everything, dusting my house top to bottom with a damp cloth to better capture the dust, and I’m at my wits end. I need to find out what this is so I can completely remediate the problem.