AIR QUALITY & SPECIALTY TESTING
Indoor Air Quality & Specialty Testing
Indoor Air Quality & Specialty Testing gives you a clear, science-based picture of what you’re breathing every day. Even clean, well-kept spaces can harbor invisible pollutants that aggravate allergies, trigger asthma, and sap energy. Common sources include damp materials growing mold, new furnishings off-gassing VOCs and formaldehyde, and poorly maintained HVAC systems that circulate dust and microbes. Because indoor environments are enclosed, contaminants often concentrate at higher levels than outdoors. Symptoms such as headaches, throat irritation, fatigue, and brain fog are warnings that deserve objective measurement. Our approach begins with a short interview to map concerns, recent renovations, water events, and occupant sensitivities. We then plan a targeted sampling strategy that balances cost with diagnostic value. Every step is designed to replace guesswork with actionable data. The result is a defensible baseline you can use to protect people, property, and peace of mind.
VOC Testing
(Volatile Organic Compounds)
Target chemical irritants you can’t see.
What it is VOC Testing?
VOC testing measures the levels of volatile organic compounds in your indoor air. These gases can be released from paints, cleaning products, flooring, furnishings, and other building materials. They’re invisible and odorless in many cases, yet can contribute to headaches, eye/nose irritation, and poor indoor comfort. We use calibrated sampling media and strict chain-of-custody to ensure accuracy, then provide lab-verified results with clear, actionable recommendations.
When do test for VOC?
We recommend VOC testing when clients experience unexplained odors, persistent irritation symptoms, or when a physician requests data for medical reasons. It’s also useful after renovations, when new materials and finishes may off-gas at high levels.
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are gases released from common products and building materials that can quietly impact your indoor environment. They’re found in everyday items like paints, varnishes, adhesives, household cleaners, flooring materials, cabinetry, and even furnishings. In fact, many newly built or recently remodeled homes test higher for VOCs because of all the fresh finishes and off-gassing materials. Even though VOCs are often odorless and invisible, they can contribute to a wide range of discomforts including headaches, dizziness, eye and throat irritation, and overall poor indoor comfort. Sensitive individuals—such as children, the elderly, or those with asthma or chemical sensitivities—may notice these effects most.
At Mold Shark, we test for VOCs using calibrated media and strict lab-approved protocols to make sure results are accurate and defensible. Air samples are collected over a controlled period of time, sealed, and tracked with full chain-of-custody so you can be confident the data stands up for medical or insurance documentation if needed. The samples are then analyzed by accredited laboratories that quantify the specific compounds present and compare them to reference ranges for safe indoor environments.
Formaldehyde Testing & Indoor Air Quality Assessments
Detect hidden chemical pollutants and protect your health with lab-certified results you can trust.
What is Formaldehyde Testing?
Formaldehyde testing measures the amount of this strong-smelling chemical gas in your indoor environment.
When do we use Formaldehyde Testing?
Formaldehyde testing is recommended in situations such as:
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After renovations or upgrades – new flooring, insulation, cabinetry, or other material changes
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New furniture installations – pressed wood, particle board, or laminate products that off-gas formaldehyde
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Health-related concerns – unexplained headaches, fatigue, throat irritation, or breathing difficulties
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Medical, insurance, or legal cases – defensible documentation for claims or medical records
Formaldehyde is often released from pressed wood products, new flooring, insulation, cabinetry, textiles, and furniture. Because it is colorless and invisible, many property owners don’t realize how much exposure they may have on a daily basis. Elevated levels indoors can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, contribute to breathing difficulties, and in some cases create long-term health concerns. Mold Shark uses accredited lab analysis to provide accurate, defensible results so you know exactly where you stand.Formaldehyde is one of the most common indoor air pollutants, and because it off-gasses slowly from building materials and textiles, exposure often continues long after renovations or purchases are complete. Mold Shark’s formaldehyde testing delivers clear, lab-certified data, formatted in easy-to-read reports with actionable recommendations. Whether you need to improve ventilation, remove contaminated materials, or take preventive steps, our unbiased results give you the confidence to make the right decisions. With professional testing, you protect not only your property value but also the health and comfort of everyone inside.
ERMI / HERTSMI Dust Sampling
Historical context from settled dust (for specialized use).
What it is ERMI Testing?
ERMI/HERTSMI use qPCR to detect mold DNA in settled dust, offering a historical snapshot of mold presence over time rather than just today’s air.
When do we use ERMI Testing?
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For sensitive occupants working with clinicians who request ERMI/HERTSMI
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For homes with long-standing issues where historical burden matters
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For research-style context alongside standard inspection/testing
Dust can tell the story of a home’s history, and ERMI or HERTSMI testing takes advantage of that fact. These specialized methods use DNA-based qPCR analysis to identify mold species present in settled dust samples. Unlike air sampling, which shows only what is circulating at the moment, dust sampling can capture a long-term record of what has been in the environment over weeks or months. This makes ERMI and HERTSMI particularly useful for sensitive occupants working with healthcare providers, or for clients who suspect long-standing problems that may not show up in a single day of air sampling. During collection, we follow strict protocols to gather dust from standardized surfaces, then submit it to a specialized lab. The results are returned as a score with detailed species breakdowns, which we then interpret alongside our inspection findings, moisture maps, and InstaScope® data. These tests are not intended as a pass/fail measure of building health on their own, but when combined with inspection data, they provide powerful context. For the right client, they offer insight into how mold exposure may have impacted the home over time.
Why Indoor Air Quality Testing Matters
Indoor air often contains pollutants that are invisible to the eye but harmful to long-term health and comfort. Contaminants like mold spores, allergens, VOCs, formaldehyde, and bacteria can accumulate over time, leading to headaches, fatigue, respiratory irritation, or worsening conditions like asthma and allergies. Unlike outdoor air, indoor environments trap these pollutants, meaning exposure can be constant and more concentrated. Professional indoor air quality testing identifies exactly what’s in your air, provides lab-certified data, and offers a clear path toward remediation or prevention. Whether protecting your family, tenants, or employees, testing ensures your property supports a healthy and safe living or working environment.