Lead is a metal that is poisonous to humans. Lead was commonly used in paint, gasoline, and plumbing materials and can still be found in batteries, pipes, solder, pottery, roofing materials, and even some cosmetics. This material can be present in paint, dust, water, and even the air. 

Commercial spaces often require building managers to perform air sampling at least once a year to check for safety. It’s vital that samples are taken properly and sent to a trustworthy lab, like SanAir Technologies Laboratory. Viable air sampling can detect a number of harmful contaminants in the air, like bacteria, fungi, and pollen. You likely have to test your space’s air quality at least once a year, or whenever you suspect an environmental hazard.

The toxic black mold that you’re used to hearing about actually refers specifically to the “Stachybotrys” bacteria. Black mold is easily confused with many other types of mold that can appear in dark, damp areas. While all mold is harmful to human health, black mold is often thought of as one of the worst. All buildings and commercial properties should be inspected for black mold regularly. Though the EPA has no federal guidelines on how often you should check for mold, your insurance company will likely require testing for any suspicious-looking dark spots. For health and safety reasons, you should always get laboratory testing done if you suspect black mold on the property.

Nearly every single modern space has an HVAC system installed. Unfortunately, these are magnets for mold, mildew, dust, dirt, viruses, debris, and much more. Your HVAC should be serviced (cleaned) and inspected at least once a year for general health and safety purposes.