When is bacterial testing necessary?

Bacterial and microbial testing is highly recommended if "blackwater" is involved due to an indoor water damage incident.

What areas do you serve?

Certified Indoor Air provides services across multiple locations in North Carolina, including Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Durham, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Pittsboro, Raleigh, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Willow Spring.

What is included in the bacterial testing report?

Once testing is complete, you will receive a comprehensive report that includes a detailed breakdown of the test results, a concise written interpretation of the findings, photographic evidence from the inspection (where applicable), personalized recommendations for your next steps, and suggested remediation protocols if they are needed.

We Provide Microbial & Bacterial Testing

Microbial & Bacterial testing is necessary if blackwater is involved due to a water incident. As bacteria die off, they produce potent toxins called Endotoxins.

Bacteria can release microscopic particles into the air. In addition, fragments of bacteria, often much smaller than spores, may be released into the air, potentially in much higher numbers than the spores and 20 times smaller than mold spores. These particles may settle on indoor surfaces and can be directly injested into the bloodstream thru human lungs.

Endotoxins attack the body on a cellular level. When the particles are airborne, they may be inhaled and enter the bloodstream through the alveoli; these can lead to many neurological disorders and harm the digestive tract and other areas of the body.

The Bacteria Testing Procedure and Reporting

Our staff of Certified Indoor Environmentalists employs a detailed approach to property inspections and bacteria testing while understanding the right indicators to look for that may indicate the presence or source of the bacteria.

Once we receive your test results, we will provide a comprehensive report to include the following:

Detailed breakdown of test results
Concise, informative written interpretation of data & findings
Photographs of our inspection observations (when applicable)
Recommendations regarding your next steps
Remediation protocol suggestions, if deemed necessary

Common Bacteria Terms and Definitions

Bacteria

Bacteria are the primary colonizers or first organisms to grow after a water event occurs in any indoor environment. The most frequent bacteria species found are called Actinomycetes. These bacteria can produce biotoxins similar to mold and mycotoxins.

Bacteria, like Legionella, can grow and become airborne by other elements or various situations in homes, offices, healthcare buildings, and schools.

Endotoxins

These are released into the air from gram-negative bacteria when the cell wall is destroyed. Elevated levels are often found in water-damaged buildings and on moldy foods and can be very toxic. Found on the outer cell membrane of Gram-negative organisms, bacterial endotoxins are one of the most potent toxins known and strongly pyrogenic (fever-causing) substances. These toxins are harmless outside of the body and in the alimentary canal. They are extremely potent, however, once introduced in the bloodstream or intrathecally.

Actinomycetes

Actinomyces are another pathogen found in water damaged buildiings. It is a gram-positive, anaerobic organism with branching filaments that resemble fungi. While Actinomyces appears to be a fungus, it is classified as a bacteria due to its cell wall structure and genetic makeup. Actinomycosis of the central nervous system and Actinomycoma are two potential diagnosis associated with Actinomycetes in buildings.

General & Service Questions

When is bacterial testing necessary?
Bacterial and microbial testing is highly recommended if "blackwater" is involved due to an indoor water damage incident.
What areas do you serve?
Certified Indoor Air provides services across multiple locations in North Carolina, including Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Durham, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Pittsboro, Raleigh, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Willow Spring.
What is included in the bacterial testing report?
Once testing is complete, you will receive a comprehensive report that includes a detailed breakdown of the test results, a concise written interpretation of the findings, photographic evidence from the inspection (where applicable), personalized recommendations for your next steps, and suggested remediation protocols if they are needed.

Health & Environmental Risks

How do bacteria spread through the air indoors?
As bacteria die or break apart, they release microscopic particles and fragments into the air. These fragments can be 20 times smaller than mold spores, meaning they easily stay airborne, settle on indoor surfaces, and can be inhaled deep into human lungs.
What are the health risks associated with airborne endotoxins?
When bacterial fragments or endotoxins are inhaled, they enter the bloodstream through the alveoli in the lungs. This can attack the body on a cellular level, potentially leading to neurological disorders, harming the digestive tract, and causing fevers.

Technical Terms

What are endotoxins?
Endotoxins are potent, fever-causing toxins released from the cell walls of gram-negative bacteria when those walls are destroyed. They are frequently found at elevated levels in water-damaged buildings or on moldy foods.
What are Actinomycetes?
Actinomycetes are a type of gram-positive, anaerobic bacteria with branching filaments that resemble fungi. They are typically the primary colonizers (the first organisms to grow) following an indoor water event and can produce dangerous biotoxins.