bacterial testing los angeles

Professional Bacteria Testing

It is a prime concern for Indoor Environmental Professionals addressing the possibility of Bacterial Contamination in a flooding, sewage back up or broken pipe. Determining if sewage contamination has occurred is a prime public health concern. Some of the potentially harm organism are E.Coli, Shigella, and Salmonella. As these organism are usually found in low numbers in sewage, other more common types of bacteria have been used as primary indicators. In the past, those organisms are typically coliforms and tota fecal coliforms. These samples were originally used to test clean water samples and are now used to test for bacterial contamination.

Bacteria Confirmation

Coliform test is one of the first methods of Bacteria Testing which is  used to detect the presence of members of the coliform group. The coliform group includes E.Coli, Salmonella and Shigella. The coliform group include similar characteristics such as aerobic, or facultative anaerobic, non-spore forming, rod shaped, lactose tolerant. This group is naturally occurring in the guts of many mammals and little significance as a fecal indicator – sometimes causing a false positive in the tests.

Bacteria Testing

  • Fun Guy can examine the building structure for fecal contamination & moisture.
  • Bulk sampling of potentially contaminated materials within the flood-water damaged zones.
  • Fun Guy will determine areas impacted by bacterial contamination.
  • Fun Guy can recommend protocols for abatement/remediation companies to follow.
  • Fun Guy will can conduct final clearance bacteria testing to determine if bacterial contamination has been removed.

E.Coli Testing

E.Coli has been used for Bacterial Test as a very specific indicator in fecal or sewage contamination. Advances in testing for E.Coli have made it one the primary indicators in determining fecal contamination. The test does have limitations, E.Coli is found naturally occuring in soils and the tests are not 100% accurate. The test for entercacci, group entercaccus was soon developed thereafter.

Fecal Coliforms

Fecal Coliform test has been developed to determine if fecal or sewage contamination is present. This group of organisms grow and multiply at 44.5c and ferment lactose producing acid production. This group may include E.Coli, Entrobacteria, Citrobacter, and Klebsiella. Results for this test should be interpreted with caution, as a false result can be triggered by plant materials.

Testing/Cleaning Bacteria

Fun Guy Inspections can confirm the presence or absence of bacteria in your home following a black water or category 3 water intrusion.  Professionals use the standards dictated by the IICRC s500 to properly clean bacteria from the surface of the building materials. Often, anti microbial solutions are used to disinfect materials that can not be removed.

Screen for E.Coli and harmful bacteria

Bacteria testing & Cleaning

Water is the necessity of life. Even humans, animals, and plants need water to grow, develop, and thrive in life. We use water in endless tasks like agriculture, cleaning, gardening, chemistry, and more.

Since water is a necessity, we strive to make it as clean as possible.

Dirty water can cause many problems for human beings as well as other living creatures. It poses a threat to human beings.

• Water Damage Causes of growth of mold

Whether it was from a pipe or roof rainwater runoff, water damage is hard to fix. It’s not done by wiping the water away and drying the walls. This never results in mold or bacteria-free area.

Mold is the result of water damage and water intrusion. Around 100,000 species of mold break down dead animals, toppled trees, and more. As the mold develops into an object, it breaks down the structure like what we see in buildings.

Different types of mold begin to grow. Then the wood will rot and other more severe consequences can result from water damage. As a result, mold can affect our immune system that can cause allergies. Some people may have allergic reactions to the mold while others can be susceptible to it. It can affect the health of the people in the following manner:

  • Mold can cause different kinds of allergies such as red eyes and runny nose. If you have a weak immune system, AIDS, or too young or old, molds can be more dangerous to you.
  • It can cause attacks of asthma. People also face skin and eye allergies.
  • If products are not created in sterile environment contamination may begin. Mold affects so many different products including medicine, food, tobacco, liquid, and cosmetics. Products used in an enclosed environment can cause serious health issues.

In short, it can make an individual sick and cause extreme problems. This may take several days or weeks to combat.

To escape mold problems, there are preventative steps you can take. First, try to inspect cracks, crevices, and corners. Next, if you can repair the small damages, try and do so. Remember that these molds pose threats to the foundation of the building.

It is important to hire professionals to get rid of this serious problem.

• Water Damage, Cause of Bacteria

Besides the mold threat, water damage is also harmful because it can propagate germs. It can be an environment for pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and intestinal worms. Another hazardous microorganism that flourishes in damp circumstances is mold. The American Lung Association estimates that bacteria and mold are dangerous to our health. Toxic chemicals are also present such as nitrates and phosphates in polluted water. It runs a high risk for lung cancer.

According to the Environmental Pollution Centers, these bacteria can cause attacks of asthma. So, it is more deadly to old aged people and children. Dripping water from wrecked pipes are more likely to form lochs of stagnant water. It can absorb hazardous chemicals such as lead, mercury, PCBs, paint thinners, and arsenic.

These substances can infect concealed water foundations. You can test out stagnant water if you have a particular apparatus to carry out tests. It is not always relaxed to notice the above-mentioned chemical contaminants.

• Categories of Water Damage

The categories of water have three ranges of contamination that pollute the water. In water pollution detection, there are three things to consider: originating sources of water, contact materials, and temperature. The undesired substances cannot reflect in an indoor environment

The area should be dry regardless of the category of water intrusion and the time it has been wet. Whether it is a category 1 or category 3 water intrusion, the area must be completely dried out. This includes drying the infrastructure to stop bacteria and molds from growing. Make sure to locate the water-damaged areas and disinfect the affected materials.

The unsalvageable items that may risk further pollution are up for disposal. Using these items continuously can cause further contamination and possible health concerns. In other words, ask for a professional to repair water damage. In return, it will help your property become safe once again.

There are three basic categories of water damage, based on the level of contamination.

Different temperatures can make microorganisms increase or decrease their growth in wet conditions. This gives you a hint about category 1 water. You may notice that the changes in the odor of the water alert that it needs the attention of the property owner.

1. Category 1

The category 1 water originates from a sanitary water source and it does not pose an extensive risk. It is usually called “clean water”. Category 1 includes sink overflows, appliance malfunctions, and broken water supply lines. The typical water damage falls under this category, which is still a risk because it has effects.

Category 1 water is also known as clean water. Although the property is not damaged from the category 1 water, cleaning is still needed. But if the category 1 water damaged stays for 48 hours, it can turn into contaminated water. Different pollutants may develop and increase the chances of health risks.

2. Category 2

Category 2 water has physical, biological, and chemical contaminants. These contaminants become the cause of different diseases that is harmful to humans. This type of water is also known as grey-water and there are small microorganisms in it. There are also nutrients to microorganisms. Category 2 is present in sump pump failures, urine, and seepage. Or it can be the discharged water from dishwashing and washing machines. The detergents we use to wash clothes and dishes have chemicals also present in water damage.

Category 2 water is directly harmful to humans because it can cause deadly diseases. The category 2 level water has microorganisms as well as nutrients of microorganisms. Matters such as biological, chemical matter, inorganic, and organic harm clean water.

In certain situations, category 1 water can become category 2. It happens when an organic microorganism merges with an inorganic microorganism. For instance, urine from a broken toilet can mix with the dishwashing or laundry water. If the situation gets worse, it can convert to category 3 water.

3. Category 3

This water is completely contaminated water and named “black water”. This water has harmful bacteria, unsanitary agents, fungi, and other deadly contaminants. The number of diseases from this kind of water is serious and deadly. It comes from sewage, rising waters of rivers, standing water, and groundwater.

The category 2 water can also become category 3 water it remains stagnant after removal. Despite being from a toilet, it is arguable that its back run is category 3. It creates water contamination regardless of noticeable color or content. The category 1 water can worsen to Category 2 or 3.

Category 1 water does not mean an immediate change in a category unless it flows in a contaminated building or structure. It depends on the time the microorganisms will remain wet. Or if the temperature changes, this can affect the growth of the microorganisms.

The category 3 water comprises toxigenic, pathogenic, and many other deadly agents. It can result in deadly outcomes when human beings consume and contact it for their use. The category 3 water is not limited to waste-line backflows and sewage. It also includes streams, rising waters of rivers, and seas. It mixes with the waters of the factories and other chemicals excluding sources. The wind-driven rain from hurricanes brings lengthy levels of perilous and toxic materials.

There are different kinds of pesticides used in killing insects. They go into the streams, rivers, and seas, especially during heavy rains. When it comes in contact with humans, it can result in deadly effects as well on other living creatures. Some chemicals are also present like asbestos, mercury, arsenic, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls. The “black water” can be dangerous to health. The microorganisms are invisible to our naked eyes so we have to be careful.

These invisible and minute micro-organisms cause extreme revolting living conditions and deadly diseases. They can infect human beings, crops, cattle, wild animals, and agricultural land. Usually, this occurs due to flooding, heavy rains, cyclone, or tsunami. In the modern age, there are diverse types of techniques we can use for taking off the water. There are capable water repair professionals who can fix the system and prevent further water destruction. The experts help in bringing back the structure to its previous healthy condition.

Ways to test for bacteria

Normal testing involves taking swabs from the separate types of building materials such as wood, drywall, or grout. Emlab and Latest can help in testing bacteria. These companies provide a wide range of products that can help you swab. This includes Asbestos Sampling, Moisture sampling, rental equipment, and Moisture meters, etc.

• Bio- Reveal System, bacteria testing system

To check the bacteria in the water sources (category 1, 2, or 3), use a bio-contamination detection system or bio-reveal. Use it to check the level of bacteria (contamination) in the water damage. Collect the sample from the affected area of the water damage. The sampling aims to decide the level of the organisms present in the building. From the equipment, materials, devices, and general surfaces within an interior location.

The bio-contamination detection system aims to assess the level of organic surface purity. It can also determine the disinfected cleanness in the indoor atmosphere. This Bio-Reveal system identifies the surface disorders where the location of pathogenic bacteria. Usually, it is an outcome of cloudy or unhygienic locations.

The bio-contamination detection system elucidates for determining and testing the level of pollution. Defined by the IICRC, Category 1, and Category 2 or Category 3 water harm positions in seconds. The Bio-Reveal system is a perfect instrument for measuring the bacterial level and number as well as adulteration in water.

These bacteria testing system allows you to measure the level of biotic pollution of the water by using Aqua Snap ATP procedures. You can use the Bio-reveal Ultra Snap ATP mops too. By using the contamination detecting system, you can avoid cross-contaminating different categories.

• IICRC – Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

The restorers should assess the amount of dampness to control it and to begin the drying process. The rule of controlling the humidity is the class of water. The class of water determines the estimated evaporation, wet surface area, and sponginess. That is why before initiating the process of inspection it is important to know the class of the water. There are four classes:

  1. Class 1 includes the least amount of evaporation load and water absorption, water intrusion in the materials such as gypsum board, concrete masonry unit, carpet, and fiber-filled insulation, etc can be included in class 1.  The materials (with low evaporation load) such as wood, concrete, masonry (low evaporation assemblies), gym floors, multilayer subfloors, and multilayer wallboard have abilities of minimum absorption of moisture.
  2. Class 2 water has the ability of significant absorption.
  3. Cass 3, there is the greatest amount of water evaporation and absorption load with more than 40%.
  4. Class 4, there is noteworthy water interference that contains a weighty amount of water. To dry it needs special methods or extensive water vapor pressure with longer dehydrating times.

• Factors Essential for Assessment of Drying Ability

Some factors should be considered which can affect the drying process of the wet surface.

The restorers should comprehend and ponder over these factors. Timely estimation of the drying capacity can avert the additional reimbursements.

There are other factors which include:

• Effect of ventilating, heating, and air conditioning (HVAC) structures

• It is important to know the build-out concentration of the affected zone.

• It is also important to know the effects of outdoor weather and the complexity of the construction of the building.

• The restores should understand preexisting damages which are caused by the water. Initial Contact and Information whether the mutilation is from the impairment of the appearance or wetting and it should be known that the source of water (material of damage) is from the indirect or direct source. Examples of sources of pre-existing water damage include urine contamination, chronic water leaks, and visible mold growth. To assess the damage, it is important to know the visible evidence of deterioration and straining, it will guide to understand the level of damage. It is because of the prolonged indirect exposure to contamination and water that it becomes a serious threat.

  • The restorers should inspect the excessive humidity and the moisture level should be inspected in the affected areas. The dry standards can be a rational calculation of the moisture and level of materials before water repairmen interference. An adequate process to begin a dry standard is to estimate the dampness level of the affected areas. When genuine resources do not exist, the restorer may utilize a location from related structures and the experiences of similar drying projects.

• Knowledge of the geographical area

According to IIRC, the restorers should know the instrumentation and local influence of the moisture. When the restorers have prior knowledge of the local influence of the moisture, they can easily locate the cause of the water damage. It is suggested that the damaged materials should be restored to an acceptable level of moisture which should not be harmful to the structure.

• The Preliminary Determination

Before starting the restoration, there must be knowledge of the category of the water damage if he comes to know that the water damage is due to category 1, he can proceed without using the contamination controls which are used in category 2 and category 3 water damage. The predetermination of the category of water is very important as it will give a direction to the restoration process.

  • Determine the affected area

If the water damage is due to category 2 and category 3 water, then the contamination controls are used to overcome the damage. The contamination can be trolled through forming pressure disparities and creating containment barriers etc. IEP (indoor environmental professional) can be used to assess the levels of the contamination of the water and it can also be used to control the humidity if the water damage is due to category 2 and 3 water. Sometimes the assessment by IEP is not necessary in many cases but if there are serious risks then IEP should be retained for use. It is also used to stop the contamination at a lower level.

The prior knowledge of the category of water also prepares the restorer to save himself from the contaminants. Categories 2 and 3 water damage can affect the health of the inhabitants and restoration professional of the building. It is important to categorize the contaminant in the water damage because it can also affect the health of the workers. The contaminants are may be aerosolized. The preliminary purpose makes the restorer think of a pre-restoration estimation.

A common problem in many buildings

Both the commercial and residential buildings have water damages; however, there are some differences between the water damage which affects the commercial buildings and the homes. The big difference between commercial and homes and is the kind of carpet that usually gets wet during the water damage. Domestic residential water injuries intrusion problems habitually have rugs overstuffing (padding) When the water intrudes and damages the carpet then it does not make makes the carpet and padding wet. 

The traditional protocol is to eliminate the carpet from the flooring and eliminate the insulation (padding from the area).  These areas considered porous items that need to be removed.  The tack strip is also removed which keeps the carpet down. The tack strip, which also keeps the carpet down, is also removed.  Many landowners do not eliminate the tack strip and when they augment the speed of the fan to dehydrate the carpet, it dries the surface but the inner strip remains wet.

An air mover is usually used to dry the carpet, the air mover is used to blow on the carpet and many companies provide this facility. The air mover, a high powered fan, is used to dry the carpet.   It does not dry the inner layer, padding, of the carpet and it typically remains wet. This problem can become larger because the restorer does not know the carpet cleaner, property manager, and service provider, and this ignorance increases the problem of water damage. The dampness beneath the carpet (keep it in mind that the carpet is pasted to the ground and no one can feel the wetness under the carpet) will be nourishing earth for bacteria and mold. After some days this problem shows itself in the form of a bad smell (foul odor). That odor is an indication of the growth of bacteria and other germs.

  • Moisture meter testing.

With a moisture meter, trained water damage professionals can efficiently move through a building to assess the damage caused by water damage.  Without the moisture meter, it becomes difficult to assess whether the carpet is wet because the outer surface is dry. However, drying beneath the carpet and averting the bacteria growth and mold damage is very stress-free.

The molds take usually 36 to 72 hours to grow and this growth can be prevented through proper restoration and timely cleanliness or drying procedure. The professionals can assess the problem and they set the direction to remove the wetness professionally. Some untrained experts do not clean or dry properly which results in a permanent problem and threat for the inhabitants. If the carpet seems and feels as dry after drying through the air mover, the carpet must be dried through the flowing air from the air meter for more than 24 hours.

The moisture meter helps in detecting how much is the existence of dampness in the carpet or building materials. After 24 hours the carpet should read dry, but if not let it runs another 24 hours. The air mover and dehumidifiers suck the moisture from the carpet and there is no dampness left in the carpet which later causes foul odor and growth of the bacteria as a result of it.

In the pharmaceutical and hospital companies and many other complex industrial establishments, have these problems may be compounded. Because of the alarms concern of bacteria and mold, these issues may hinder the facilities and affects the patients’ health and engineering procedures. There are times when the building has to be shut down to facilitate inspection, testing, and water damage remediation.   In hospitals, there are patients with different diseases; the water damage can directly affect them, especially those patients with various lung diseases.

The important thing is to be cautious when employing a water harm renovation cleans up company. The professionals can be hired who can take care of the construction and alarm about the threats on time and create emergency strategies to mark sure that all the needs are being fulfilled to deter the water damage. It is not a wise decision to start water damage recovery when all the pipes burst, it will result in collapse and confusion.

The restorers repair the water damage according to the structure of the building because different systems are used in the different buildings according to the needs of the constructions.

Materials and Time

It is advisable by IIRC that the restores estimate the costs and materials of the project of solving water damage. This method will save the time of the restorers and they can focus on the project with all its needs and requirements.

Dignified Assessment or Bid

It will be convenient for the restorers that they make a bid of the project of removing water damage. This method will save the time of the workers and the material can be used according to the need. When the restorers have the satisfaction of the prices, the laborers can work with devotion.

Materials for Water Damage Removal

The restoration of the building should be determined by the structural assembly of the building. The mechanical, flooring, and roofing assembly is the foundation of the building and it is important to remove the water damage according to the construction assembly of the building because the same materials are used in all buildings. It becomes difficult to assess the problem through the materials rather it is important to keep in mind the assembly of the building. Cleaning and restoration should be formed by the assembly, and not the particular materials.

Firstly, the restorer should examine the affected area because some damages do not need heavy restoration as category 1 water damage does not require heavy materials and can be solved at an early stage. This will help the restorer in drying the affected area. If there are contaminated materials, it is important to remove them before starting the drying process. If the restorer finds asbestos material in the construction of the material, he should stop the restoration because otherwise, it can cause the materials to become aerosolized or friable which causes breaking, sweeping and scraping, etc. If Category 2 or 3 water has traveled or composed under the finish floor or floor, the restorer should replace the flooring.

During the days of heavy rains, the storms bring water to the homes when there is no proper drainage system. In the days of flooding, it becomes difficult to keep the home dry and safe from moisture. If the building has a proper drainage system, the rainwater can come underneath the home when the water comes fast enough. It is important to place an effective drainage system underneath the foundation of the home or the pipes (one or two) can be placed to avoid the seepage. There are many pumps available in the market which can be used to control the seepage.

Conclusion

Water damage is an essential part of life because as the building becomes old, the materials of the building also become old, and with time, they need cleanliness and restoration unless it becomes a collapse of prickles. It is not only the passage of time that affects the construction of the building and poses threats rather the weather and geographical position of the building are also related to it. When the water that disturbs an erection is polluted with sewage cradles, flooding from seawater, river flooding, and ground surface water, there is a grave impending warning to indoor environmental quality and human health. The buildings with the problem of water-drenched absorbent materials are the ultimate foundation for the development of different viruses such as fungi and bacteria.  The progression of these kinds of bacteria can yield toxic constituents that can be unprotected to humans within the enclosed atmospheres.

Water damage can take the shape of a nightmare if it is not controlled at its early stage. There are many buildings whose foundations become weak because the water penetrates to its roots. Restoration of the water damage is not only important for the foundation of the buildings but also for the health of the inhabitants.

The evolution of mold and bacteria can take place from all kinds of water damages as defined by the IICRC, whether the water is from hygienic water cradles (Category 1), soiled or gray water causes (Category 2) and pathogenic or black water bases (Category 3).  The danger of bacterial uncleanness of building constituents and contact to pathogenic microbial or viral related bacteria rises as the category of water changes from category 1 to category 2 or 3 and from category 2 to category 3. The problem of water damage can be removed by regular inspection and detection of the source if there is some minor problem of water.