Environmental Risk MD — FAQ Page

What does Environmental Risk MD do? We provide independent environmental testing for homes — mold, radon, lead paint, water quality, VOCs, asbestos, and carbon monoxide. We test and report; we do not perform remediation. That separation is intentional: it means our findings aren't shaped by an incentive to sell you a fix.

What areas do you serve? Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, including Baltimore, Annapolis, and the Eastern Shore.

Are you licensed and certified? Yes. MHIC License #163315, NACHI IAC2 Certified. Every report is backed by accredited laboratory analysis and documented chain-of-custody procedures.

Why choose independent testing instead of a remediation company that also tests? A company that profits from remediation has a built-in incentive to find a problem worth fixing. We only test. Our report reflects what the lab and our inspection actually found — nothing more, nothing less.

Scheduling & What to Expect

How long does testing take? Most on-site screenings take 1–2 hours, depending on which tests are ordered. Your lab report typically arrives within 24–48 hours of sample processing.

Do I need to be home during testing? Yes — someone 18 or older needs to provide access. For real estate transactions, the buyer's agent can coordinate access through the listing agent.

Do you work with real estate agents? Yes. We regularly coordinate with buyer's agents, listing agents, and real estate attorneys to schedule testing before inspection contingency deadlines.

How do I book? Call 443-836-5800 or book online. We'll confirm the right testing package based on your home's size and layout before your appointment.

What's included in my written report? A clear, professionally interpreted report — not a raw lab printout. Reports are structured for real estate timelines: formatted for inspection responses, buyer review, and pre-closing due diligence when needed.

Pricing

What does testing cost? It depends on scope. As a general guide:

• Basic IAQ/Environmental Screening: $395–$495
• Advanced Real Estate Environmental Assessment: $795–$1,095
• Comprehensive Environmental Risk Assessment: $1,495–$1,995 (consultation required to schedule)

Final pricing depends on property size and the number of samples required — we confirm exact scope before testing.

Do you bundle services? Yes. Most clients bundle indoor air quality testing with mold or radon testing during the same visit for a more complete picture, and to avoid a second trip.

Radon

Does my home need radon testing even without a basement? Yes. Radon can enter homes built on slabs or crawlspaces just as easily as homes with basements. There's no way to know your level without testing — it's odorless and invisible.

What kind of radon testing do you offer? Certified short-term testing and digital continuous monitoring, with EPA-aligned reporting and mitigation referral guidance if levels come back elevated.

Mold

How do you test for mold? Moisture mapping and source detection, followed by targeted air and/or surface sampling as needed, with accredited laboratory analysis and written interpretation.

I don't see visible mold — do I still need testing? Mold can grow behind walls, under flooring, or in HVAC systems without being visible. If you've had past water intrusion, musty odors, or health symptoms that improve away from home, testing is the only way to know for sure.

Lead Paint

Does my home need lead paint testing? If it was built before 1978, it may contain lead-based paint, and even homes repainted since then can have older lead-containing layers underneath, especially on windows, trim, and stair railings.

What testing methods do you use? XRF and/or lab-based testing methods, with a focus on pre-1978 compliance and transaction-ready documentation.

Water Testing

Should I test my water if I'm on public water, not a well? Private wells are unregulated, so testing is the only way to know what's in them. Public water is treated at the source, but contamination can still occur between the treatment plant and your tap — especially in older homes with aging plumbing.

What do you test for? Bacteria (total coliform and E. coli), nitrates and nitrites, heavy metals including lead, and additional parameters on request.

VOCs & Indoor Air Quality

What are VOCs and why do they matter? Volatile organic compounds off-gas from new flooring, cabinetry, paint, furniture, and construction materials. They're typically invisible and often odorless at low concentrations, so testing is the only reliable way to know your exposure.

Are new or renovated homes more at risk? Yes. VOC levels tend to run highest in newly built or newly renovated homes where materials are still off-gassing, especially with poor ventilation.

Asbestos

Which homes are at risk for asbestos? Homes built before 1980. Materials like popcorn ceilings, vinyl floor tile and mastic, pipe insulation, and old siding may contain asbestos, and there's no way to tell by looking.

When should I test before a renovation? Before you disturb any suspect material. Asbestos is only dangerous when its fibers become airborne — testing first tells you whether a licensed abatement contractor needs to be involved.

Carbon Monoxide

What causes elevated CO levels in a home? Any fuel-burning appliance that isn't venting properly — furnaces, water heaters, gas ranges, fireplaces, and attached garages are the most common sources.

Isn't a hardware-store CO alarm enough? A basic alarm tells you when levels are already dangerous. Professional testing identifies risk sources before they get to that point.

Still have a question? Call 443-836-5800, email Testing@EnvironmentalRiskMD.com, or book online.