When you hire a company to evaluate concerns like mold, asbestos, or indoor air pollutants, you expect reliable answers. After all, you’re making decisions about your family’s health, your property’s safety, and possibly major repairs or remediation. But here’s something most homeowners don’t realize: not all companies perform their assessments the same way—and that can make a big difference in what you’re told, what you spend, and whether the problem actually gets solved.

Let’s break down how a proper indoor environmental assessment should work, where things sometimes go wrong, and how we ensure reliable, science-based results.

5 Key Elements Every Indoor Environmental Assessment Should Include

A thorough evaluation—whether for mold, asbestos, lead, VOCs, or other contaminants—should follow established, science-backed protocols. Unfortunately, not every company does. Here are five essential components that every professional environmental assessment should include:

1. Visual Inspection and Moisture Mapping

A full investigation of the property should always come first. This helps identify visible signs of contamination, water damage, potential mold growth, and structural risks. Moisture meters and thermal imaging can uncover hidden problems behind walls or under flooring.

2. Purposeful Sampling Strategies

Sampling should be tailored to the issue at hand. Depending on the concern, this might involve air samples, surface swabs, bulk material collection, or dust wipe tests. Without a targeted strategy, investigations often miss the real problem—or create unnecessary alarm.

3. Chain of Custody and Third-Party Lab Analysis

All samples must be properly labeled, documented, and either analyzed on-site using calibrated air quality detection devices or submitted to an independent, accredited laboratory. Following established chain-of-custody procedures helps maintain sample integrity and ensures results are reliable, reproducible, and defensible.

4. Use of Calibrated, Professional-Grade Equipment

Reliable evaluations depend on reliable tools. Whether it’s air pumps, particle counters, or thermal imaging cameras, equipment should be properly calibrated and operated by trained professionals.

5. Reporting with Context

An assessment is only useful if you understand what the results mean. A good report provides plain-language explanations and clear recommendations—not just raw data. This helps homeowners make informed decisions about next steps.

Organizations like the AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) set the gold standard for investigative procedures. Reputable companies align their methods with these guidelines, but not all do.

The Reality: Procedures Can Vary Widely

Unfortunately, there’s no universal licensing requirement across all states for mold assessors or indoor air quality professionals. That means two companies can offer the same services—on paper—but take completely different approaches in practice.

Some companies might:

• Focus only on air samples and skip the critical building science evaluation 
• Use in-house labs instead of certified third-party analysis 
• Skip moisture mapping or fail to identify the root cause 
• Provide results without explanation, leaving clients confused 

We’ve even seen reports where a home was “cleared” after a quick test, only for the homeowner to discover weeks later that hidden mold was actively growing behind a wall due to an undetected leak. Without a full investigation, the real problem goes unresolved.

How LAQ EHS Takes a Different Approach

We believe environmental assessments aren’t just about collecting data—they’re about understanding the building and the people inside it. That’s why our team follows strict, science-based protocols that prioritize both accuracy and clarity.

Here’s what sets our process apart:

✅ Real time air sample analysis utilizing the InstaScope™ or independent, third-party lab testing for unbiased results
✅ Certified professionals trained in building science, not just sampling
✅ Moisture tracking and thermal imaging to uncover hidden issues
✅ Clear, plain-language reports with actionable next steps
✅ No scare tactics, just facts and professional recommendations

Whether it’s mold, asbestos, lead, or a mystery odor, we focus on identifying the source—not just confirming it exists. That way, remediation efforts are targeted, effective, and more cost-efficient in the long run.

Why It Matters to You

Hiring the wrong company, or one that cuts corners, can cost you more than just money. You might:

• Pay for unnecessary remediation 
• Overlook a serious underlying problem 
• End up needing repeat investigations or repairs 
• Get stuck with confusing or inaccurate reports 

When it comes to indoor environmental concerns, shortcuts and guesswork just don’t cut it. You need answers you can trust, and a team that’s working in your best interest.

Trust Your Indoor Environment to the Pros Who Do It Right

An indoor environmental assessment isn’t one-size-fits-all—but it should always be consistent, evidence-based, and transparent. We hold ourselves to a higher standard because we know what’s at stake: your health, your comfort, and your peace of mind.

If you suspect a problem in your home or just want a professional evaluation done the right way, get in touch with us today. We’re here to help you breathe easier.