The onus is on you to call an environmental testing services agency and to ensure that your space is free of toxins. You may have a suspicion at the back of your mind that there could be toxins, or you may just need to be sure that there are no toxins. An environmental testing agency can come in, take samples quickly and professionally, test them on site or at their lab, and give you peace of mind, quickly and efficiently. You do have a responsibility to your workers, your pupils or your family members, to ensure a safe and toxin free environment. And if your space is not free of toxins, you can take action immediately.
What constitutes a toxin?
A toxin in the workplace would generally be asbestos, lead or aluminum that may have been used in the building or painting process, or it could be mold on the walls or in the roof, coming from damp. Some toxins are far worse than others but there are solutions for all and an environmental testing service company would do the testing and, if need be, make the recommendations as to what needs to be done. And of course they would do it for you, or put you on to a company that can help you. Most times the environment you are testing will turn out to be toxin free, but if your home is very old, if your school was built at a time when nobody thought about toxins, or if your mine or factory has a history, then there may well be toxins in the environment. These will need to be removed as they can all be potential health hazards.
Should you panic?
Panicking does not help you! What is important is that you take action if you have any suspicions of possible toxins. Once you have the process going, you will get great relief. The problems might be simple. Damp can be fixed. Mold can be removed. And if the issue is bigger, like lead, there are professional ways to rid the building of lead. Don’t let fear stop you from taking action. Rather, call in the environmental testing specialists and ensure that the space is fine. And it may be as simple a solution as changing your carpets! Like with anything, start the process if you are worried about something.
Cost of environmental testing
There is nothing from stopping you from calling an environmental testing agency, telling them what you suspect could be wrong, and asking them to give you a quote. They will talk to you about a call out fee, and will tell you exactly how they work. You can then make a decision about going ahead with the process. Each case is unique and yours may just be the cost of the call out fee and the testing, but if something needs to be done, it may be bigger. You will be consulted with all the way. Use an environmental testing services agency who comes recommended.