Mold, Indoor Air Quality, and Building Science Expertise
Inspections, Testing, Remediation, and Prevention Consulting
Serving the Washington, D.C. Metro Area for 25+ Years

Email Inquiry or Call Us at 301 607-6276
1(800) 722-5589 for Toll Free
info@rtsenviro.com

Service Area Map

Awards and Testimonials

Super Service Award

Company Background

RTS has performed thousands of inspections and remediation projects since 1990. We began business by providing Radon gas testing services and early on added expertise in Lead Paint Testing, Asbestos Inspections, and Mold Inspections.

At present, RTS offers inspections and remediation services for Asbestos, Mold, and other related environmental concerns. We are proud to continually provide a service to the region and for our ongoing loyal customer base.

We believe in providing the best service for our customers and stand by our ethics statement in every facet of our business. We have for 25 years and always will.

Ethics Statement:
RTS Environmental understands that mold and air quality issues are important and serious health concerns. Our methods, practices, and statements will be objective and honest. We do not and will not employ scare tactics or use modifiers in describing mold types or circumstances as being "Toxic" unless there is real evidence or factual data and circumstances which cause it to be defined as such. Our test services are performed by certified third party laboratories. We are here to help educate our clients and provide meaningful, practical, and cost effective solutions to an age old problem.


Licensing, Certification, and Continuing Education

RTS personnel attend and pursue relevant continued education and always endeavor to uphold recognized industry standards for obtaining accreditation, certification, and licensing. To view a relevant license document, click each link listed below.

Asbestos and Contractors Licenses

See: www.dpor.virginia.gov


Washington, D.C. Mold Remediator License

  • Government of the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment Mold Division License: #MR-2017-I-036
    • View License Document

    Expires 03/01/2019

Lead Paint Safety in Construction

  • EPA/HUD Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting Certification (40 CFR 745)
  • RRP compliant for pre-1978 demolition and repair
See: EPA Lead Renovation Info

American Council for Accredited Certification

See: www.acac.org Official Certification Page


Maryland Mold Licensing

The State of Maryland is currently developing their licensing division. RTS Environmental Services, Inc. holds all prerequisites for licensing in the State of Maryland and will uphold all current licensing based on the State of Maryland's ability to grant licensing.

See: Maryland Mold Licensing

What is a Mold Inspection?

Initially, a mold inspection is visual. We look closely at areas of a home where mold may be prone to grow such as in basements, attics, crawl spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, or areas where known water infiltration has occurred. We look in utility rooms, under accessible stair wells, and in some areas you wouldn't consider.

We use special source lighting so we can see what surfaces look like in full detail. We also look at certain elements of suspect HVAC systems to identify if mold may be within ductwork or fan/coil housing units. We utilize tools such as moisture meters, hygrometers (relative humidity), fiber optic scopes (to look within wall cavities), and an Infra-Red camera which can detect moisture in walls and in ceiling systems.


Surface and Air Sampling Practices

RTS Environmental Services only utilizes a third-party, nationally recognized, and accredited laboratory. A surface sample taken by a swab, tape slide, or by bulk sampling can be microscopically analyzed (called microanalysis) to determine the mold type.

Air tests are performed by collecting a known volume of airborne particulate through a special cartridge which contains a pre-treated slide. The air is pumped at a known rate which passes over this slide depositing mold spores resident in the rooms being tested. Samples are taken inside the subject areas and outside as well in order to gain a reference to compare types of molds (Qualitative) and concentration (Quantitative) mold levels. The indoor and outdoor results are compared to indicate if there is an abnormal difference between indoor vs. outdoor.

Our Mold/Moisture Inspection is also an Education in Prevention for the Client

Our inspectors will guide you through your home and suggest methods for you to limit the spread of moisture or mold in areas commonly affected. These methods are often very simple and cost effective, saving you time and money.

Infra-Red Thermal Technology

Thermal Imaging is performed using an infrared camera. This camera is designed to detect small changes in temperature relative to the spectrum of light in the range of infrared energy. This technology helps discover building problems otherwise not visible with the human eye.

Professional Quality Mold Remediation Services

According to the U.S. EPA, "The purpose of mold remediation is to remove the mold and prevent human exposure and further contamination to building materials and furnishings." (see http://www.epa.gov/mold/)

When a mold growth scenario is substantial enough or circumstances require remediation methods and practices, the following are considerations in performing mold remediation:

What is an Asbestos Inspection?

Asbestos materials were used in hundreds of common household building components (pre 1975) such as thermal insulation as often seen on heating pipes wrapped with insulation, flooring, siding, mastics, fireproofing, and HVAC duct connectors.

We provide building inspections which identify asbestos materials or suspect materials and perform sampling as requested. Samples of suspect materials are sent to licensed laboratories and reported to you. We can help you to understand and assess any asbestos issue and help you to make an educated decision regarding your scenario.

Friable and Non-friable asbestos materials are identified and evaluated. Typical inspection concerns are:

  • Remodeling concerns
  • Demolition permit
  • Updating Heating plant or the HVAC system
  • Pre-Listing/ Pre-purchase inspection

Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal is performed according to regulated standards of practice required by jurisdictions of your State Government or the Federal Government (U.S. EPA) depending on the size or quantity of asbestos needing removal.

RTS will inspect your home or building and advise as to the removal scenario. In many cases asbestos that is intact and in good condition may not necessarily need removal. On the other hand, asbestos materials subject to disturbance especially due to remodeling should be candidate for removal (sometimes called "abatement").

Engineering controls and containment are employed to create a safe and environmentally correct removal scenario. Methods and practices such as "Glove bag" systems are used to remove asbestos pipe wrap. Critical barriers are also installed to contain air volumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: I have mold on my bathroom tile, is this a mold hazard?
Usually this is a common house cleaning and maintenance issue. The mold types are usually common to outdoors such as Cladosporium. Cleaning mold with a tile and grout cleaner agent and abrasive sponge is the best first approach. In some cases old tile must be replaced. We routinely inspect for these conditions.

Question: I see dark or black mold, is this a health hazard?
There are important factors in understanding mold and air quality issues. For example are you allergic or sensitive to molds. If so, you may be more concerned about molds regardless of the type. Generally people who are sensitive to mold should be concerned about mold as a condition in their home or building. A black mold or dark mold may not necessarily be an immediate health concern. The hazards associated with mold have more to do with how much mold is in the air and potentially part of your living space. Our inspection addresses these concerns so that our clients are educated regarding mold and air quality.

Question: What comes first, the inspection or the air sampling? Is air sampling representative of a property condition?
The inspection is a means to provide our clients with information about their proticular property. Air sampling provides clients with additional information regarding spore counts and mold species. Levels found have direct correlation with the results of the visual inspection.

Question: What types of properties have mold concerns?
All properties have potential for mold concerns. Those with basements tend to have the majority of problems.

Question: Are stains on my block walls of my basement a mold concern? What do I do?
These are typically found to be mineral deposits created by moisture moving through the block walls. Ispections help to identity these conditons and create solutions to keep properties maintained.

Question: What age of home contains asbestos?
Most commonly used asbestos materials date back from 1900 to 1960 Asbestos materials were continued to be manufactured until 1980.

Question: What types of asbestos materials can be found in homes?
  • Vermiculite which can be contaminated with asbestos
  • Duct wrap used for HVAC systems
  • Pipe wrap used for heating pipes
  • Vinyl floor tile
  • Textured ceiling
Question: How do you know if your textured ceiling requires an asbestos inspection?
Textured asbestos ceilings were applied between the years 1950 and 1980. We recommend having it tested to confirm asbestos content.

Email Inquiry