Indoor Air Quality Services

Indoor Air Quality Services

Creating healthier homes and peace of mind throughout Western Montana

At Safe Home Environmental (SFHM), our mission is simple: help you breathe easier. Whether you’re concerned about mold, allergens, particulate debris, past moisture events, musty odors, or unexplained health symptoms, our team provides science-based indoor air quality testing you can trust.

We specialize in mold air and surface sampling, particulate identification, moisture assessments, crawlspace and attic evaluations, and whole-home indoor air quality investigations using nationally accredited laboratories such as ProLab and Envirobiomics. Every home tells a story—and our job is to interpret the evidence clearly so you can make informed decisions.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Mold spores, fine particulates, and hidden moisture in building materials can affect:

  • Respiratory health
  • Chronic sinus issues
  • Allergies and asthma
  • Fatigue, headaches, and irritation
  • Long-term home durability

Many homeowners don’t realize that mold and particulate contamination is often invisible. That’s why professional testing using calibrated equipment and accredited laboratories is essential.

What We Test For

1. Mold in the Air

We use industry-standard spore trap cassettes to evaluate mold levels in indoor air compared to outdoor background levels.

What we look for:

  • Elevated mold spore concentrations
  • Moisture-indicator species such as Stachybotrys, Chaetomium, Ulocladium, and Memnoniella
  • Water-damage signatures (Cladosporium, Aspergillus/Penicillium complexes)
  • Distribution patterns across rooms and floors
  • Air testing helps determine whether mold is a normal ecological presence or a sign of hidden moisture or mold growth inside the building envelope.

2. Surface Mold Testing

When visible staining, growth, or settled dust is present, we collect:

  • Tape-lift samples from building materials
  • Swab samples from non-porous surfaces

These samples pinpoint what is growing, why it may be happening, and whether the conditions are active or historical.

3. Particulate Identification

Using ProLab’s microscopic analysis, we evaluate debris from surfaces, vents, insulation intrusions, and unexplained dust.

Typical findings include:

  • Construction debris
  • Cellulose insulation fibers
  • Soot or ash particles
  • Insect fragments or dander
  • Bio-particulates (pollen, skin cells, spores)

This service is especially valuable when the source of dust or indoor debris is unclear, or when clients experience respiratory irritation even without visible mold.

4. Moisture & Building Envelope Assessment

Because moisture drives mold growth, every IAQ assessment includes:

  • Moisture meter readings
  • Thermal camera screening
  • Evaluation of plumbing, roofing, crawlspaces, and attics
  • Inspection for previous water damage or staining

Understanding the cause of mold is just as important as identifying it.

How Our Testing Works

Step 1 — Consultation & Walkthrough

We listen to your concerns, review the home’s history, and identify areas needing focused evaluation.

Step 2 — Air & Surface Sampling

Calibrated pumps, sealed cassettes, chain-of-custody procedures, and standardized testing times ensure accurate, defensible results.

Step 3 — Accredited Laboratory Analysis

ProLab (AIHA-accredited) and Envirobiomics (ERMI/HERTSMI expertise) analyze samples using microscopic and molecular methods.

Step 4 — Clear Interpretation & Personalized Recommendations

Your report includes:

  • Easy-to-read charts
    Indoor vs. outdoor comparisons
  • Explanations of mold species
  • Assessment of moisture indicators
  • Particulate interpretation when applicable
  • Next-step recommendations (remediation, moisture correction, cleaning, or monitoring)

We explain what the findings mean for your home—not just what they are.

Common Issues We Help Identify

Hidden mold in wall cavities

Often tied to plumbing leaks, improper ventilation, or historical water events.

Mold in crawlspaces and attics

These areas frequently influence indoor air without residents realizing it.

Dust, fibers, or insulation leakage

Especially common in older homes or after attic disturbances.

Past water damage that was never professionally dried

This can lead to intermittent allergen spikes and persistent symptoms.

Post-remediation verification

Ensuring that a cleanup was successful and the air is safe.

When Should You Consider Indoor Air Quality Testing?

  • Recurrent sinus infections or respiratory issues
  • Musty odors or visible staining
    Water leaks, overflows, or flooding
  • Recent construction or remodeling
  • Buying or selling a home
  • Dust accumulation that appears unusual
  • Concerns about crawlspaces, attics, or mechanical closets
  • Sensitivity in children, elderly, or immune-compromised family members

If something “doesn’t feel right” in your home’s air, testing often reveals the cause.

What Makes Safe Home Different

✓ Certified Mold & Environmental Professionals
✓ Accurate, defensible testing procedures
✓ Independent laboratory analysis
✓ Clear, honest interpretation—no scare tactics
✓ Local expertise with Montana-specific building styles
✓ Holistic view of the entire home environment
✓ Actionable recommendations you can trust

We approach every home with the goal of giving you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

Ready to Breathe Easier?

Whether you need a single test or a full-home evaluation, Safe Home Environmental is here to help.

Contact us to schedule your Indoor Air Quality Assessment

Serving Missoula, Bitterroot Valley, Kalispell region, Helena, and surrounding communities.