Indoor Air Quality Testing (Non-Mold Particle Analysis)

Not all air quality concerns are related to mold.

Unlike a traditional mold inspection, this testing focuses specifically on non-mold airborne particles that may affect indoor air quality, cleanliness, or comfort. It’s often recommended when mold air sampling doesn’t fully explain visible dust, irritation, or ongoing air quality concerns.

(If mold is your primary concern, a professional mold inspection or mold air sampling may be more appropriate.)

In Charleston, indoor air quality is often influenced by humidity, coastal conditions, and seasonal pollen, which can introduce particles that aren’t always visible—but can still impact comfort.

If you’re dealing with persistent dust, irritation, or unexplained air quality issues, this testing helps identify what’s actually present in your environment.

• Dusty or irritating air with no clear mold issue 

• Post-renovation or construction concerns 

• Suspected HVAC or insulation problems 

• Allergy symptoms without a clear source 

• General indoor air quality evaluation

Air samples are collected using professional equipment and analyzed by an independent laboratory.
Results provide a breakdown of particle types and help determine whether indoor air conditions are typical or influenced by a specific source.

In some cases, an outdoor reference sample may be collected to provide context.Because this testing focuses on identifying particle types, comparison sampling is used selectively, not automatically.

It’s most helpful when:

• Evaluating overall indoor air conditions 

• Comparing indoor vs. outdoor particle levels

It may not be necessary when:

• The source is clearly indoors 

• Testing is focused on identifying specific materials

The laboratory can identify a wide range of airborne particles. Below is a comprehensive list of commonly identified materials:

• Skin cells 
• Hair (human & animal) 
• Dust mite matter 
• Amorphous organic debris 
• Low contrast amorphous material 
• Starch grains 
• Feather barbules 

• Cellulose fibers 
• Cotton fibers 
• Synthetic fibers 

• Fiberglass 
• Gypsum board (drywall) debris 
• Wood fragments (hardwood & softwood) 
• Silica 
• Minerals 
• Glass 

• Soot (including fire-related soot) 
• Charred plant debris 
• Tire rubber 
• Oil droplets 

• Plant fragments 
• Insect fragments 
• Pollen (oak, pine, hickory, sunflower, walnut, witch hazel, and others) 

• Paint pigments (various types) 
• Angular pigments 
• Inkjet droplets 
• Newspaper ink 
• Efflorescence 
• Metals (aluminum, iron) 
• Salt crystals 

Most particles are normal. This testing simply helps identify what’s present so you can make informed decisions.

Includes:

• Air sample collection 

• Independent laboratory particle analysis 

• Indoor vs. outdoor comparison (when applicable) 

• Clear, easy-to-understand results

Results are typically available within 1–3 business days after the lab receives samples.

This testing reflects conditions at the time of sampling and is not a full environmental assessment.

If mold is a concern, you may also want to consider: 

Mold Air Sampling 

To understand how we decide what testing is actually needed:

How We Approach Sampling

Call or text anytime. We’ll help you figure out what makes sense before scheduling.

(843) 564-5646