Frequently Asked Questions

Techtron Engineering provides a wide variety of products and services. Some commonly asked questions are below. Please feel free to contact us at (763) 712-9502 with any further questions.
Techtron Engineering has offices in Minnesota, Iowa, & Colorado. For more information on the service locations and office numbers please check our Service Locations page https://techtronengineering.com/service-locations/
Yes, our teams are available to work with homeowners and contractors.
Yes! We test private and municipal water for compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Our laboratory is accredited by the Minnesota Department of Health Safe Drinking Water Program.
Yes! Please see our Laboratory Services page for more information.
Yes, they includes asbestos and other hazardous material identification (i.e. chemicals, mercury switches, etc). Also, lead testing of any peeling paint surfaces is included upon request.
Evaluate your home for the source of the smell, clean home, and use a dehumidifier. If your issue continues, contact us for a mold inspection.
For a typical home, we perform a visual inspection, sample the air on each as well as outdoors for reference, and collect tape lift samples of any sign of staining or mold growth. Non-intrusive wall cavity samples can also be taken. We can measure moisture readings of walls or floors. A report will be issued with the lab results and recommendations for remediation.
After remediation is completed, air samples are taken to determine if the remediation was successful. We do not do any other testing or inspections at that time. A report will be issued with the lab results.
You cannot smell, see or sense radon gas, only testing will tell you. We provide radon testing measurement, which determines the level of radon gas in your home.
What is normal for one person isn’t for another. Jossam allows you to determine what is in your air and what you want the level to be at. Individuals with the help of their physician can evaluate what affects them the most. Keep in mind that there are no government-regulated levels established (with the exception of carcinogenic fibers) for many particulates in the air. Please refer to the US Environmental Protection Agency website for further information regarding indoor air quality: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/is-ident.html http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/pubs/insidest.html
If asbestos isn’t being disturbed, there is little health risk. However, if asbestos-containing materials are in bad condition or are going to be renovated, there is a risk of asbestos fibers releasing into the air. Asbestos exposure can result in mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
The only way to be sure a material is asbestos containing is to have it analyzed by a qualified asbestos laboratory.
Asbestos containing materials were most commonly used pre-1978. However, imported materials may still contain asbestos. We recommend testing a building of any age before renovation or demolition.
All building materials are considered suspected asbestos containing with the exception of wood, glass, or metal.
We recommend that asbestos samples be collected by a trained professional.
Exposure to mold can pose various health risks, particularly for individuals who are sensitive or have pre-existing respiratory conditions. The health effects of mold can vary depending on the type of mold, the duration and intensity of exposure, and an individual's susceptibility. If you suspect mold growth in your living or working environment and are experiencing health issues, it is advisable to seek medical advice and consider professional mold remediation to address the problem and mitigate potential health risks.
Mold problems often present with visible mold growth. However, it is possible to have elevated levels of mold with out visible mold. If you suspect a mold problem, we recommend a mold investigation be performed.
Mold will grow in moist areas. Oftentimes mold growth will occur indoors due to water leaks, high humidity, or condensation.
Mold will not go away on its own. The mold growth may die if the water source is removed, but the staining will remain.
Press a clear piece of tape against the discoloration. Be sure the discoloration shows on the tape and affix the tape to something clear (a plastic container, a second piece of tape).
Elevated blood levels can lead to kidney damage, nervous system damage, seizures, and death.
According to the CDC, adverse effects have no threshold. Blood levels are considered elevated at or above the following concentrations: 3.5 µg/dl for children 5 µg/dl for adults
If anyone in the household has an elevated blood level Prior to renovation in a pre-1979 home When there is damaged, flaking, or peeling paint in a pre-1979 home
Elevated levels of lead can be attributed to various sources including but not limited to lead-based paint, drinking water, soil contamination, imported goods, occupational exposure, folk remedies, and traditional cosmetics, and imported spices. To mitigate lead exposure, it is important to identify and address potential sources of lead contamination. This may involve testing for lead in paint, soil, and water, and taking appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate exposure, such as remediation, regular cleaning, and using lead-free products.
Collecting a lead sample yourself can be done for certain materials, such as paint chips or dust, as a preliminary step. However, it is important to note that proper sampling techniques are crucial to ensure accurate results and minimize your potential exposure to lead. We therefore recommend that samples be collected by a trained professional.