Home Inspection & SARS-CoV-2
With advances in testing, Covid-19 testing can now be performed during a Home Inspection. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly impacted the home inspection industry. The effect isn’t just on the ability to be able to enter a property to conduct the inspection, but rather on the safety of the inspector to perform the inspection. As new vaccines and medication have been developed to treat the virus, so have the field test that can be performed on the homes we inspect. Home inspectors can perform a variety of environmental services. Click here to read more about additional environmental services that Home Inspectors typically perform.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. can test environmental air, swab, and wastewater samples to confirm the presence/absence of the emerging strain, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, and all known variants of SARS-CoV-2 utilizing quantitative RT-PCR technology.
The emerging strain, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, recently emerged in India and is currently widespread. According to the CDC, the strain is more transmissible than other coronavirus variants, due to the mutations on the spike protein that make it easier for it to infect human cells. The RT-qPCR test employed for environmental SARS-CoV-2 surveillance by EMSL detects all known variants of SARS-CoV-2 including Delta. The level of public safety and awareness has been elevated since Delta variant is now the dominant strain in the U.S., today.
The impact of COVID-19 on human health, institutions, financial markets, and the business community has been extensive across the globe. As restrictions get lifted, and people return to work along with normal daily activities, businesses and institutions will begin to reopen their doors. Cleaning and disinfecting properly is a top concern for building owners and managers in addition to other indoor exposure risks. EMSL Analytical, Inc. utilizes the SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR test to detect for the emerging Delta variant and all variants of SARS-CoV-2.
Now the big question:
Should Home Inspectors test homes for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 / Covid-19 during a Home Inspection?
There are many tests that can be performed by a home inspector which are not part of a home inspection but which, in the opinion of the home inspector, are warranted or which the client requests. Such tests include, but are not limited to, radon, asbestos, lead paint, septic testing, well testing, carbon monoxide, or urea‐formaldehyde testing. Such testing may be performed providing the home inspector has the relevant experience, education, training and or licensing, and or certification to perform such additional tests.
The same logic should be applied for testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, regardless of the availability of such testing. So some may actually be conducting Covid-19 testing
Disclaimer: Inspector-IQ takes reasonable efforts to ensure that the contents of its website are accurate. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the content of Inspector-IQ.com, no warranty or fitness is provided or implied, and Inspector-IQ, its partners, supporters, employees, or associated organizations shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage arising from its use.
Last Updated on 4 years ago
