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Got Mold?
 A little water can go a long way toward major damage. Water damage can become a big problem if not properly taken care of immediately. In some cases the homeowner doesn't even realize water is leaking into their ceilings, floors or even their walls. Construction has become so energy efficient and tight that if water does seep into an area around a deck or if the flashing isn't just right, homeowners aren't aware a problem exists.
When water seeps into walls, ceilings, etc. it causes serious structural problems and by the time the homeowner realizes something is wrong it's as a result of a family member becoming sick. The homeowner finds out the family's illness is due to mold. There are numerous documented cases of homes causing serious, permanent illness in both children and adults. The recent hurricanes have caused unprecedented mold growth in many Florida homes.
Molds and mildew are everywhere in our environment, and in nature, they perform the very important function of breaking down organic matter.
These microbes need very little to survive and thrive: air, moisture (liquid water isn't necessary, most species propagate with only 40%-60% relative humidity), and food.
Fungi are especially fond of building materials like sheetrock and wood, carpets, and enjoy soft goods such as furniture and clothes. Mold are most often found in areas that have high humidity levels such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms or damp basements (especially after flooding). It is important to try and prevent mold and mildew growth, and if it's too late, try mold remediation and mold removal.
Why is mold growing in my home?
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces.
Can mold cause health problems?
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. The odor of mold indicates there are live mold spores floating in the air. These spores may be breathed in and cause respiratory illnesses and distress.
Molds are divided into 3 basic groups:
- Allergenic: Molds that can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, runny nose.
- Pathogenic: Molds that can cause suppressed immune systems.
- Toxic: Molds that can cause serious health effects in almost everyone. These effects can be short-term irritations to even cancers.
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold allergic and non-allergic people.
How do I get rid of mold?
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back. When you suspect mold, step #1 is a professional mold assessment: surveying moisture levels of walls, ceilings and floors, locating visible mold growth, and testing the air for the quantity and variety of mold spores. Determining the variety of mold is important because some types of mold are considered indicators of water damage and are potential health hazards. A professional mold sampling is your first step towards a healthy indoor environment. The inspector can identify the common "Red Flags" areas.
What is a "Red Flag" ?
- Visible Mold
- Evidence of water penetration
- Conditions that could allow water penetration
- Smell
- Poorly maintained HVAC
- Improperly vented fans or appliances
Mold Inspection Kit
Testing must be done to reveal how much and what kind of mold exists, and what needs to be done to remedy the situation. Sampling is the first step in addressing a mold problem, as the growth of mold can be hidden, leaving air and other testing the only way to find it. Samples are taken to analyze the indoor air quality of your home. A visual assessment can determine the type of sampling to be performed and discuss it with the client. Once samples are taken, they are sent to an accredited lab for complete analysis. Results are ready within 24 to 48 hours.
Limited Mold Sampling
The purpose of a Limited Mold Sampling is to detect the presence of mold contamination in client defined areas of the home. This service provides a fast economical method of testing. It consists of "swabbing" an area where mold is visible. The limitation of this service is that other sources of mold may be present in the home.
Mold Screen
This service is the most popular inspection service for real estate transactions. There are various common types of mold sampling that are performed for real estate transactions:
- Swab/Tape Lift Sampling
- Air Sampling
- Carpet Sampling
- Swab Sampling
- Swab Visible Mold
- Used in "Red Flag" areas
- Identifies type of molds present
- Used in guidance as to remediation
Air Sampling (2 sample required)
- Collection in "red flag" areas
- Collection of indoor air sample(s)
- Collection of a outdoor sample
- Compare both results to identify potential problems
- Identifies types and quantities of mold
Carpet Sampling
- Collection of samples from the carpet
- Used when no "red flags" are seen
- Provides historical information
- Appropriate with air sampling
Indoor Air Quality Assessments
This level of inspection utilizes a visual assessment of the entire home, identifies "red flags" for mold, allergens, and other pollutants and will have a limited sampling of mold(air sample). If "red flags" are found, the client will be advised and offered a chance for additional sampling (swab/tape/air).
Indoor Air Quality assessments have become popular in demand. A growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Poor ventilation, exposure to smoke, pets, other allergens, and pollutants inside your home, greatly affects the quality of air you and your family breathe. For more information on Indoor Air Quality, click here
Reports
The reports contain valuable information for the client. The samples are mailed to an accredited Lab for in depth analysis about:
- Spore counts (How much?)
- Spore identification/description (What kind?)
- Spore characterization (What type?) Allergic, Pathogenic, Toxic
- Summary (Is there an unusual mold condition?)
Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and advice you need in order to eliminate contaminants from your indoor environment, thus promoting the steps toward healthy living. Call us or E-mail us today for more information.
MOLD FACTS
- The key to mold control is moisture control.
- If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
- It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
 1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
Mold Resources
Toxic Black Mold Info -
Black Mold< Information Center< was created to provide useful resources to people with mold problems.
Toxic Mold Expert Advice - Helpful expert mold consultant's tips on toxic mold, black mold, toxic mold inspector, mold testing, mold test kit, mold training & education.
Toxic Mold Information Center - Toxic Mold< Information Center< was created to provide useful resources to people with mold problems.
PRO-LAB's Fungal Glossary - Fungal Glossary
http://www.epa.gov/mold/images/moldguide_sp.pdf Guia de informacion en Español
Managing Mold in your house
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