Contact UsAbout Mold
Background Information
Mold is simply a fungus - and like mushrooms, there are good and bad ones - but
their main purpose is to break down dead materials. Growth can begin as soon as
24 hours after a ‘water event ’ has occurred & often can be seen as a
discoloration or stain.
In the 1970’s, a massive oil shortage changed home construction practices
dramatically. Heavily insulating houses and wrapping the exterior with a vapor
barrier means less ventilation from outside air. This causes potential for mold
growth: wood, cellulose and other organic buildling materials provide a perfect
platform for it. According to Bureau of the Census statistics, 35% of homes are
damaged due to water or moisture each year.
When present in large quantities (called colonies), molds become a health concern
in 3 main ways:
Allergenic - symptoms like a runny nose or wheezing.
Pathogenic - suppressed immune systems and other serious health effects
in weakened individuals.
Toxic - serious health effects in nearly everyone: short-term
irritations to cancers.
Inspections and Prevention
[For More Information - See Right Side Links >]
The Environmental Solutions Assoc. has endorsed 5 levels of inspection services
for molds - contact a local Home Inspector or Mold Inspector to find out more:
1. Limited Sampling - In client-defined areas of the home.
2. Mold Screen - Visual assessment of all areas to identify "red flags"
and a Ltd. Sampling. [If found, you will be advised on actions to take - additional
samples may be taken, too.]
3. Mold Survey - Identify, determine causes and provide corrective measures for
all mold sources discovered in the entire residence. [Mainly used when a problem is found
and remediation specifications are needed.]
4. Clearance Testing - Used to determine the success of remediation efforts in
an established containment area.
5. Post-Cleaning Testing - Also used to check on remediation but with no specific
containment area in place.
It is impossible to completely remove every mold spore or mold indoors. It will always be
found floating in the air and in house dust. Indoor growth can be prevented by controlling
water and moisture by:
- Repairing any water leaks.
- Providing good air circulation.
- Having a quality electrostatic filter on the HVAC system return.
- Using bathroom, kitchen and laundry room exhaust fans.
- Insulating and ventilating attic and crawl spaces.
- Cleaning, drying and removing items damaged by water immediately.
If the home you are thinking about purchasing has mold, don’t panic! You can remove
unusually high mold levels and bring the home back to the original condition.
Mold inspections (visual, air sampling and tape/swab sampling) have become a standard
practice during a home inspection. Reports and analysis can be reported for disclosure
and references, too.
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