About Mold

Mold can be found in a variety of locations within your home and it can do more than make your stomach churn. Molds are simple, microscopic organisms that grow virtually everywhere-from the surface of foods to household plants and household materials like 2x4 studs, sub floor plywood, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, drywall or fabric.

When present in large quantities, mold can cause health problems, including allergic reactions, toxic reactions, asthma episodes, infections and respiratory damage. In addition, homeowners can incur large bills for structural damage caused by water or water vapor trapped behind the walls. This is a prime location for mold to grow. That's why it's important to identify potential areas or situations where mold can grow. When damage has occurred, take steps to clean and dry the area and remedy the source of the problem. For mold to grow it needs nutrients and moisture.

If indoor mold contamination is extensive, it can cause very high and persistent airborne spore exposures.  Persons exposed to high spore levels can become sensitized and develop allergies to the mold or other health problems.  Mold growth can damage your furnishings, such as carpets, sofas and cabinets.  Clothes and shoes in damp closets can become soiled. In time, unchecked mold growth can cause serious damage to the structural elements in your home.

Mold spores primarily cause health problems when they are present in large numbers and people inhale many of them.  This occurs primarily when there is active mold growth within home, office or school where people live or work.   People can also be exposed to mold by touching contaminated materials and by eating contaminated foods.

What Are Molds?

Molds are microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more.  Most are filamentous organisms and the production of spores is characteristic of fungi in general. These spores can be air, water, or insect borne.

What type of Mold Sampling is available?

Air Sampling - Testing ambient air for elevated mold spores and is used where signs of water intrusions, or internal water problems are noted as present at the time of the inspection. An air sample is better at discerning unseen molds. Rooms with various locations of mold may benefit from air sampling in lieu of swab testing each mold location. To perform air sampling, I use a special high volume air pump that draws air into & through a cartridge that is sealed and sent to the lab for analysis. Each sample requires about ten-fifteen minutes to perform.  A minimum of two tests is required - one is a control taken from the exterior of the building for comparative analysis, and the other one's taken at the area's of concern. 

Wall Check Sampling - To determine if there is any elevated mold growth presence on the inside of your walls.

Swab or Tape Sampling - Should be used where there are visible signs of mold growth, and we want to know what type of mold's are present.  Always accompanied by a non-suspect area sample for comparative analysis.  

Culturable Air Sampling - Used for litigation purposes.

Visual Site Inspection - I will also provide a report of my visual inspection findings during my site visit of the interior and exterior of the property. This will list any visible defects relating to mold and moisture that were observed. These defects will relate mostly to either sources of moisture that were present and possible improvements to prevent moisture intrusion/buildup.

Why So much Comparative Analysis?  Mold spores are very common, it is not possible to determine if the levels are elevated unless we take a comparative sample from a nearby non suspect area.

A couple of more things to ask when you call around for price quotes.

1. Who does your sample analysis?  Then go on the web and check out the laboratory credentials and compare them with Aerotech and EmLab from the links above...

2. What specific Mold Certifications and or Organizations are you involved with?  Then go on the web and satisfy yourself as to the validity of the certification and expertise of the inspector or company.