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| Mold
Testing |
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Click
here to read the EPA's Guide to Mold
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| What
is Mold? |
Molds are
microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere, indoors, and outdoors.
Mold spores are tiny, lightweight, and easily detached by airflow,
vacuuming, walking on a carpet or sitting on a couch. In indoor
environments, they grow in air-conditioning ducts, carpets, pots of
household plants, etc. They produce and release millions of spores, which
are small enough to stay airborne threatening to invade the human
respiratory system. Mold growths can often be seen in the form of
discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown and
black. In large quantities, molds can cause allergic symptoms similar to
those caused by plant pollen. In order for mold to grow, it needs food
sources (such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt), a source of moisture, and
a place to grow.
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| Understanding
Types of Mold |
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Allergenic
molds
are normally not dangerous in low amounts, but they can cause allergenic
or asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing or runny nose. These molds can be
abated safely with the assistance of gloves and a disposable
particulate-removing respirator.
Mycotoxic molds
can cause serious health effects in humans and animals. Health effects
range from short-term irritation to immunosuppression to cancer and even
death. If any toxic molds are identified, it is suggested that you seek
advice from an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for
guidance. The average homeowner should NOT attempt the abatement of these
types of mold.
Pathogenic
molds can cause serious health effects in persons with suppressed immune
systems, those taking chemotherapy, those with HIV/AIDS, or autoimmunity
disorders. If any pathogenic molds are identified, it is suggested you
seed the advice of an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for
guidance. The average homeowner should NOT attempt the abatement of these
types of mold.
Hyphae
& hyphal elements refer to single, unidentifiable fragments of mold. Although they may not
be traceable to a specific mold species, the fragments themselves may be
responsible for allergic reactions in some people and may indicate
previous or current growth event. Smut spores are agricultural spores from
outside sources. Ascospores and basidiospores are clusters of spores that
may not be easily identified as per specific species, but may still
represent f mold problem in the home.
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| How
do you come in contact with mold? |
Mold
spores are found in all homes and offices, and grow rapidly from excess
humidity. The following are some sources of indoor moisture that may cause
mold problems in a home or office: flooding, leaky roofs, humidifiers,
damp basements or crawl spaces, constant plumbing leaks, house plants,
steam from cooking, shower/bath steam and leaks, wet clothes, bathroom
towels, pets, sweaty sneakers indoors, dirty HVAC systems, spilled liquids
on carpeted surfaces and clothes dryers vented indoors.
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| What
can mold do to you? |
Exposure
to mold is not healthy for anyone but the following individuals are at a
higher risk for adverse health effects: infants, children, elderly, immune
compromised patients, pregnant women, and individuals with existing
respiratory conditions. When inhaled, even in small amounts, mold can
cause a wide range of health problems including respiratory problems
(wheezing), nasal and sinus congestion, watery and red eyes, nose and
throat irritation, skin irritation, aches and pains, fevers, and in some
cases even death.
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| Causes
of Indoor mold Growth |
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High moisture is the major contributor to
indoor microbiological activity (mold growth) . This is due to nutrients
for spore germination and growth being readily available in most household
constituents. These household constituents can be dirt, dust, wood, paper,
adhesives, acoustical fiber, paint textiles, stored material, carpets,
floors, and much more.
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| Understanding
Testing Procedures |
| The
PRO-LAB Professional Mold Test Kit
Administered by S&P Engineering, Inc. (PATENTED) is designed to
detect whether toxic mold is present in a home or office. The PRO-LAB Professional Mold Test Kit offers three (3) different types
of sampling methods, depending on the application needs of the property
being inspected.
Method
1:
Taking a sample from a visual growth area.
During
an inspection, all visual mold growths should be sampled. Meaning that, if
you see mold growth behind the wallpaper in a kitchen and also underneath
the sink, both should be sampled using individual petri dishes.
Method
2: Taking
a 10-minute grab air sample of the HVAC system.
If
the property has forced air or heating system(s) a minimum of one sample
should be taken from each system. This test will determine if any mold is
growing inside the system plenum or ductwork.
Method
3: Taking
an air sample using our settling plate technique.
This
method should be used as an alternative to the HVAC grab sample when the
property being inspected doesn't have forced air or heating
system. The settling plate technique analysis will indicate if airborne
mold spores are present.
All
three methods will provide detailed information about the mold/fungi type
and a complete definition (in laymen's terms) of where the mold is
commonly found and the health risks associated.
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| Why
Test for Mold? |
Mold,
the hitchhiker, is being aggressively spread throughout the world by
humans' traveling and living patterns. We have created millions of
square feet of pristine living conditions for molds and we pick up mold
spores and bring them home with us every day. All houses will harbor molds
and some houses are friendlier to molds than others. All houses need to be
monitored for mold growth as part of the maintenance procedures for the
house. When any mold or mildew is present, more will come. Only through
inspection and testing can it be determined if molds are present and if
the subject property is showing signs of mold and mildew friendliness.
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| Inspecting
for Mold |
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Allergies
and sickness due to indoor air quality issues are increasing dramatically.
More than 5% of all construction lumber manufactured each year in the
United States is used to replace wood that has decayed in service.
Allergies and sickness due to indoor air quality, damage to wood-frame
buildings by mildew, mold, staining fungi, and decay fungi is entirely
preventable. The first step in prevention is inspection and testing.
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| Mold
is Here to Stay |
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| Mold
is a competitive species for real estate, molds live and prosper in the
same environment as we do. The houses we live in are wonderful
environments for mold. All houses need regular inspections for mold along
with other periodic preventative maintenance inspections. Before fungi can
colonize, four requirements must be met: air, livable temperature,
moisture, and food. Humidity and
water leaks are the cause of most mold infestations. Leaks being the
easiest to spot are the first indications that mold may be present,
however unusual activities may upset the humidity averages in the house
and mechanical spaces and allow mold to establish itself.
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Read
NABIE's Position Paper