|
|
 |
| Molds
are a major source of indoor allergens. Molds can also trigger
asthma. Even when dead or unable to grow, mold can cause health
effects such a allergic reactions. |
 |
|
| TESTING
FOR MOLD & MOISTURE AND HOW IT AFFECTS YOUR HEALTH. |
| Molds
can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance,
providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on and
within wood, paper, carpet and foods. When excessive moisture accumulates
in buildings, homes or on materials used in those homes, mold growth
will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered
or unaddressed. 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. |
| Molds
are a major source of indoor allergens. Molds can also trigger asthma.
Even when dead or unable to grow, mold can cause health effects such
a allergic reactions. The types and severity of health effects associated
with exposure to mold depend, in part, on the type of mold present,
and the extent of the occupants' exposure and existing sensitivities
or allergies. Prompt and effective remediation of moisture problems
is essential to minimize potential mold exposures and their potential
health effects. |
| **For
additional information concerning mold types and health concerns,
go to www.epa.gov. |
| |
| What
are the MOLD SIGNS AND MOLD CLUES of mold problems, mold contamination
and mold infestation? |
| A
home or building may have a mold contamination or mold infestation
problem, if one or more of the following mold signs or mold clues
is present--- |
-
One or more occupants is suffering from unexplained heath problems
such as an ongoing bloody nose, sinus problems, headaches, nose
congestion, runny nose, eyes-burning, watery eyes, reddened and
blurry eyes, skin rashes, skin sores, coughing, dry hacking cough,
sore throat, nose and throat irritation, breathing difficulties,
shortness of breath, aches and pains, possible fever, difficulty
in remembering things and in thinking clearly, feeling disconnected
from the world around you, chronic fatigue, and the many other
mold symptoms explained in the mold and health section on the
EPA web site. Some occupants may have health symptoms, while others
may have none. People differ significantly in their sensitivity
to mold.
-
One or more occupants smell mold inside the home, office or other
buildings. If you can smell mold there is a definite mold problem
somewhere in the building.
-
When you see mold growth anywhere inside the home or building,
whether in or on the building or it contents.
-
Home or building organic or cellulose construction materials (wood,
drywall, etc.) that have been wet for more than 24 hours from
a flood, roof leak, water pipe leak or break, etc.
-
During some or all of the year, the relative humidity inside the
home or building exceeds 60%, thus providing enough moisture from
the air to facilitate mold growth.
-
The home or building is located close to heavy plant or tree growth
that facilitates the entry of airborne mold spores into the building
through air movement through windows and doors, or close to a
river, pond, lake, ocean, or other body of water, a physical location
conductive to high humidity and mold growth.
|
| ****If
any of the above mold signs or clues exist you should hire a certified
mold inspector to test all areas of your home or building. |
| Who
is at a greater risk when exposed to mold? |
- Infants
and children
- The
Elderly
- Immune
compromised patients (people with HIV infection, cancer chemotherapy,
liver
disease, etc.)
- Pregnant
women
- Individuals
with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, multiple
chemical
sensitivity and asthma.
|
| MOLD
& TESTING INSPECTION |
-
Hire a certified mold Inspector
-
Do any of the residents of the home or building suffer from any
mold symptoms as listed above? This is a definite sign of mold
so test everywhere to find the source.
-
Are the shrubs, trees and other plants growing to close to the
building? Airborne mold spores from the air could be entering
the home or building.
-
Is the Roof in Good repair. Roof leaks are a prime source of mold
infestation.
-
Are there water stains or mold growth in the attic, at the roof
joists, beneath the insulation? Mold cannot eat fiberglass but
it can eat the paper covering it.
-
The bathrooms, kitchen and the laundry rooms are a prime source
of possible mold problems. Anywhere water is present mold could
be present. Check for physical signs of mold growth or evidence
of water intrusion.
-
Are there water stains, water damage areas or suspicious discoloration
in any rooms, ceilings, walls, floors, basements, crawl spaces,
storage rooms, under the steps, in the garage and on furniture.
-
Is there hidden moisture behind walls or ceilings? Certified Mold
Inspectors have moisture meters that can look behind and inside
walls.
-
Has the property ever experience a roof leak, pipe leak, water
leak, flood or any water intrusion?
-
Is the humidity level of the crawl space, basement, attic or any
room of the home or building higher than 60% humidity? Certified
Home inspectors use a digital hygrometer to test each area of
the building.
-
Are there unhealthy mold spores in the air in any rooms in the
building? Air samples must be taken in all suspected rooms.
-
Is there mold contamination inside the building's heating, ventilating,
and air conditioning system and or ducts? Samples must be taken
here.
-
Send all mold samples to a certified mold testing laboratory for
analysis and results.
|
| ***When
remediation is necessary only use a Certified and licensed mold remediation
company to do the work. |
| ***Do
not forget to test again for mold after the remediation work has been
completed. |
CLICK
HERE
TO SCHEDULE A MOLD INSPECTION BY A CERTIFIED MOLD INSPECTOR |
| |
|
|
|
|
