mOLD iNSPECTION pROTOCOL & aSSESSMENT SERVICES IN tEXAS

WHAT IS MOLD, AND WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

Mold can lead to serious health issues especially for those with allergies, asthma, and compromised immune system. Mold belongs to the fungi family and mostly thrives in moist, dark places. A few common types of molds:

1. Cladosporium. Found in areas with humidity, moisture, and water damage

2. Aspergillus . Found in soil, plant matter, and household dust.

3. Penicillin. Found in HVAC ducts, wallpaper, mattresses, and carpet.

For more in depth information, check out Mold, Moisture, and Your Home [EPA.gov]

Moisture Meter

IS MOLD DANGEROUS IN A HOME?

IS MOLD A HAZARD TO ONE’S HEALTH?

Mold can be an issue if it starts to grow in large quantities on your property, home, or business office. It causes wood to rot and eats away at materials such as insulation, carpeting, and paper backing. In addition, it breaks down wood into a sponge-like material that collects moisture, causing the wood to warp and crack. Mold, if left untreated, can cause whole wooden structures to crumble if not detected and treated in time.

Photo is various molds growing in petri dishes, courtesy of Stephen Vesper (EPA.gov)

IS MOLD A HAZARD TO ONE’S HEALTH?

It depends on the type of mold, as well as other health conditions such as allergies, asthma or a compromised immune system.

For more in depth information, check out Mold and Your Health

Photo is magnified mold spores, courtesy of Chin Yang, Ph.D. (EPA.gov)

HOW CAN MOLD BE IDENTIFIED?

IS MOLD A HAZARD TO ONE’S HEALTH?

HOW CAN MOLD BE IDENTIFIED?

Most people come into contact with mold every day without knowing it. Usually, mold can be determined by sight or smell. However, color is not a tell-tale sign of the type of mold that is present. Examples of mold include mildew, black mold, and green slime.

A common myth about Black Mold is its toxic compounds called mycotoxins. Although a variety of molds produce mycotoxins, the ones found on food and eaten in significant quantities can cause illness. Check with your doctor for any unusual symptoms.

Priority Inspection Services can help you determine the type of mold lurking around your home.

For more in depth information about Mycotoxins on food [FDA]

For more in depth information on Black Mold [Medicalnewstoday.com]

Photo shows white/black mold on outdoor firewood. Photo courtesy EPA.gov

What - You Should know

Any additional mold questions? Contact us at info@priorityinspection.net

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOLD AND MILDEW?

Is there a constant musty smell in your house? This may be caused by (1) the humidity level in your home is too high, (2) mold growing from something as small as leaky pipes or drains, or a more significant issue such as indoor flooding. Mildew and mold are a type of fungus.

Mildew is a powdery type substance that lives on shower walls, window sills, places where moisture level is high. Gives off a musty type of smell.
Mold tends to be fuzzy and thicker that thrives on ceilings, walls, floors, clothing, even leather.

All-in-all, moisture left in humid, poorly ventilated areas of the home are the optimal ground for breeding mold. Therefore, the mold must be addressed and removed from your home as soon as possible to avoid any complications.

HOW DOES MOLD GET INTO A HOME/OFFICE AND IS IT TOXIC?

Outdoor mold can be found decaying in dead plant material. Because mold spores are a fungus with seeds called ‘spores’ they travel through the air. These spores can easily come into the home when entering and leaving the home. [Allergyfree.co.in]

Testing/Sampling is the only way to know for sure if mold is toxic. Call Priority Inspection Services to set up a testing date.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS MOLD IS GROWING?

Some mold may not be visible to the naked eye; however, any spot that grows or you smell something musty it may be time to call Priority Inspection Services.

HOW CAN I STOP MOLD FROM GROWING?

Controlling moisture in your home will control the mold. Molds need three things to grow the (1) proper temperature, (2) food source, and (3) moisture.

For more in depth information, check out Mold, Moisture, and Your Home[EPA.gov]

HOW CAN MOLD BE CLEANED?

Depending on the mold problem will determine how to tackle it. For example, mold from water damage may need to be cleaned up by a professional company. Hard surfaces may be cleaned with anti-bacterial soap and water.

For more in depth information, check out Mold, Moisture, and Your Home [EPA.gov]

HOW CAN I PREVENT MOLD FROM RETURNING?

The following are some suggestions.

Bath fan. Have an electrician change out the switch with a timer or a humidity switch. Then make sure you are running the fan long enough to get the humidity out. If you use a timer, it is recommended to run the fan for a half-hour to an hour depending on the size of the bathroom, location of the bath fan, and the fan’s power. In older homes without fans, either open the window or use a portable fan.
Dehumidifier. Install a dehumidifier in the bathroom, or other area of the home. This may be done by using a plug-in model that you have to empty every day, or have a unit installed in the attic at the AC evaporator unit.
Thermostat. There are thermostats that detect when there is high humidity in your home.

For more in depth information, check out Mold, Moisture, and Your Home [EPA.gov]

HOW IS MOLD TESTED FOR AND MEASURED AND WHY DO SAMPLING?

Generally, testing for mold is done by air sampling, tape or swab.

Air sampling will determine how many mold spores there are per cubic meter.
With visual growth, tape and swabs will help to determine the type of molds that are present since mold may not always release spores into the air and may not be captured in the air sample.

A few reasons to do sampling:

For those with health problems or a compromised immune system.
To determine the scope of potential contamination, which may help cut the cost of remediation.
Verify if there are any elevated mold spores in the home.

WHEN CAN MOLD BE TESTED AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE RESULTS

Priority Inspection Services recommends scheduling mold sampling Monday-Thursday because samples are sent overnight and responses are within 48 hours. Although Fridays are optional, results will not be returned until Monday, at the earliest.

WHAT DOES MOLD REMEDIATION TYPICALLY COST?

Prices can vary widely by remediation companies. Check your local listings for companies near you.