Fungi and Mold Assessment

The Dangers of Hidden Mold in Homes

In some cases, indoor mold growth may not be obvious. It is possible that mold may be growing on hidden surfaces, such as the backside of drywall, wallpaper, paneling, ceiling tiles, or the underside of carpets and pads. Other possible locations of hidden mold may include pipe chases and utility tunnels (with leaking or condensing pipes), walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), condensate drain pans inside air handling units, porous thermal or acoustic liners inside ductwork, or roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation). Some building materials, such as drywall with vinyl wallpaper over it, or wood paneling, may act as a vapor barrier, trapping moisture underneath their surfaces and thereby providing a moist environment where mold can grow. Hidden mold may be suspected if the house or a room smells moldy, but you cannot see the source. Also, if you know there has been water damage, and the occupants of the home are reporting health problems, then you should check for hidden mold. Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and it is suggested that you consult a professional, such as HEI Systems, to inspect and test in these situations.

Environmental Home Assessment Stages

Stage One — A Visual Inspection

A visual inspection is the most important step a homeowner can take in identifying a potential mold contamination problem. This is the least expensive service available, and can often be sufficient to identify the presence of mold, define the problem, and offer adequate corrective solutions for ridding the home of mold contamination.

Stage Two — Bulk or Surface Sampling

Bulk or surface sampling is conducted to identify specific fungal contaminants, or to identify the presence or absence of mold if a visual inspection is unclear in its determination. Bulk samples will be collected from visibly moldy surfaces. Surface samples will be collected by wiping a measured area with a sterile swab, or by stripping the suspect surfacewith transparent tape and affixing it to a laboratory slide for analysis.

Stage Three — Air Sampling

Air sampling for mold is conducted to assess the extent of contamination throughout the home, only after a visual assessment has been conducted. Air sampling is conducted while the ventilation system is operating. Additionally, air sampling may be conducted if the presence of mold is suspected, but cannot be identified by a visual inspection or through bulk or surface sampling, and its purpose is to determine the location and extent of the contamination. Air sampling that is conducted for comparative purposes will include outdoor air samples collected concurrently at an air intake, and at a location representative of outdoor air.

For a Complete Array of Mold Inspection and Mold Sampling Services at All Three Stages of Environmental Home Assessment

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Molds in the Home — A Growing Problem

Molds are simple, microscopic organisms that are present virtually everywhere in the environment. In order to grow and reproduce, molds need a food source (any organic material) and moisture. Molds reproduce by releasing millions of microscopic lightweight spores that travel through the air. Sometimes new molds grow on old mold colonies. Mold growth on building surfaces can often be seen in discoloration (green, gray, brown, black, white and other colors).

How Am I Exposed to Indoor Molds?

Everyone is exposed to mold on a daily basis. It is common to find mold spores inside of homes, and frequently, airborne mold spores come from outdoor sources. Mold spores can present health problems to humans when the spores are present in large numbers and people inhale many of them. This occurs when there is active mold growth within the home. People, especially children, can also be exposed to mold problems by touching mold-contaminated materials in the home.

Common sources of indoor moisture that may lead to mold problems include flooding, leaky roofs, sprinkler spray hitting the house, plumbing leaks, overflow from sinks or sewers, damp crawl spaces, steam from showers or cooking, humidifiers, clothes dryers exhausting indoors, cracks in shower tiles, lack of caulking, loose toilet seal, padding and carpet in direct contact with concrete slab, poorly maintained or dirty HVAC, poor grading, bad flashing, and other needed repair problems in the home.

Should I Be Concerned About Mold In My Home?

Yes! If indoor mold contamination becomes extensive, it can cause very high and persistent airborne spore exposures. People exposed to these high spore levels can become sensitized, and develop allergies to the mold, or exacerbate other existing health problems. Mold growth can also damage your furnishings, such as carpets, sofas and cabinets. Mold growth from damp closets can ruin clothes and shoes. If left unchecked, mold grown can possibly cause serious damage to the structural elements in your home.

What Negative Health Effects Are Common From Mold Exposure?

Molds produce negative health effects through inflammation, allergy, or infection. Typically symptoms that mold-exposed persons report include:

• Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath
• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Eye irritation (burning or reddened eyes)
• Dry, hacking cough
• Nose or throat irritation
• Skin rashes or irritation.

Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, body aches and pains, and fevers are occasionally anecdotally related to mold exposure, but their cause is not clearly understood. In all cases where you suspect your health problem may be the result of mold exposure, you should consult a competent medical professional.

For some people, a relatively small number of mold spores may trigger an asthma attack or lead to serious health problems. Other people may require much higher exposure levels. However, in all cases, mold growth is unsanitary and undesirable! If you see or smell mold inside your home, you should take steps immediately to define the extent of your mold problem.

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561-662-8220

Before You Buy Real Estate Inspections, Inc. 5409 Oakmont Village Circle Lake Worth, FL 33463

561-662-8220 (office) 561-432-0101 (fax)