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Mold

What is it?

Molds are tiny organisms that are found everywhere in nature, and hundreds of thousands of individual species of molds naturally exist in the environment. Molds come from the Fungi Kingdom (Fungi is one of the five Kingdoms in the classification of living things on Earth) and therefore the terms “mold” and “fungi” are used interchangeably. Fungi exist in many different forms but two of which are most commonly encountered; there are funguses (macro-fungi) that appear as fruiting bodies such as mushrooms or wood decay fungi, and there are molds (micro-fungi) that appear as fuzzy patches of discoloration such as moldy bread/oranges or visible growth on building materials like drywall. Molds and fungi release tiny seed-like particles called “spores” for germination and therefore become airborne.

What regulations exist to
control Mold?

Currently, there are no Federal or State laws or regulations that regulate the presence, exposure levels, or removal of mold. However, in the mold testing and removal industry, there are recognized standards and guidelines that exist that provide a “standard of care”. Some laws are in effect that mandate full disclosure in real estate transactions with regards to water damage and/or the presence of mold in a home or office to potential new buyers.

How does Envirocheck, Inc.
test for Mold?

Envirocheck, Inc. offers many services to test for mold presence in a home or office. Envirocheck, Inc. can test for the presence of mold in the air, take surface samples of suspected mold growth areas for identification, and collect intrusive samples (e.g. wall or ceiling cavity samples) in an attempt to determine the source of mold infestation in a home/office. If mold is detected, Envirocheck, Inc. offers consulting services aimed at eliminating mold problems in the affected areas. Lastly, Envirocheck, Inc. can test for air quality and determine whether or not an area previously affected by mold has been properly cleaned. Envirocheck, Inc. has an AIHA accredited laboratory on-site for the analysis of these various samples.

Where is it found?

Mold spores occur naturally in practically every environment on earth. Ideally, mold should be less prevalent inside one's home or workplace than it is outdoors. However, in buildings where issues such as water damage, sick building syndrome, or other conditions conducive to mold growth exist, mold can grow in many different areas of a building. To grow in a building, mold needs a food source to grow on and moisture to feed it. Food sources conducive to mold growth can be drywall, wood, insulation, carpet, and many more.

What kinds of health effects do Mold cause?

Due to differing strengths of immune systems in humans, the effects of mold exposure can vary from person to person. Initial reactions to mold exposure can range from allergies, headaches, sneezing, itching, runny noses, upper respiratory problems, and skin irritations. However, long term exposure can cause much greater health problems, especially to those with compromised immune systems, such as young children and the elderly. Some mold spores are allergenic and can be harmful to people with allergies or weak immune systems, and still other molds can release potentially dangerous mycotoxins , which can cause a host of health problems in certain individuals. The primary pathway for exposure to molds and fungi is through inhalation.

What should I do if Mold is detected in my home or work?

The best way to prevent mold in the home or workplace is to keep moisture at bay. If a moisture issue, such as a water leak, becomes problem, it is essential to dry the affected areas as soon as possible. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 48 hours after moisture is introduced into an environment. If mold already has started growing in one's home or office, it is often times necessary to ensure that the original source of moisture is no longer an issue and the affected areas is dried. Afterwards, the building materials in the affected area(s) may need to be cleaned, scrubbed, or removed and replaced. Additionally, it is beneficial to employ professional remediation methods such as detail cleaning, HEPA vacuuming, machine-drying, air scrubbing or filtration, and dehumidifying to ensure a more complete mold remediation. Lastly, a re-inspection and re-test of the affected area(s) and a proper maintenance plan aimed at keeping moisture out should be implemented.