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Mold
...literally, a growing concern. National media attention has alerted the public to destructive and possibly toxic dangers of hidden mold spores that could affect their family's health and their homes. EPA studies indicate that air levels of indoor pollutants may be two to three times higher than outdoor levels. Mold, the most dangerous offender of all, often goes undetected because of its invisibility. Most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors and are not aware of the health hazard created by this pollutant. You owe it to yourself to minimize your exposure to mold spores in the indoors environment, test for mold today!
· Breathing in the spores form the air
· Skin contact from handling an item that has mold growing on it
· Eating without properly washing your hands after handling moldy objects.
Mold has the potential to cause health problems and even make a home uninhabitable. However, everyone is affected differently when in contact with mold. The mold that that may not bother the seller may severely affect the buyer. Some mold can produce allergens, irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic chemicals substances known as mycotoxins. People who are sensitive and exposed to mycotoxins can become ill. Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. People diagnosed with allergies and asthma may be sensitive to mold. Mold can cause asthma attacks. Other at risk may include: infants, children, the elderly, immune compromised patients, pregnant women and individuals with existing respiratory conditions.
With exposure, even in small amounts, mold may cause:
· Itching or irritation of the nose, eyes, throat or skin
· Mysterious skin rashes
· Sinus infections or congestion/sinusitis (runny nose)
· Respiratory problems (sneezing and coughing)
· Upper or Lower respiratory infections
· Fatigue
· Frequent headaches
· Trouble concentrating , Memory lapes, confusion
· Mood swings, anxiety, depression
· Chronic aches and pains
· Digestive problems
Where is mold found in the home?
Some examples of places where mold can be found inside the home include:
· Basement, kitchens (bottom of fridge), around bathroom vanities, washer/dryer area.
· The underside of carpets and pads
· The surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms)
· Ceiling and the top side of ceiling tiles
· Front and back side of dry wall, wall paper or paneling
· Inside HVAC systems and duct work
· Clothing
· Food
· Repair any water leaks
· Provide good air circulation
· All HVAC systems should have a good electrostatic filter on the return
· Use bathroom, kitchen and laundry room exhaust fans
· Insulate and ventilate attic and crawlspace areas
· Clean, dry or remove items that are damaged by water immediately
Visual Inspection: A visual inspection is the initial step in identifying possible contamination problems. It will identify any visible water leaks or moisture stains on ceilings, walls, floors or under counters. The air conditioning and heating systems, attic and crawl spaces under home will receive a visual inspection as well. Mold sampling will be recommended if there is any noticeable mold growth, musty odors, visible water damage or stains, poorly maintained HVAC systems or construction defects. By combining a visual inspection with air, tape or swab sampling, the Inspector can help identify the hidden source of mold, allergens and indoors pollutants and the extent of any acute or chronic water or moisture damage.
Air Sampling: The purpose of air sampling is to determine the type and amount of airborne contamination in a building. Air sampling may be necessary if the presence of mold, allergens or toxins is suspected (e.g.: musty odors, allergies) but cannot be identified by a visual inspection. When air sampling is performed, both the indoor air and outdoor air are sampled, so the results can be compared to see if a problem exists. Typically, the indoor sample is taken while the heating and/or air conditioning unit is operating; this will ensure the interior air is effectively tested.
Tape/Swab Sampling: Tape/swap samples are usually collected from visible moldy surfaces by wiping the area with a sterile swab. This type of sampling is used to identify specific mold types.
Note: If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean the mold, but do not fix the water problem, the mold will grow back. If the contaminated area involved is very large, you may wish to consider hiring a professional.
Recommendations and Laboratory Results: Once the home has a visual inspection and the mold circumstance evaluated, action can be planned to clean it up and prevent future contamination. In all situations, if mold exists, the underlying cause of water damage must be corrected.
Post Remediation Testing: The Most important part of the remediation (clean up process) process is the post remediation testing. This final testing procedure provides confirmation that the project has been satisfactorily remediate and that the contamination has not spread to other areas.
www.acgih.org
American conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist - Information on IAQ and useful links
www.aiha.org
www.calepa.gov
www.epa.gov
Environmental Protection Agency - information regarding prevention and remediation
www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html
www.health.state.ny.us
New York State Department of Health - New York state recommendations for IAQ, indoor mold inspections, remediation, and prevention
www.nih.gov
National Institutes of Health - information regarding environmental health issues, including IAQ
www.niehs.nih.gov
National Institute of environmental Health Science - information on mold
Mold
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Certified Home Inspector #1385
Phone 501-352-5017 or 501-206-2865 Fax 501-812-6336
E-mail: Darryl@PEinspections.com
