What is Mold?
Molds consist of microscopic organisms found both indoors and out. Their purpose is to aid in decomposition and help break down organic materials.
For molds to grow, they need a food source, which can be a number of things such as wood, leaves, paper, or soil - and moisture. Without moisture, molds cannot survive.
In that molds aid in decomposition, they gradually break down everything that they're feeding on. Growing on surfaces, they can appear brown, black, green, grey, or sometimes white. They commonly produce a moldy/musty or ammonia-like smell.
As molds grow, they release thousands of tiny spores that travel on air currents.
Signs of Mold Growth
You may want to investigate the possibility of mold growth in your home if you have the following:
- Unexplained discoloration on any surface
- Musty odors
- Dark spots on or around vents
- Water stains
- Peeling or curling vinyl floors or wallpaper
- Prior water damage events
Structural Damage
It is not uncommon for mold to cause structural damage to homes or buildings.
Mold spores can be found in all homes and businesses. They are a natural part of the environment. However, elevated levels may be a cause for investigation.
When should you become concerned?
- When there are large amounts of active mold growth in your home.
- When a home has experienced water damage or high humidity readings (moisture beckons mold growth.)
Such conditions can be prime locations for mold growth and consequentially, structural damage. Extensive mold growth can damage your carpet, furniture, and walls. Over time, if extensive mold growth goes undetected, it can cause severe structural damage.
While there is no way to keep all mold spores out of your indoor environment, keeping it clean and dry can reduce the chances of it growing.
Health Effects
Most people are exposed to some degree of mold spores on a daily basis. This is not uncommon and is no reason for concern. However, when mold begins growing inside a home, it can create an unsanitary, unhealthy environment.
Potential health effects may include allergic or toxigenic effects, and rarely, infection.
The most common symptoms reported by people living in moldy homes include:
- respiratory problems (wheezing, shortness of breath)
- sneezing/nasal congestion
- eye irritation (itching, burning, watery, or reddened eyes)
- coughing or throat irritation
- skin rashes or irritation
- headaches
- fatigue
These potential health effects depend on the amounts and types of molds present, as well as the frequency of exposure.
Certain individuals may experience more severe symptoms or become ill more quickly, including:
- individuals with existing respiratory conditions
- individuals with weakened immune systems
- infants and young children
- the elderly
Anyone with a suspected mold-related health condition should consult a medical professional.
Protecting Your Home
Since it is impossible to remove all food sources for mold, here are a few precautions to take to prevent moisture from creating a breeding habitat for mold growth.
Moisture Control
- vent bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
- avoid blocking air conditioning vents
- use air conditioners and dehumidifiers
- use exhaust fans when cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning
- add insulation to prevent condensation on cold surfaces (windows,piping, floors, etc.)
Inspection
- Check your water heater for rust and deterioration every year. Resulting leaks can be very costly.
- Periodically check the drip pan to your A/C drain lines. Consider an annual inspection to reduce the buildup of mold in the drain line.
- Regularly inspect hoses on washing machines, icemakers, and dishwashers. Broken hoses are among the most common causes of water damage.
- Make sure that you have a continuous tight seal of caulk around the edges of sinks, toilets, tubs and shower stalls. Water leaks in these areas can cause extensive damage because the leak is often hidden from view.
- Routinely check piping under your cabinets and sinks for rust or evidence of leaks.
- Do not allow sprinklers to soak the exterior of the home.
- Routinely check for wet insulation or water stains in your attic and on ceilings.
Other Precautions
- Make sure everyone in the house knows where the main water valve is located and how to shut it off.
- Direct rainwater away from your home by keeping gutters and downspouts clear.
- Protect pipes and outside faucets with insulation. Exposed pipes in freezing weather have the potential to cause major water damage if they crack or break.
- Monitor your utility bills. An abnormally high water bill could signal a water leak.
- Turn off all water before you travel.
Air Duct Hygiene
It is true that air duct systems can become contaminated with mold. When moisture exists in the duct system the potential exists for biological contaminants to proliferate.
As mold spores grow and are released, the air duct system serves as a means to distribute these contaminants throughout the home. Controlling moisture is the most effective way to prevent biological growth in air ducts.
The following tips can help prevent the growth of mold in all types of air ducts:
- Correct any water leaks or standing water
- Properly maintain humidifiers if they are used
- Remove standing water in drain pans
- Ensure direct access to furnace components for proper cleaning and maintenance
- Remove wet, odorous, or visibly moldy insulation
Water Damage and Mold
In water damage restoration situations, secondary damage can occur if the structural materials and/or contents are exposed to moisture or excessive humidity for prolonged periods of time.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold can begin to grow quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours, and it is therefore important to dry water-damaged areas and items immediately to prevent mold growth.
To minimize the chance for potential secondary damage, it is necessary to effectively dry the structure and control the temperature and humidity.
Undetected Water Damage in a Vacant Home led to serious Mold problems!
Mold Investigation and Remediation Services
AdvantaClean® is a single source provider beginning with the investigation of your suspected problem, to indoor air-quality surveys and testing, through the physical removal of the mold from your property.
On-site inspections are designed to locate the mold and its contributory moisture source. Visual examination will be accompanied by a series tests including moisture, temperature, and humidity readings. Photographic documentation of the building's condition during the evaluation is available.
Evaluations are conducted by a properly certified CMR (Certified Mold Remediator) or CIE (Certified Indoor Environmentalist).
Microbial Sampling and Testing
Microbial sampling can be conducted using an array of techniques including Air Sampling and Swab Sampling.
Air Quality sampling can be conducted if poor air quality is suspected, and/or if no visible signs of mold growth are present. This type of test is designed for the rapid collection and analysis of a wide range of aerosols. This includes a range of particulates, including fungal spores.
As air is drawn through the container, the particles become impacted on the sampling substrate. The container is then sealed and shipped to a laboratory for testing. An affective interpretation is based on the comparison of indoor and outdoor samples. An outdoor sample is often taken to demonstrate whether spore amplification is occurring indoors.
Often, this type of testing is done pre- and post-remediation to determine the level of contamination before and after the process.
Swab sampling is also an option and can be useful in determining the type of mold growth present. A sterile swab is wiped across a sampled surface and then inserted into a sterile tube for mailing to a lab. This type of sampling is typically preferred when there is visible mold. Lab results will reveal the type of mold down to the Genus level. If the request is made, a culture can be grown to determine the Species.
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