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| What you should know about Mold Testing It is estimated there is over 400,000 different types of mold. Less than 100,000 have actually been named, of which less that 1,000 are commonly found indoors. Of all the molds found indoors, less than 1% are known to be toxic. That's the good news. The bad news is, without proper mold testing and laboratory analysis there is no way to know the difference. There are thousands of molds that are black, thousands that are green, thousands that are brown, etc., etc. Direct microscopic analysis by highly trained and educated personnel is the only way to know for certain what types of mold are present in an environment. How to recognize, identify, & find toxic or allergenic indoor mold How to test for mold, clean up mold, or remove mold from buildings How to find, identify, and remove other indoor contaminants Indoor air quality cleanup, improvement, or corrective measures Our Certified inspectors will answers most questions on what to do about mold, providing expert, un-biased information for owners, occupants, inspectors. How to recognize mold, how to test mold, how to clean up or remove mold, how to prevent mold in buildings, and what mold related illnesses and symptoms have been reported are all discussed in depth. Our Company offers impartial, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest. We will block advertisements which we discover or readers inform us are associated with bad business practices, false-advertising, or junk science. Our contact info is at inspect-ny.com/appointment.htm. This website provides information and procedures for finding, testing, cleaning and preventing indoor mold, toxic black mold, green mold, testing building indoor air quality, and other sick house / sick building investigations. Here are research articles, inspection and testing procedures, and contact information for expert services. We give in-depth information about mold and other indoor air quality problems: causes of respiratory illness, asthma, or other symptoms such as neurological or psychological problems, air quality investigation methods, and remediation procedures such as mold cleanup, handling toxic mold contamination, and building or mechanical system repairs. We offer advice on mold prevention and mold-resistant construction resistant to indoor problem molds such as the Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. and Stachybotrys chartarum groups. Here are the BASICS YOU NEED to FIND, TEST, REMOVE & PREVENT MOLD - what to do about mold in buildings Mold Age Determination - how old is the mold in a building? Mold Action Guide: follow this easy step by step outline of what to do about mold. We emphasize that for small areas of mold contamination, generally where less than 30 square feet of contiguous mold is present, simple building cleaning and renovation procedures are all that's needed and testing is usually not appropriate. Most building mold contamination falls in this first category. At DO IT YOURSELF MOLD CLEANUP we provide suggestions for a do-it-yourself cleanup of small areas of mold. At MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE we provide guidelines to help decide when it is probably justified to bring in a mold expert to perform mold inspection and testing in a building. At MOLD TEST REASONS we discuss when it is appropriate to test for mold. Mold Cleanup - How to Clean Up Mold or Remove Mold in Buildings. Mold Detection - Articles on Mold Identification Photos and Tips - How to Find and Recognize Mold in a Building - articles describing how to find problem mold. Also see MOLD APPEARANCE - WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE, and see MOLD GROWTH on SURFACES, GUIDE TO. MOLD GROWTH on SURFACES provides an index to photographs and names of mold genera/species are frequently found on various building surfaces and materials Mold Test Kits - How to Collect and Send Your Own Mold Sample to our mold testing lab Mold Prevention - How to Prevent Mold Growth in Buildings FAQs Frequently Asked Questions About Mold - this detailed list answers most questions about mold Mold Action Guide after Flooding: How to Minimize Mold Damage After a Building Flood Mold Odors, Musty Smells in Buildings: what causes moldy smells in buildings? Also see SMELL PATCH TEST to Track Down Odors. Odors, Odor Detection, Smells, & Gases how to find and identify sources of noxious or toxic odors and gases Online Mold Atlas of Indoor Clinical Mold, Pathogens, Allergens and Other Indoor Particles Renters and Tenants how can a tenant deal with a moldy rental apartment or rental home Field Inspection & Testing Services In-House Mold Testing Lab Service If you suspect or know that there is a mold problem in a building you need to know the extent of cleanup needed, whether mold is cosmetic (inexpensive to clean), allergenic, or toxic (requiring special care). You need to know whether or not to hire a professional to inspect, test, find the mold, and write a cleanup plan, whether or not to hire a mold cleaning company, how to clean up mold, how to test to be sure the cleanup was successful, and how to prevent mold in the future. At MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE we provide guidelines to help decide when it is probably justified to bring in a mold expert to perform mold inspection and testing in a building. In addition, test results may be of assistance to physicians if mold related illness or other illnesses are involved. The "MOLD ACTION GUIDE" contains sufficient information to address these questions. This website offers more in-depth articles on these and related environmental and indoor air quality topics. At MOLD TEST REASONS we discuss medical and other more basic reasons to test for mold in buildings. Mold Clearance Inspections When & How to Perform a Mold Remediation Clearance Inspection MOLD LEVEL REPORTS Reporting the Results of Mold and IAQ Investigations & Clearance Inspections: what should be included Our Field Investigation Service our senior expert goes where no one else wanted to look, uses non-invasive tools and sophisticated testing equipment for mold, gases, moisture, air quality, contaminants, Building problem diagnosis. Contact Us to arrange mold/IAQ Building on site inspection and testing. MOLD RELATED ILLNESS - Asthma, Allergies, Lung, Neurological, Other Complaints? The following articles provide detailed information about mold-related illnesses. Clinical Atlas of Mold Toxicity - An Online Description of Toxic, Pathogenic, Allergenic Fungi, Fungal Diseases Fiberglass Insulation Contains Mold© 2005 comments about a field study in process, & more about health hazards from fiberglass insulation - DJF Odors, Odor Detection, Smells, & Gases how to find and identify sources of noxious or toxic odors and gases Other environmental risks, Our much longer list: Asbestos, carbon monoxide, electromagnetic fields, etc. Pollen Allergens: identification, Products to Reduce Mold & Allergy Problems to reduce indoor mold or allergen levels: air cleaners, air purifiers, dust mite covers, vacuum cleaners, crawl space vents Recognizing Allergens: What various indoor allergens look like - identification photos to help identify pollen, dust mites, animal dander, toxic or allergenic mold - Common Mold and other Allergens, Irritants, Remedies & Advice Rodent control issues, including dander, fecal, and urine contamination of Buildings and Building insulation are discussed at our Mold Action Plan page. Sewage and Septic backup contamination in Buildings: inspection, testing, remediation, & references to expert sources PREVENT MOLD - How to Prevent Mold Growth and Avoid Mold Problems in Buildings The following articles provide detailed information about how to prevent mold growth in buildings and in their mechanical systems. Building Floods: quick steps after a building flood or plumbing leak can prevent costly mold contamination Mold Action Guide after Flooding: How to Minimize Mold Damage After a Building Flood How to Prevent Mold: how to avoid mold growth in buildings: priorities, repairs, products Humidity Control to Avoid Mold: How Low Should You Keep Indoor Humidity to Avoid a Mold Problem Mold-Resistant Building Practices some detailed suggestions from an expert on preventing mold growth indoors Ozone Warnings - Use of Ozone as a "mold" remedy is ineffective and may be dangerous. Meruliporia incrassata - "Poria" the house eating fungus Meruliporia incrassata or perhaps a different mold, Serpula lacrymans - which one is the "house eating fungus" - what it house rotting mold like in a building and under the microscope MOLD DETECTION - Mold Identification Photos and Tips These articles explain how to find and recognize mold in a building. The articles include mold recognition photos, methods of visual inspection for mold, and explanation of how to cut your mold investigation cost and trouble by learning to recognize stuff that is not mold at all. We also explain that not all black mold is harmful. Some is cosmetic only. Visual inspection can answer some of these questions without mold testing. How to Find and Test for Mold in Buildings - Looking for Mold - A "how to" photo and text primer on finding and testing for mold in Buildings Choosing a Sampling Point to conduct a mold test SAMPLING DRYWALL for mold Sampling Mistakes when conducting a mold test Attic Mold how to recognize mold in an attic, when is it a problem? Basement mold how to recognize mold in a basement, is it a problem? Basketball Mold Syndrome - BBMS- sudden attention to old clues in buildings makes them seem brand new to some observers Crawlspace mold how to recognize mold in a crawl space, where will it be, is it a problem? Do-It-Yourself-Warnings for people inspecting and testing for toxic mold Mold on Dirt Floors in basements and crawl spaces MOLD ON or IN CARPETS where to look for mold on and under carpeting Hidden Mold a list and photos of other places to look for hidden or hard to spot mold contamination in buildings Hidden Mold: photo guide shows how to find hidden toxic or even simply cosmetic mold in buildings What Does Mold Look Like? Mold spores in the Home - a Photo ID Library for detection and identification of mold allergens Stuff That is Not Mold but is often mistaken for it - things you may not want to test. Not all "black mold" is toxic or harmful. TRAPPED MOLD BETWEEN WOOD SURFACES - do we need to look for, find, remove, or try to kill mold on mating wood surfaces such as between floor joist tops and subfloor underside, or between a wall sill plate and the subfloor surface? What about between layers of wood flooring and subflooring? Lighting: Proper use of lighting discloses hard to see but toxic light or white mold colonies on building surfaces - read this if you're doing your own tape sampling for mold. Lighting, using to find mold - proper use of a flashlight can help spot mold on paneling and other building surfaces Mold Investigation Tips for Home Inspectors how to find mold, where to look, what is likely to be important. Advice to Building inspectors intending to inspect or test for toxic or problematic mold indoors, mold inspection methods, and mold test methods which are valid or invalid Most Common Indoor Molds Found in Buildings, A Table of Meruliporia incrassata the house eating fungus or "poria" may be mistaken for wood rot. MOLD TEST PROCEDURES - Valid and in-valid mold testing methods & protocols. Are some mold test kits junk science? Please see Mold Sampling Methods in the Indoor Environment and in addition, the mold test critique articles listed just below. Validity of Common Indoor Mold Sampling Techniques Examining the Validity of Current Indoor Mold Sampling Techniques, Daniel Friedman, (Illustrated Power Point Presentation) 15th Annual North Carolina/South Carolina Environmental Association Technical Conference Tape: Mold Testing by Tape of a Moldy Surface "bulk" or "tape" samples and their interpretation - a brief tutorial Tape: How to Report Mold Levels in Tape Samples of Surfaces in Buildings Air: Mold Testing by Air Samples & their interpretation - a brief tutorial on indoor air sampling for mold - are spore counts per cubic meter of air accurate and valid? Using air sampling to determine if a mold problem is "present" or "absent" and the role of cultures for "viable spore sampling" are criticized. Air sampling used alone is an unreliable way to look for mold and is highly questionable as a means of characterizing a precise mold exposure level indoors. Basketball Mold Syndrome - BBMS- sudden attention to old clues in buildings makes them seem brand new to some observers Carpet Mold Inspection how to look for mold in carpets Carpet Mold Test Guide suggestions for alternative methods to test carpeting for mold Culture: Mold Testing by Cultures & "Home Test Kits for Mold" - Validity of Settlement Plates or Swabs to test for toxic mold in Buildings - a brief tutorial Mold Sampling Methods in the Indoor Environment a critique of popular mold testing methods - Is your "expert" using valid methods? Is your mold test kit worth the bother? (Technical Paper.) Toxic Mold Testing Methods Compared, also Toxic Gas Testing Methods and MVOC's - valid vs. invalid methods, recommendations compares air sampling for mold, surface or tape sampling for mold, culture or swab sampling for mold, and gas MVOC sampling methods for mold or other toxins, and organizes links to papers on each of these topics. A Comparison of Some Indoor Air Sampling Devices - simultaneous application of popular sampling cassettes and slide samplers allows comparison of typical particle collection variation by device in actual field use. A field study in process by DJF, 2008 - 2005 (Technical Paper) Burkard personal air sampler used by many residential investigators (we use multiple units simultaneously in some investigations). We also employ other residential building sampling equipment for surface, air, vacuum, and bulk sample collection methods as well as for gases. Alternative, low-cost air sampling equipment and methods such as the mini-vacuum pump and Zefon Air-o-Cell or Allergenco-d cassettes or MCE filter cassettes for viable, non-viable or other forensic particle identification in Buildings. A field study in process by DJF, 2005 - 2006 (Technical Paper) Allergenco Mk-III time-lapse impaction air sampling equipment - study changes in particle dispersion under varying conditions (furnace on/off) A field study in process by DJF, 2004 - 2006 (Technical Paper) Mold Testing: Bulk or Tape Surface Samples and their interpretation - a quick tutorial A brief introduction to using adhesive tape to collect particle samples such as from mold-covered surfaces; scrapes onto microscope slide and Vacuum Samples of Building Cavities: Wall Check type vacuum pump and canister permits "sampling" of mold and allergens in wall, ceiling, and floor cavities but our direct field testing indicates that this method is highly unreliable. When the building interior surfaces were demolished we then performed a visual inspection and collected bulk surface samples using tape. The wall check samples were completely unable to detect large and significant mold contamination in the cavities of this building. We postulate that even with mechanical agitation (banging on the wall during wall check sampling) the flow rate of the sampling method does not move enough air to reliably pick up surface contamination unless the mold genera/species happens to be at a particularly high state of active sporulation. The tool remains in the professional's arsenal, to be used with discretion. Vacuum samples of Soft Goods of carpeting, drapes, furniture, clothing permits testing for mold contamination. We use this method for screening of areas where mold is not visible, and in clearance testing. MOLD CULTURES - Validity and Usefulness of Mold Cultures & Culture-Based Home Test Kits for mold For a quick to understand overview of the validity and usefulness or perhaps not-usefulness of culture tests for mold, see Validity of Cultures (settlement plates or swabs) to find toxic mold in Buildings which is an overview and critique of using mold cultures, settlement plates, petri dishes, and cultured swab samples, and air sample testing limitations for determining what's in a Building, and which tests are useful in different situations. For more thorough detail see Shortcomings of cultured mold samples which lists a number of detailed concerns about viable spore traps and culture media for Building problem detection MOLD CLASSES, LEVELS - Mold Hazard levels, Mold Spore Count Validity, Interpreting Mold Counts, and Classes of Mold Please see MOLD CLASSES, LEVELS for the full text article on this topic. Airborne Mold Spore Counts: Airborne Mold Spore Counts - are indoor fungal spore counts valid? Mold Exposure Standards: Exposure Standards for Mold, Levels of Severity of Indoor Mold Contamination - Various Published Standards of Permissible Mold Exposure Limits: at what level is toxic or allergenic mold a problem? - What does your "spores per cubic meter of air" or "spore count" really mean - if anything? MOLD EXPOSURE RISK LEVELS: How to Determine Mold Contamination Probability or Mold Exposure Risk Levels in Buildings Based on Visual Inspection MOLD LEVEL IN AIR, VALIDITY: Mold Spore Counts - are indoor fungal spore counts valid? Mold Hazard Levels: Mold Classes, Levels of what types of cosmetic, allergenic, or toxic mold are a problem? Can mold be cleaned-up successfully? Mold Reporting: How to Report Mold Levels in Mold Test Samples of Surfaces in Buildings Mold Spore Count Per Cubic Meter: airborne density counts of mold spores per cubic meter of air - how to interpret low mold spore trap count results MOLD REPORTS - Mold and IAQ Investigation Reports Indoor Air / Toxic Mold Field Investigation & Lab Reports - what to look for in a toxic mold field investigation report and mold test laboratory report © Indoor Air / Toxic Mold Test Lab Reports - what to look for in a toxic mold test laboratory report © How to Report Mold Levels in Mold Test Samples of Surfaces in Buildings - suggested non-quantitative definitions Sick House Investigation Questionnaire used to collect occupant and Building information that may aid the investigator © Robigus, Lord of Fungus - a brief history of the Legend of Wheat Rust Fungus Robigus, the Roman God and Lord of Crop Fungi, is by legend the power who arranged that wheat rust, a crop destroying fungus, would plague humanity. This punishment was in retribution for the cruelty of a boy who set fire to straw he had tied to a foxes tail. Indeed, wheat rust leaves crops looking burned, and leaves as much as 40% of the crop destroyed. Robigus, a fertility god, protected crops against diseases. At the Robigalia festival each April 25th, red-colored offerings (wine) were made to appease this god of the rust-red colored wheat rust fungus or wheat leaf rust a parasitic fungus, Puccinia recondita. Rusts, or Uredinales, include Puccinia rusts that invade corn, cotton, mint, sugar cane, and wheat, also Melampsora - flax, Hemileia - coffee, Cronartium - pine, Uromyces - chickpea, bean, and many others. There are about 5000 species in this group. Wheat leaf rust causes small (1/32") reddish-brown pustules or blisters to appear on the surface of plant leaves. The wheat leaf rust Puccinia recondita spores may also produce a reddish brown dust (mold spore powder). Mature wheat leaf rust fungus pustules and their fungal spores may be dark brown or even black. Wheat leaf rust spores live only on live leaves but survive the winter on leaf fragments, periodically reaching epidemic proportions in the wheat crop. Interestingly, the location of wheat rust on the plant can indicate its source: rust on upper plant leaves suggests that spores blew into the wheat field from a more distant location, while wheat rust pustules found on lower plant leaves indicate that the rust fungus over-wintered on leaves in the local field. TECHNICAL PROCEDURES - Technical & Laboratory Procedures Good Laboratory and Microscope Procedures are critical in making sense of field samples. Competent, trained, experienced aerobiologists, mycologists, and microbiologists can identify sample contents with good accuracy. Depending on the experience of the laboratory, it is also possible to interpret the meaning of the sample for the Building and its occupants. Laboratory professionals who have also performed the field inspection can make useful extrapolations from lab results. Hasty work by disinterested parties may be less useful for Building occupants and owners. Please see TECHNICAL & LAB PROCEDURES for the full text article on this topic. Air Sampler Specifications Required for Airborne Particle Calculations When is a good time to test for mold? When you want to determine if mold is growing in you home. After any flooding or water damage event. Whenever you find a leak that has been present for more than 24 hours. Whenever you smell a moldy odor. Occupants of your home experience a long-term medical condition without a known cause. Unusual stains appear on furniture or building material. You suspect mold but do not see any visible mold growth. If you suspect you have a mold problem, whether mold is visible or not, one call to A Mold Specialist is all it takes to be sure. Our only interest is in providing our clients with accurate reporting of the data we collect in the course of the inspection process and reliable results of mold tests and samples. Areas of Service: Los Angeles County Mold Inspector Mold Inspection Los Angeles County Mold Testing and Mold Inspections in Los Angeles County California Mold Abatement Los Angeles Mold Certified Inspection, Mold clearance testing Santa Monica A Mold Specialist is the most experienced mold inspection company in Los Angeles County specializing exclusively in mold inspections and mold testing in residential and commercial properties. Mold is a natural living organism in our environment. It exists in the air in the form microscopic spores that move in and out of buildings through doors, windows, vents, HVAC systems and anywhere else that air enters. If you suspect you have a mold problem, it is always best to have a certified mold inspector assess the over-all condition and make the appropriate recommendations for correction. Los Angeles County Mold Inspector Mold Inspection Los Angeles County Mold Testing and Mold Inspections in Los Angeles County California Mold Abatement Los Angeles Mold Certified Inspection. Although toxic black mold is a headline grabber, mold comes in a wide variety of colors and is often not even easy to see. It creeps up the inside of walls, collects in water-damaged basements and crawl spaces, and grows inside poorly cleaned humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioning units. Mold and Your Health The health concerns of mold are wide ranging and cause respiratory and many other problems. While infants, young children, the elderly, and the immune-compromised are at the greatest risk, mold can affect anyone, causing everything from a mild allergic reaction to mycotoxicosis and more serious diseases. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly all of the 37 million chronic sinus infections are a result of mold. Mold has been linked to both causing asthma and advancing asthma. Fortunately, mold can be eradicated if you know what it is and where it is, which is why regular mold inspection is an important part of general home maintenance. Extensive Mold Damage Still, health problems associated with mold growth aren't as common as many people believe, but that doesn't mean the mold is innocuous. Left unchecked, extensive mold damage can require professional remediation that can cost thousands of dollars. Imagine a bathroom with inadequate ventilation. Mold builds slowly on the ceiling and walls, allowing residents to scrub them clean every few weeks. But with poor cleaning habits this mold takes over and begins to eat away at the drywall itself. The same thing happens with mold trapped inside your walls, until discoloration and bad odors require that you rip out your entire wall. Mold Inspections A mold inspection is a simple and important task that should be performed with regularity and/or when the situation demands. If you find water damage, discover that people in your home are having respiratory problems, or if you realize that you've never had an inspection, it's a good idea to get one done and soon. A basic Mold Inspection Los Angeles, will cost approximately $300 for a mid-sized home, but more extensive inspections will naturally cost more. These larger inspections should be done on occasion to make sure nothing is left unchecked. Mold Testing Los Angeles or Mold Testing Orange County are affordable and help prevent future damage when done be a Certified Mold Inspector If mold damage is not due to the everyday wear and tear on an older home, you might need documented test results to reclaim costs from homeowners insurance, your real estate seller, landlord, plumber, or new home builder. A certified mold inspector is trained to search "every inch of your home" and can offer mold laboratory analysis of collected samples and a professional toxic mold inspection with full documentation. This inspector will test the air, the wall spaces and floors, as well as those appliances that might have caused the problem. These more extensive measures are a great idea if you live in an older home, if you suspect a problem, or if you have not tested in a few years. Increasing Your House’s Cleanliness with Mold Testing There are several ideal uses for you to hire a qualified mold professional who is very well trained and able to handle and take care of all of your Mold Testing in Los Angeles needs in a manner that one would describe as being both prompt and efficient for you as well as your family. You will want to hire the best, most ideal professional that you possibly find, there are several reasons for this and some of them are quite obvious while you may not be fully aware of other reasons and you should look through and go over the several reasons that you will need a professional who is qualified and experienced in the type of work or testing that you would like to have done in your home and hopefully you will be able to work more with this professional to make any of the several necessary improvements to your house as well as your house environment that may result from the good or not so good results of the several tests you would like this professional to conduct in your already ideal house. This is surely a very important and ideal thing for you to do as a house owner, but it is also important for you to do as one of the several members of your ideal family. Another one of the reasons that you should maintain your house have a Mold Inspection Orange County your home is likely your biggest financial assets, therefore it is an ideal decision to take care of it properly because you will surely have to sell your house at some point. Toxic Mold & Black Mold What is "black mold" or "toxic mold"? You have probably heard a great deal about black mold or toxic mold. It is usually associated with Stachybotrys, a black mold that is often found after there has been persistent water damage. The known health effects from exposure to Stachybotrys are similar to other common molds and may cause illness in individuals with a sensitivity to “mycotoxins” (chemicals produced by certain molds), to people who are immunocompromised, or to individuals who have become sensitive after prolonged exposure. In fact, many molds are black and it is the amount of mold and level of exposure that are necessary pieces of information to discover. How do I know if the mold in my home is toxic? Web sites and media articles will often use the terms “toxic mold” or “toxic black mold”. This is largely a marketing strategy, a scare tactic designed to encourage you to make financial decisions that may not even be necessary. In fact, most molds are toxic to some extent and many are black. There is one variety of particular concern; Stachybotrys. About 30% of the strains of this species produce abundant mycotoxins and are reportedly more potent than other types of mold. A few species/strains of Aspergillus and several others can be nearly as dangerous. Ingesting mold in contaminated foods has been shown to poison people and may even cause cancer. Of further concern is mold contamination found around the home in areas in which children could have access to it. It is important that young children do not put items in their mouths if there is a chance of mold, especially if it is Stachybotrys or Aspergilus. The main thing to remember is that many molds are toxic and once you know you have a mold problem, all molds need to be removed to minimize exposure risk. The type of mold has no bearing on the remediation process. All mold contamination needs to be removed, regardless of the type. Attic Mold My attic sheathing is black with mold. Do I need a new roof, or what should I do? It depends on how extensive the mold is, and sometimes on what you are willing to pay for. Often times the mold is just in a few areas, requiring limited material replacement, or just cleaning. Obviously, any roof leaks, shingle flashing or ventilation issues must be fixed to prevent future mold growth. Attic mold can: Worsen and become more expensive to remove if left unchecked Can lower property value Spread to the living areas below if left untreated Contaminate belongings stored in the attic Delay or cause the loss of a house sale If there is mold growth on roof materials, can the cold weather kill it? Generally, if conditions are favorable for mold to have grown in the attic and the mold is still alive, cold winter temperatures will slow or stop the mold from growing. However, molds produce spores with resilient outer coatings that allow them to remain alive through harsh conditions including long dry spells and cold temperatures. Thus, when the attic warms up again and sufficient moisture is present mold growth will resume. This cycle will continue until the mold has been removed and favorable growth conditions eliminated. Simply resolving the moisture issue, most often inadequate ventilation will not kill the mold. The complete process must include two steps: Identify and fix moisture/ventilation problem(s) Remove mold appropriately Basement Mold After my basement flooded, the carpet was removed, but I still smell a musty odor. Why? If moisture remained on materials in the basement for a sufficient amount of time, the materials, such as sheetrock, insulation, cardboard boxes, walls studs, paneling, etc., molds will continue to grow and produce the volatile organics or the mold odor. If, in addition to the flood, moisture is entering slowly through the foundation, the condition will be chronic until the moisture sources are resolved. Why does the mold odor in a basement usually go away in the winter? This musty odor is produced by actively growing molds that are metabolizing (breaking down) a food source (wallboard, wood, cardboard, etc.) While the molds are feeding on the materials, they produce mold volatile organic compounds or mVOCs, which are simply chemicals that travel easily in the air and therefore disperse throughout a house or building. Because basements dry out in the winter, mold is relatively starved for moisture and grows more slowly or not at all and the odor may lessen in strength. This is not, however, the end of the mold problem. Wall Cavity Mold Can mold contamination inside a wall cavity be identified? Yes. For example, after a basement has flooded and the water is extracted, the carpet should be removed and the floor disinfected. However, a mold odor may still be present and the mold source not easily recognizable. Wallboard, paneling, plaster, wood and insulation that make up the walls in a basement absorbed moisture up into the wall cavity and mold growth resulted. Wall cavity samples are collected through very small, drilled holes, cultured, and analyzed similarly to airborne samples. Collection of a control wall cavity sample in a wall that was not affected by the moisture is recommended for comparison purposes. Surface Mold Why do airborne mold samples sometimes not show that mold contamination is present, even when there is visible surface mold growth? Mold growing on a surface is not necessarily producing airborne spores, especially in an area that has little or no activity such as an unfinished basement used primarily for storage. Also, if the surface that the mold is growing on is still damp or wet, the mold spores will not become airborne as easily. AMS has found cases of significant amounts of active mold growth on building materials without the companion air samples showing elevated mold spores. As long as surface mold growth is present, it will need to be removed, regardless of what air samples show. Homeowners Insurance Coverage For Mold What should I know about mold and home owners insurance? Insurers are dropping homeowners and raising rates. During the early '90s, average premiums were flat at about $420/yr, then rose at the rate of inflation. That changed in 2001 when rates shot up and insurers began scrutinizing credit ratings and houses' histories. Poor credit or unresolved mold problems may adversely affect your coverage or premiums. Residential mold removal will rid the home of microscopic organisms that colonize in wet or damp areas that can threaten the health of the those who reside there. Mold is a microscopic organism that is a type of fungus. Spores that are airborne look for damp places to settle and colonize; unfortunately these places are not always visible to those who are living in the home. Basement mold removal should be considered since it is a common area of infestation along with the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and attic. This is not really a do-it-yourself kind of job because care should be taken to not inhale the substance or expose areas in the home that are not infested. Mold can make people sick especially those who are susceptible to allergies, sinus problems, asthma, and other respiratory type illnesses. Companies that offer this type of service have experience in cleaning up many types of substances and have the necessary equipment to do the cleanup right so the organisms are completely gone. Molds can differ in appearance and color including but not limited to black, white, green, and yellow. Black is the one type of fungus that is the most toxic to humans and can cause a multitude of health problems. Inhaling the spores can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma and emphysema, pneumonia, and even lung cancer. The fungus can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause problems with vital organs such as the kidneys and liver. After a person is first exposed he or she may suffer with flu symptoms including diarrhea and nausea. Residential mold removal will help to find the spores and remove them effectively and completely to avoid further health problems. A homeowner should make a decision to be diligent to see this through to keep the family safe and well; just as God's children need to be diligent in standing firm in the Lord. "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless." (2 Peter 3:14) Smelling a musty odor can be one indication that a home may be infested with fungus. Living in an older home is another indication that it may be time for an inspection. Older homes usually have older water pipes and are more prone to leaks. There is also a greater chance that the roof or windowsills may leak. Seeing a visible sign of fungus should alert the homeowner that the entire home including the attic and basement needs to be examined for other infestations. Doing a search online for basement mold removal will help a homeowner to find help with a mold problem. Sometimes a fungus will invade the air ducts in a home so that every time the heater or air conditioner is turned on the spores will be spread throughout. An indication of this is when a musty odor is smelled only when air is circulating throughout the home. Residential mold removal will identify the areas in question and take samples for further investigation. When the presence of fungus is found it is imperative that the decision is made for a cleanup to be conducted. Most professionals will want the home to be vacant at the time and for any sick residents to get medical care for possible mold poisoning. While it is possible to clean up a fungus problem without help, there are some important things to consider before doing so. First all leaks will need to be fixed which may include replacing plumbing, roofing, appliances, and whatever else may be involved. Once there is no longer a hospitable environment for fungus, then cleanup can get underway. Using the right disinfectant and detergent will need to be determined and rubber gloves should be worn during the procedure. Infected items made of porous or absorbent material may have to be thrown away. Clothing and carpet are two such examples; once mold infiltrates the material it is almost impossible to remove. Cleanup of fungus should not be attempted without a respirator so that spores are not inhaled. Basement mold removal may prove to be very difficult without help because basements have the perfect breeding ground for fungus. Using a professional for help will normally begin with a thorough examination of the residence as the certified mold inspector will do a visual walk through of the premises. He or she will note any smells that could be indicative of fungus and note any possible areas that need to be checked further. Typically the areas that are looked over very carefully are the areas in the home susceptible to water leaks or that are typically damp. The ventilation system will be checked carefully and humidity levels will be checked throughout the home. Residential mold removal will include samples from suspect surfaces that will be grown in a laboratory to identify possible fungus spores. Air samples will also be taken comparing outside air with the inside air. Some good indicators of possible contamination due to fungus in a home include not only visible sights and smells but the health of the residents should be considered as well. Some of the symptoms to be on alert for are nausea, fatigue, sore throat, overall body aches and pains, respiratory problems, irritated eyes, stomach problems, chronic headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, hearing problems, and skin problems. Doing a search on the Internet for basement mold removal will provide some vital information about more health concerns associated with fungus overgrowth and instructions on how to find help for an inspection and ways to tackle the problem. Our Certified inspectors will answers most questions on what to do about mold, providing expert, un-biased information for owners, occupants, inspectors. How to recognize mold, how to test mold, how to clean up or remove mold, how to prevent mold in buildings, and what mold related illnesses and symptoms have been reported are all discussed in depth. A Comparison of Some Indoor Air Sampling Devices - simultaneous application of popular sampling cassettes and slide samplers allows comparison of typical particle collection variation by device in actual field use. A field study in process by DJF, 2008 - 2005 (Technical Paper) Burkard personal air sampler used by many residential investigators (we use multiple units simultaneously in some investigations). We also employ other residential building sampling equipment for surface, air, vacuum, and bulk sample collection methods as well as for gases. Alternative, low-cost air sampling equipment and methods such as the mini-vacuum pump and Zefon Air-o-Cell or Allergenco-d cassettes or MCE filter cassettes for viable, non-viable or other forensic particle identification in Buildings. A field study in process by DJF, 2005 - 2006 (Technical Paper) Allergenco Mk-III time-lapse impaction air sampling equipment - study changes in particle dispersion under varying conditions (furnace on/off) A field study in process by DJF, 2004 - 2006 (Technical Paper) Mold Testing: Bulk or Tape Surface Samples and their interpretation - a quick tutorial A brief introduction to using adhesive tape to collect particle samples such as from mold-covered surfaces; scrapes onto microscope slide and Vacuum Samples of Building Cavities: Wall Check type vacuum pump and canister permits "sampling" of mold and allergens in wall, ceiling, and floor cavities but our direct field testing indicates that this method is highly unreliable. When the building interior surfaces were demolished we then performed a visual inspection and collected bulk surface samples using tape. The wall check samples were completely unable to detect large and significant mold contamination in the cavities of this building. We postulate that even with mechanical agitation (banging on the wall during wall check sampling) the flow rate of the sampling method does not move enough air to reliably pick up surface contamination unless the mold genera/species happens to be at a particularly high state of active sporulation. The tool remains in the professional's arsenal, to be used with discretion. Vacuum samples of Soft Goods of carpeting, drapes, furniture, clothing permits testing for mold contamination. We use this method for screening of areas where mold is not visible, and in clearance testing. MOLD CULTURES - Validity and Usefulness of Mold Cultures & Culture-Based Home Test Kits for mold For a quick to understand overview of the validity and usefulness or perhaps not-usefulness of culture tests for mold, see Validity of Cultures (settlement plates or swabs) to find toxic mold in Buildings which is an overview and critique of using mold cultures, settlement plates, petri dishes, and cultured swab samples, and air sample testing limitations for determining what's in a Building, and which tests are useful in different situations. For more thorough detail see Shortcomings of cultured mold samples which lists a number of detailed concerns about viable spore traps and culture media for Building problem detection MOLD CLASSES, LEVELS - Mold Hazard levels, Mold Spore Count Validity, Interpreting Mold Counts, and Classes of Mold Please see MOLD CLASSES, LEVELS for the full text article on this topic. Airborne Mold Spore Counts: Airborne Mold Spore Counts - are indoor fungal spore counts valid? Mold Exposure Standards: Exposure Standards for Mold, Levels of Severity of Indoor Mold Contamination - Various Published Standards of Permissible Mold Exposure Limits: at what level is toxic or allergenic mold a problem? - What does your "spores per cubic meter of air" or "spore count" really mean - if anything? MOLD EXPOSURE RISK LEVELS: How to Determine Mold Contamination Probability or Mold Exposure Risk Levels in Buildings Based on Visual Inspection MOLD LEVEL IN AIR, VALIDITY: Mold Spore Counts - are indoor fungal spore counts valid? Mold Hazard Levels: Mold Classes, Levels of what types of cosmetic, allergenic, or toxic mold are a problem? Can mold be cleaned-up successfully? Mold Reporting: How to Report Mold Levels in Mold Test Samples of Surfaces in Buildings Mold Spore Count Per Cubic Meter: airborne density counts of mold spores per cubic meter of air - how to interpret low mold spore trap count results MOLD REPORTS - Mold and IAQ Investigation Reports Indoor Air / Toxic Mold Field Investigation & Lab Reports - what to look for in a toxic mold field investigation report and mold test laboratory report © Indoor Air / Toxic Mold Test Lab Reports - what to look for in a toxic mold test laboratory report © How to Report Mold Levels in Mold Test Samples of Surfaces in Buildings - suggested non-quantitative definitions Sick House Investigation Questionnaire used to collect occupant and Building information that may aid the investigator © Rust spores can be quite beautiful, belying the crop damage they may cause, as our lab photo of Pileolaria brevipes (a rust spore found in an air sample we collected in San Diego, CA) shows at left. Air Sampler Specifications Required for Airborne Particle Calculations Airborne Particle Concentration Calculations - Spores per Cubic Meter for airborne mold or other particles - Lab SOP and Examples Basketball Mold Syndrome - BBMS- sudden attention to old clues in buildings makes them seem brand new to some observers Bibliography of Mold Identification, Aerobiology, Forensic Microscopy - References used in our Laboratory for Aerobiology, Mycology, Indoor Air Quality Investigations, Particle ID, Forensic Microscopy, etc. Digital photography for microscopists - getting the image from the microscope slide to the computer to the database or printer Light-microscope examination methods, education, references, suppliers Museums & Restorations: Cultural Heritage and Aerobiology Mandrioli, Caneva, and Sabbioni (English version), museum artifact preservation from mold, acid gases etc. - book review in Pan American Aerobiology Association Newsletter Slide preparation methods, formulas, suppliers Slide Preparation - Permanent Slides, A Method For Preparing Cargille meltmount™ Permanent Microscope Slides for Rapid Field or Laboratory Use Tape Sample Analysis for Mold - How to Report Mold Levels in Mold Test Samples of Surfaces in Buildings OTHER IAQ CONCERNS - Other Indoor Air Quality Concerns Air Filtration Suggestions: see these articles AIR FILTERS for HVAC SYSTEMS - about air filters Basketball Mold Syndrome - BBMS- sudden attention to old clues in buildings makes them seem brand new to some observers The Mold Information Center: What to Do About Mold in Buildings, When and How to Inspect for Mold, Clean Up Mold, or Avoid Mold Problems. Environmental Inspection, Testing, & Diagnosis On-Site IAQ, Gas, Air Testing, Mold Investigation, Sick Building Diagnosis, Lab Services, & Remediation Plan Preparation - indoor air quality testing, problem source determination, supporting lab work, written remediation plan addressing removal of environmental and other hazards and prevention of their recurrence. Building Inspection, Problem Diagnosis, Forensic Investigation & Testing, Repair Consulting ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS GUIDE FLOODS IN BUILDINGS-priorities FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP MOLD: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO MOLD MOLD INFORMATION CENTER ACCURACY OF VARIOUS MOLD TEST METHODS ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT INDOOR MOLD ALLERGEN TESTS for BUILDINGS CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS - MOLD CLEANUP DO IT YOURSELF MOLD CLEANUP ENERGY SAVINGS in BUILDINGS ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT CASE STUDY ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT LEAK SEALING GUIDE ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT OPTIONS FIND MOLD in BUILDINGS, HOW TO HIDDEN MOLD, HOW TO FIND INDOOR AIR QUALITY & HOUSE TIGHTNESS INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE INDOOR AIR QUALITY METHODS COMPARED LEAD POISONING HAZARDS GUIDE MOISTURE CONTROL in BUILDINGS MOLD ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT MOLD MOLD AGE - Old is the Mold? MOLD APPEARANCE - WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE MOLD APPEARANCE - STUFF THAT IS NOT MOLD MOLD ATLAS & PARTICLES INDEX MOLD CLASSES, HAZARD LEVELS MOLD CLEANUP GUIDE- HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD MOLD CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS MOLD DETECTION & INSPECTION GUIDE MOLD DOCTOR? MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE MOLD EXPOSURE RISK LEVELS MOLD EXPOSURE STANDARDS MOLD FAQ's MOLD FREQUENCY in BUILDINGS MOLD GROWTH on SURFACES MOLD INSPECTORS & MOLD TESTERS MOLD KILLING GUIDE MOLD LEVEL REPORTS MOLD LEVELS IN BUILDINGS MOLD by MICROSCOPE MOLD ODORS, MUSTY SMELLS MOLD PREVENTION GUIDE MOLD RELATED ILLNESS GUIDE MOLD RELATED ILLNESS SYMPTOMS MOLD SPRAYS, SEALANTS, PAINTS MOLD STANDARDS MOLD TEST KITS MOLD TEST KITS for DIY MOLD TESTS MOLD TEST PROCEDURES MOLD TEST REASONS MOLD TESTING METHOD VALIDITY ODORS, Smells, Gases in Buildings-Diagnosis & Cure RENTERS & TENANTS GUIDE TO MOLD SEWAGE BACKUP TEST & CLEANUP STAIN DIAGNOSIS TECHNICAL & LAB PROCEDURES THERMAL TRACKING This paper presents a summary and critique of some popular methods used to examine indoor air quality to test for presence or absence of problematic levels of toxic or allergenic mold or other bioaerosols. we will describe and critique specific "testing" or "sampling" methods used to "test" Buildings for mold in the course of a Building investigation. mold) see MOLD CLASSES, HAZARD LEVELS and more references such as a Mold Action Guide are at the end of this document. Clean up small areas without testing: If there is no large mold area, no leak history, no at-risk occupants, in sum, if you simply have a little moldy area, just clean it up, and spend your "test kit" money on cleaning supplies or dinner out. Small amounts of mold can often can be cleaned-up by the occupant or owner provided that person has no special allergy or risk regarding mold. Some states define "small" as less than 30 sq.ft. of contiguous mold. Your own area may use a different criterion. Larger areas of non-cosmetic mold are likely to require work by a cleanup professional. If you think you need to hire someone, see "When to hire a professional" for more detailed help in deciding when and how to proceed. When is it useful to identify mold? Why try to identify mold at all. Some practitioners argue that no testing is needed, mold should simply be found and cleaned-up. we agree with this approach for small areas of mold where there are no larger issues such as occupant complaints or BRI (Building related illness). Why identify mold - Reason 1: Cosmetic-only vs. problematic mold But if mold present in the Building is only of "cosmetic" concern, it is unlikely that special cleanup methods such as negative air, establishment of a containment system, and special personal protection for workers is needed. If these special methods can be avoided, the cost to remove mold will be substantially less. Therefore it cases where a large amount of mold is present it may be appropriate to have an expert perform testing and to prepare an appropriate remediation plan to guide the remediation contractor. The same expert may be used to perform clearance testing later to assure that the cleanup was proper and successful. Also see Can mold make you sick?" Harmless "Black Mold": A very common example is the Ceratocystis/Ophistoma group which appear as "black mold" on framing lumber and which are more commonly known as "blue stain" or sapstain molds. This mold is found on lumber as it arrives from the lumber yard - a condition that is readily apparent to a Building expert and which can be confirmed by sample identification. Allergenic mold: Other dark molds, including the most common genera Cladosporium sp. are often allergenic: a potential respiratory irritant or a problem for people with allergies, asthma, or other sensitivities. Toxic/Pathogenic mold: a third broad group are molds which we call "toxic" and includes species which are toxic, pathogens, or infectious agents which in some cases may be capable of infecting humans or of producing disease in humans. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, are two examples. We find in many cases that large areas of "black mold," about which owners/occupants may be unduly frightened, are Ceratocystis/Ophistoma, a common mold that is found on framing lumber from time of construction, and which is known to be only of cosmetic concern, and which is not an indicator of mold-conducive conditions in the Building - it came in on the lumber and is inactive and cosmetic. Without knowing what this is, people may make large and inappropriate expenditure on "professional remediation" - in one case in CT a client was about to launch a $600,000. complete re-framing of the first floor of a Building, a totally inappropriate step which was completely unnecessary with a little knowledge of mycology and Building science. Ambiguous airborne mold counts: A second example of this sort is the need to distinguish between two "mold counts" that appear to be the same but actually mean very different things. An outdoor 500 Pen/Asp spores/M3 of air and an apparently low indoor 400 Pen/Asp spores/M3 may take on a new meaning if the outdoor spores are a different genera/species than the indoor ones. Why identify mold - Reason 2: convey possible health effects to a physician: Proving that mold in a Building caused a health concern is so arduous and costly as to be inappropriate in most cases. If a lot of allergenic or toxic mold is present, it needs to be removed. But information about what was found in a Building may be useful: a number of our clients have health complaints for which IAQ problems are a potential cause or contributor - information which they want to convey to their physician. For example, a delay in diagnosing fungal infections in two of our clients led each to have permanent loss of eyesight. we acknowledge that these cases are not common, but they occur enough for caution to be in order. we don't submit that we should be practicing medicine nor diagnosing ailments, rather that information about a sick person's environment might be useful to their physician. Harriet Burge at the Harvard School of Public Health has taught us that the cost of proving that a specific illness is caused by a specific mold or allergen in a particular environment is so arduous as to be impractical. However we agree, as we expect you do too, that if a large area of allergenic or more toxic mold is present in an environment it should be removed. Can Mold Make You Sick? We live in a sea of mold, and other stuff in the air we breathe, on cushions we sit on, clothes we wear, pools we swim-in, and so on. Most mold is not hurting anyone, and some of it makes us well when we're sick(Penicillium notatum, for example). Fear of mold (mycophobia) is unjustified and in our opinion, more a result of media hype, enviro-scare, and gouging consumers. A healthy person walking through a room of moldy air is not likely to die. On the other hand, there is a wealth of less rigorous empirical data matching occupant complaints with indoor mold and allergens. Finally, for certain people, mold can be a serious problem if it's at high levels indoors. It's probably an overstatement by those authorities who assert that "... there are no proven links between mold and illness." we refer readers to some of our lab's references for descriptions of illness-related molds, some of which are found in Buildings: Why Identify mold - Reason 3: establish a data baseline and later, evaluate the success of a professional mold remediation project. Where large areas of remediation are needed, using professional cleaning services, we find that in many cases the "professional" does not properly maintain containment, and actually increases the level of allergens in the Building. In Buildings where occupants are at particular risk (elderly, immune-impaired, infant, asthmatic) we have had cases where an occupant entered an area contaminated with high levels of allergenic mold and suffer severe asthma attacks. In Ellenville, NY we are aware of a fatality involving just such an instance. For large remediation projects we find it very useful to have a base-line of data on what areas need to be cleaned and which are acceptably clean before the remediation project. Then a quick test after the remediation can confirm not only that it was successful, but that the remediator did not inadvertently fail to contain. If the containment was unsuccessful and other Building areas have become contaminated enough to want to have additional cleaning (typically HEPA vacuuming or wiping), having the baseline showing that the contamination followed the remediation rather than preceded it protects the property owner or occupant from additional unnecessary expense. The usefulness of samples depends on the knowledge and thoroughness of the person collecting the sample as part of a Building investigation. Arbitrary or random samples are unlikely to be a reliable characterization of a Building. Choice of method as well as how the method is applied (for example, just where to stick the tape to collect a surface sample) makes a large difference in the quality and representativeness of the sample. Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair Our recommended books about building design, inspection, and repair, and about indoor environment testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the Select remediation personnel who have the experience and training needed to implement the remediation plan and use Personal Protective Equipment and containment as appropriate Remediate moisture and mold problems Fix moisture problem, implement repair plan and/or maintenance plan Dry wet, non-moldy materials within 48 hours to prevent mold growth Clean and dry moldy materials Discard moldy porous items that can’t be cleaned |
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WHY TEST FOR MOLD IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY? Several years ago it was asbestos. Today, mold is in the spotlight and Los Angeles is divided over whether toxic mold really is a legitimate issue or another over-rated environmental issue. A SIGN OF THE TIMES. Whatever we believe about Mold in Los Angeles County, it is a reality that is here to stay. Several alerts from the medical profession in Los Angeles County and the skyrocketing number of lawsuits against landlords, realtors, employers, insurers, warn us of the seriousness of mold and justify the need for proper mold testing, especially in Los Angeles County where everyone is sue-happy. Some have even called mold "The Silent Killer". That may be on the extreme side, but with all the information available about mold and it's potential for harm, there are plenty of valid reasons for mold testing. For example, we now know that some molds produce mycotoxins which may be linked to severe cases of asthma, respiratory problems including bleeding lungs, and many other very serious ailments including immune system disorders. The medical and legal communities in San Diego County are now taking mold contamination very seriously. With so much overwhelming evidence to support the dangers of exposure to mold, Mold Testing is the first step in properly assessing whether an abnormal or elevated mold condition exists. Organic SEO by Elite SEO Marketing |