WHAT IS MOLD?
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MOLD
What is Mold?
The most common issue in the state of Florida is mold. We are having a constant high humidity level which elevates chances for you to have mold at your property. Mold also sometimes referred to as mildew, is a fungal growth that develops on wet materials. Mold is ubiquitous, and mold spores are a common component of household and workplace dust. In large amounts they can be a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Mold can damage and even ruin your property from inside while developing the spores around. Mold can be found everywhere and can grow on almost any substance when moisture is present. They reproduce by spores, which are carried by air currents. When spores land on a moist surface suitable for life, they begin to grow.
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Because common building materials are capable of sustaining mold growth and mold spores are ubiquitous, mold growth in an indoor environment is typically related to water or moisture exposure and may be caused by incomplete drying of flooring materials (such as concrete). Flooding, leaky roofs, building maintenance, or indoor-plumbing problems can lead to interior mold growth. Water vapor commonly condenses on surfaces cooler than the moisture-laden air, enabling mold to flourish. This moisture vapor passes through walls and ceilings, typically condensing during the winter in climates with a long heating season. Floors over crawl spaces and basements, without vapor barriers or with dirt floors, are mold-prone. Molds, including black mold, produce toxic compounds called mycotoxins. Exposure to extremely high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and, in very rare cases, death.
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Significant mold growth requires moisture and food sources and a substrate capable of sustaining growth. Common cellulose-based building materials, such as plywood, drywall, furring strips, finish carpentry, cabinetry, wood framing, composite wood flooring, carpets, and carpet padding provide food for mold. In carpets, an organic load such as invisible dust and cellulose are food sources. After water damage to a building, mold grows in walls and then becomes dormant until subsequent high humidity; suitable conditions reactivate mold.
​WHY DO I NEED A MOLD INSPECTION?
Do you see or smell mold? Do you have water damage? Buying a new property or your property was unoccupied for a long time? Are you concerned about health issues? Any of these factors can put you and your home at risk! An inspection can identify a problem if you are concerned you have a problem but do not see mold. Visual inspection with the professional who will help you find the source of mold spread and do all necessary testing to identify your property situation.
What is Mold Inspection and Testing?
Mold testing is the process of taking air or swab samples to distinguish mold type.
What are the Types of Mold Tests?
In the most effective type of test, samples are analyzed to identify the concentration of mold spores in the air. Mold contamination is inconsistent. Each sample can have a different level of concentration.
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Air Quality Tests:
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While an air quality test will identify the concentration of mold spores in the air, it does not guarantee you actually have mold. Mold spores exist naturally in the air, so it is common for them to appear on an air quality test. However, an air quality test can be helpful in identifying a mold problem if you already have other signs of mold.
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Surface Tests:
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Surface swabs on affected areas. They are usually done on surfaces that already show visible signs of mold growth. Since you can already see the problem, this kind of test is only necessary when you need scientific proof of mold. Usually comes along with air quality testing.
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Bulk Testing:
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Bulk tests determine the concentration of mold inside a material, like a wall. Since they involve cutting out a small piece of material, bulk tests are best at detecting mold inside walls or in areas with low visibility.
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What Are the Main Mold Health Issues?
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Allergies are the most common health issue associated with mold, but there are several other potential risks.
Allergic Reactions
sneezing, nasal or chest congestion, dry or itchy eyes, skin irritation, headaches, and fatigue.
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Asthma
coughing and wheezing.
Fungal Infection
Sinus and digestive tract infections are the most common, but lung and skin infections are also possible.
Mold-Induced Hypersensitivity
Mycotoxin Toxicity
Sick Building Syndrome
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These are the most common symptoms of mold exposure:
Stuffy or runny nose
Sneezing
Watery, irritated eyes
Dry cough
Sore throat
Headaches
Skin rashes
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Fatigue
Asthma
Respiratory infections
Bronchitis
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The easiest way to combat these symptoms is to remove the mold. The mold is caused by some water source, so you need to repair that problem or it will return in weeks or even days.