Mold Inspections and Surveys

Molds are part of a group of organisms called Fungi (as are mushrooms!) and can be found almost everywhere in outdoor and indoor environments. They are microscopic and can grow on virtually on any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. Some molds can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. They often are settled on indoor surfaces as dust. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed. Mold will grow, multiply and produce spores that are spread easily through the air. It is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, nearly all indoor mold growth can be controlled by controlling moisture indoors. Potential ill health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to clean up or remediate excessive indoor mold growth. The goal of indoor air and surface sampling is to learn about the levels of mold growth within a building environment.

All molds have the potential to cause ill health effects depending on the nature of the species involved, the metabolic products being produced by these species, the level and duration of an individual’s exposure, and the specific susceptibility of those exposed. Molds can produce the allergens that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks in people who may unknowingly be sensitive to mold. Some molds are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants. Health effects generally fall into four categories: allergy, infection, irritation (mucous membrane and sensory), and toxicity.

Several accepted methods can be used to identify and measure levels mold that are suspended in air, settled in dust or growing on surfaces of building materials. They include air cassettes and impact agar samplers for spores and particulates in air; and, tape-lift, swab or carpet cassettes for surface sampling. Environmental Realty Services is qualified to provide sampling and consultation in matters of mold identification, strategies for clean up of excessive mold, and abatement oversight and clearance.

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