Mold Testing
Molds are problems when mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems! Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions) and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.
Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold.
Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold is conducted by One Source Inspections professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.
What does testing do? With inspection and testing, we identify the presence of mold and generally the size. Finding out if your home has mold or is mold free is a good way to ensure your home is safe and uncontaminated by unknown particles in the parts of your home you can't see and guarantee you are mold safe and you and your family are healthy and safe.
How do we test for mold? We bring in a tripod collecting device that runs during the time of the inspection and collect air samples of each level of the home and an outside sample. We send these samples to a lab and get results for this test is a 5-7 day turnaround. You receive the report once we get it and let you know what actions are necessary if mold is present.
Testing for mold is vital especially if you feel like the home smells or feels sticky and the air doesn’t feel clean! Get your inspection and testing BEFORE you move into your stunning home!
Ten Things You Need to Know about Mold According to the EPA
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Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
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There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
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If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
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Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
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Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
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Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
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Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
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Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
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In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
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Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
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If you would like to learn more about mold testing or mold, feel free to use the chat bubble, email us at office@osinspection.net or give us a call at 937-688-1872