LOOK AT THIS MESS!!!

WHAT IS MOLD?

Molds are microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Mold spores are tiny, lightweight, and easily detached by airflow, vacuuming, walking on a carpet or sitting on a couch. In indoor environments, they grow in air-conditioning ducts, carpets, pots of household plants, etc. They produce and release millions of spores, which are small enough to stay airborne threatening to invade the human respiratory system. Mold growths can often be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown and black.

For molds to grow and reproduce, they need only a food source and moisture. Any organic material, such as leaves, wood, paper, building materials or dirt will be a good source of food. Because molds grow by digesting the organic material, they gradually destroy whatever they grow on.

There are three major types of mold: Allergenic molds are normally not dangerous in low amounts, but they can cause allergenic or asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing or runny nose. Mycotoxic molds can cause serious health effects in humans and animals. Health effects range from short-term irritation to immunosuppression to cancer and even death. Pathogenic molds can cause serious health effects in persons with suppressed immune systems, those taking chemotherapy, those with HIV/AIDS, or autoimmunity disorders.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF MOLD?

Molds can produce a variety of health effects through inflammation, allergy, or infection.

Allergic reactions (often referred to as hay fever) are most common following mold exposure.

Please note: Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people.

Typical symptoms that mold-exposed persons report (alone or in combination) include:

• Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath
• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Eye irritation (burning, watery, or reddened eyes)
• Dry, hacking cough
• Nose or throat irritation
• Skin rashes or irritation

Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, body aches and pains, and fevers are occasionally reported in mold cases, but their cause is not understood.

CAN I BE EXPOSED TO INDOR MOLDS?

Everyone is exposed to some mold on a daily basis without evident harm. It is common to find mold spores in the air inside homes, and most of the airborne spores found indoors come from outdoor sources. Mold spores primarily cause health problems when they are present in large numbers and people inhale many of them. People can also be exposed to mold by touching contaminated materials and by eating contaminated foods.

HOW MUCH MOLD CAN MAKE ME SICK?

It depends! For some people, a relatively small number of mold spores can trigger an asthma attack or lead to other health problems. For other persons, symptoms may occur only when exposure levels are much higher. Nonetheless, indoor mold growth is unsanitary and undesirable. If you can see or smell mold inside your home (or your future home), take the necessary steps to identify and eliminate the excess moisture and then cleanup and remove the mold.

WHO IS AT GREATER RISK WHEN EXPOSED TO MOLD?

• Individuals with existing respiratory conditions such as allergies, chemical sensitivities, or asthma.
• Persons with weakened immune systems (such as people with HIV infection, cancer chemotherapy patients, and so forth)
• Infants and young children
• The elderly

Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone inside buildings. Therefore, it is always best to identify and correct moisture conditions quickly before mold grows and health problems develop.

Some people may have more severe symptoms or become ill more rapidly than others

HOW DO I GET RID OF MOLD?

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The only way to control mold is to repair the moisture problem and clean up the mold. (If you clean up the mold, but don’t fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back).

SHOULD I TEST MY HOME FOR MOLD?

Yes, if you see or smell mold, or you have any of the symptoms that is associated with mold exposure, you likely have a problem and you should test your home as a first step to determine if you have a high count of mold spores. EZ BUILDING INSPECTORS will inspect your property visually for red flags (clues of mold) and based on the inspection findings we will determine how many samples should be taken and sent to the lab for analysis.The lab report will be evaluated and if further action needed, we can assist you with more information regarding remediation and mold cleanup.

Red flags- defined as evidence of the potential presence of mold based on one or more of the following criteria:

(1) Visible mold-like substance.

(2) Presence of moisture.

(3)   Areas as determined by a survey/surveyor to be suspect to moisture intrusion and fungal growth.

(4)   Sensitivity such as but not limited to odor & dampness inside building.

(5)   Suspicion of presence of mold by the occupant or complaint of suspect health effects from the occupant.

WHAT DOES A MOLD INSPECTION INCLUDE?

EZ BUILDING INSPECTORS will visually inspect the following:

Grounds

Foundations (if accessible)

Roof

Attic (visible & accessible portion)

Plumbing (visible & accessible portion)

Interior (visible & accessible portion)

A/C system (visible & accessible portion)

Based on the inspection findings, we will determine how many samples should be taken (see table below) and send it to the lab for analysis. The lab report will be evaluated and if further action needed, we can assist you with more information regarding remediation and mold cleanup.

Recommended Mold Sampling Decision Chart:

* Red flags- Defined as evidence of the potential presence of mold based on one or more of the following criteria:

(1) Visible mold-like substance, (2) presence of moisture, (3) areas as determined by a survey/surveyor to be suspect to moisture intrusion and fungal growth, (4) sensitivity such as but not limited to odor & dampness inside building (5) suspicion of presence of mold by the occupant or complaint of suspect health effects from the occupant