INSPECTIONS AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY  TESTING

WE ARE NOT A REMEDIATION COMPANY– ALWAYS HIRE A THIRD PARTY FOR ALL POST AND PRE -TESTING– TO AVOID ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Our team of mold inspectors are certified through the ACAC (American Council for Accredited Certification) to conduct mold assessments and inspect the conditions. Additionally our inspectors are IAQA (Indoor Air Quality Association) members of good standing. We offer a full visual and Quantitative lab test reports in addition to our home inspection report at an additional cost. Quantitative testing breaks out types of mold spores and the quantity of spores. As Certified Mold Investigators we perform indoor air quality testing, if needed, in the hopes that you can receive results in an easy to understand report.

ALWAYS HIRE A THIRD PARTY ACAC CERTIFIED MOLD INSPECTOR FOR ALL POST REMEDIATION TESTING TO AVOID CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Fungal growth is a part of the natural environment. Outdoors, fungal growth plays a part in nature by breaking down dead organic materials such as the dead trees and fallen leaves, but indoor mold growth should be avoided. Fungal growth reproduces by means of tiny spores; these spores are invisible to the naked eye and flow to the outdoor and indoor air. Fungal growth may begin growing indoors and mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of fungal growth, and none of them will grow without water or moisture on cellulose debris. We not only test for fungal growth we also determine the cause.

When you purchase a home, you need answers to your indoor air quality questions before you buy. Then you should choose a professional with the training and the knowledge to help you address your concerns without costing you a small fortune. A professional that will conduct an inspection of your investment in accordance with accepted industry standards

This is why to choose an IAQA  (Indoor Air Quality Association) member and “ACAC” Accredited Certified Mold Inspector:

Pre-testing procedures: to be Used Before a Mold Cleanup/Remediation Project

There are no single accepted “pass-fail” criteria pre-testing inspections. I examine areas for fungal growth or other allergens and look in other building areas for evidence of spread of fungal growth and contaminated debris. Our Evaluation combines a visual inspection of the extent of infected materials/areas with a microscopic examination of surface, dust, air and/or vacuum samples collected at the property. We will collect mold inspection test samples of physical surfaces which appear to be moldy or dirty. We will also collect samples from surfaces areas which appear to be clean (non-suspect) on settled surface sample from a representative cleaned surface in each major area. We may also collect other screening samples by using air or vacuum sampling methods. But beware; air sampling alone is not a reliable means of screening a building for problems. A general inspection protocol includes, but is not limited to, locating the mold and moisture, assessing the mold and moisture to determine the source, performing measurements (temperature, humidity, etc.), and conducting mold sampling, if appropriate. After the inspection is completed, a comprehensive report is prepared. The report includes an explanation of the extent and location of any fungal growth or moisture, location of any active leaks, interpretation of the sampling data and recommendations for the remediation of the fungal growth problem.

WHAT IS MOLD?

Mold is a generic name for over 100,000 different kinds of fungus. Essentially, molds are living organisms that make up a large portion of the fungi kingdom. Once thought to be part of the plant kingdom, molds make spores instead of seeds which float in the air like pollen. Spores are regenerative cells surrounded by a very tough coating that can survive detergents, chemicals, bleach and extreme temperatures.

Mold spores are microscopic in size, typically requiring 600X magnification to identify. It is has been said that 250,000 mold spores can fit on the head of a pin. A visible patch of mold the size of a quarter can represent billions of spores.

Molds reproduce by releasing spores. When mold spores colonize (settle) on a surface they can grow and spread rapidly, giving off a variety of odors and exhibiting hundreds of different colors and textures.

IS MOLD EVERYWHERE?

Mold is part of the natural environment and is virtually everywhere, all the time, indoors and out. It would be a grievous mistake, however, to assume that just because mold is everywhere, it’s not a problem.

Outdoors, mold plays an important role in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. Indoors, mold can be a significant problem, destroying property and posing a number of serious health risks.

WHEN & HOW DOES MOLD BECOME A PROBLEM?

Since mold spores are everywhere all the time, we are always exposed to mold. At any given time, outdoor air will have as many as 100 different types of mold spores floating about, along with a number of other airborne pollutants. Because mold spores are ever-present in the air, they drift freely in and out of buildings through doors, windows, attic vents, HVAC systems, etc. On any given day, airborne mold spore levels indoors should always be about the same as outdoors, unless mold is originating indoors.

Increased spore amounts

When airborne mold spores find something damp to stick to, they colonize (grow) and release new spores. Mold growing outdoors is seldom ever a health risk. But when mold grows indoors, spore levels can reach concentrations significantly higher than outdoors and cause a number of adverse reactions in people and animals, including rashes and itching skin, eye – nose and throat irritations, chronic headaches, respiratory infections, nausea, and trigger asthma attacks.

Increased spore types

In addition to increasing the amount of spores indoors, mold growing indoors on wet construction materials tend to produce different types of spores that are not found outdoors.

For example, it is rare to find Stachybotrys outdoors. However, Stachybotrys is commonly found growing indoors on drywall and carpet after a flood or other water intrusion has occurred. Stachybotrys is often referred to as “black mold” and can be toxigenic. Exposure to high concentrations of toxigenic mold spores inside a building can present a wide range of very serious health risks to the occupants.

While you cannot control Mother Nature, you can certainly limit the potential for indoor mold growth by limiting moisture sources and responding rapidly to every water intrusion issue. The biggest mistake people make is ignoring minor issues until they become major problems. Early detection and assessment can minimize the risk of exposure to toxic molds and save thousands of dollars in repair costs.

ARE ALL MOLDS BAD?

Not all molds are inherently bad or harmful, but some molds can be problematic for human health and cause damage to buildings and materials. Molds are a type of fungi that can grow indoors and outdoors. They thrive in moist environments and can reproduce by releasing spores into the air.

In nature, molds play an important role in the decomposition of organic matter. However, when molds grow indoors, they can cause issues. Certain types of molds produce allergens, irritants, and potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins. When people are exposed to these substances, they may experience allergic reactions, respiratory problems, or other health issues.

The severity of the health effects depends on various factors such as the individual’s sensitivity, the amount and duration of exposure, and the specific type of mold. Some individuals are more susceptible to mold-related health problems, such as those with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems.

In addition to health concerns, molds can also cause structural damage to buildings. They can deteriorate wood, drywall, and other materials, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards.

It’s important to address mold growth promptly if you find it indoors. If the affected area is small (less than 10 square feet), you can often clean it yourself using appropriate precautions. However, for larger mold infestations or if you are sensitive to molds, it is recommended to seek professional assistance from mold remediation experts.

Preventing mold growth involves controlling moisture levels in your home, ensuring proper ventilation, promptly fixing any water leaks or dampness issues, and maintaining good indoor hygiene.

SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED ABOUT MOLD?

Mold, though seemingly inconspicuous, can pose a significant threat to our health and well-being. Its presence should not be taken lightly, as it can cause a range of health problems and wreak havoc on our living environments. Here are several reasons why people should be genuinely concerned about mold:

Firstly, mold spores are known allergens that can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or allergies. Exposure to mold can lead to symptoms like sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and congestion. In more severe cases, it can even cause severe respiratory distress.

Secondly, mold has the potential to produce toxic substances known as mycotoxins. These toxins, when released into the air we breathe, can have detrimental effects on our health. Prolonged exposure to mycotoxins has been linked to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and even neurological problems.

Moreover, mold thrives in damp and humid environments, often flourishing in hidden areas such as behind walls, under carpets, or in basements. This means that even if you cannot visibly see mold, it may still be present and actively growing. The uncontrolled growth of mold can compromise the structural integrity of buildings, causing damage to walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.

Furthermore, mold is not limited to homes and buildings alone; it can also contaminate our food sources. Certain types of mold produce mycotoxins that can contaminate crops, grains, and stored food products. Ingesting food contaminated with these mycotoxins can lead to gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, and long-term health problems.

Lastly, mold can significantly impact our overall quality of life. The presence of mold and its associated health risks can cause stress, anxiety, and discomfort in individuals, particularly those who are more susceptible to its effects. In addition to physical health concerns, living in an environment with mold can also lead to emotional and mental distress.

Given these reasons, it is clear that mold should not be underestimated. Regular inspection, prevention, and prompt remediation of mold growth are essential to maintain a healthy living environment. By being proactive and taking appropriate measures, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the potential dangers associated with mold exposure.

ReferencesF

Mold Resources, United States Environmental Protection Agency. Mold in My Home, What do I do?

Why use a ACCREDITED certified (ACAC) mold Inspector:

1. Certified Mold Inspectors are trained using rigorous inspection standards.
2. Certified Mold Inspectors follow a systematic checklist for collecting microbial samples.
3. Certified Mold Inspectors are trained to perform comparison sampling when no threshold limit values are available.
4. Certified Mold Inspectors offer a cost-effective mold screen and have the ability to refer a specialist if sampling reveals the need for additional investigation.
5. Certified Mold Inspectors have hands-on experience with the latest equipment and technology available.
6. Certified Mold Inspectors are required to attend training and are tested against IESO and New Yard department of health standards.
7. Certified Mold Inspectors are trained to use only IESO 17025 accredited laboratories for sample analyses
8. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) oversees the creation, promulgation and use of thousands of norms and guidelines that directly impact businesses in nearly every sector.

Call Now To Schedule Your Inspection Today

Serving: Northwest Montana, Flathead Valley, Lincoln County, Lake County, Missoula County, Gallatin County.  Kalispell, Whitefish, Polson, Lakeside, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, West Glacier, Libby, Eureka, Montana