How Dangerous Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in dark and damp environments, and is commonly found in homes with abundant moisture. It can manifest in a range of colors, from black and green to white and orange, and flourishes in spaces with high humidity, water damage, or poor airflow. It can be present on cellulose-based surfaces, like walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and even clothing. A mold inspector will usually look for evidence of leaks and water in a home to locate the likeliest catalyst for any mold growth.

While some types of mold are harmless, others have been known to cause health concerns, especially for persons who are at risk. People with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems may experience symptoms such as a stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, and rash. Animals are sometimes negatively impacted by the fungus, experiencing symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Black mold is of particular concern in your areaAL and part of a professional mold inspection will be identifying the species present to understand the risk and develop a plan for mitigation.

It's understandable if you worry about the health of yourself or your family and make inquiries relating to the effect of mold exposure. One question our mold inspectors are often asked is if they're able to test a person for contact with mold? We are not able to provide that as a portion of our mold inspection service, but there are a variety of ways it can be performed by your doctor, including dermal, blood, and urine testing.

While mold may not typically pose a considerable risk to the health of most people, it's particularly detrimental for many common construction materials found inside of homes. Mold spores colonize and devour cellulose-based materials and destroy them over time. Examples of cellulose or plant-based materials used and stored inside of buildings include:

• Drywall
• Wood
• Carpet
• Insulation
• Ceiling tiles
• Wallpaper
• Fabrics
• Upholstery
• Some Painted surfaces
• Paper
• Cardboard
• And More

Mold testing is strongly recommended before you acquire a home or if you currently live inside a house with obvious signs of mold growth and odor. The hazard is that the fungus can spread widely, becoming more costly to eliminate and resulting in extensive damage to a home as time goes on. A skilled mold inspector has the extensive knowledge and testing equipment to evaluate surfaces and the surrounding environment for mold spores you cannot see. A sufficient mold inspection service will provide prospective homebuyers with the insights they need to make better decisions about their investment and give current homeowners knowledge into what needs to be done to halt further spread of the fungus and eliminate it completely.

Some clients ask if a mold inspection service can evaluate people for exposure to the fungus, but this is not within the scope of a home mold inspector and should be performed by your doctor through dermal and blood screening. If you suspect or know that you or your family has been exposed to mold, consult with your doctor about the risks and to know if any personal testing needs to be done.

How Is a Competent Mold Inspection Carried Out?

An expert mold inspection service will deliver a complete evaluation of a property to detect the presence of mold and determine the severity of the problem. The particular process for a professional mold inspection may vary depending on the property size, but generally includes:

• Initial Assessment: The mold inspector gathers information from the current homeowner regarding any visible mold growth, water leakage, or indoor air quality doubts. Earthy smells or health symptoms presented by individuals will also be examined.
• Visual Inspection: The next task of our mold inspection service includes a detailed visual examination of the home, both inside and out, scanning for signs of mold growth, water intrusion, and other moisture-related issues. We check areas susceptible to mold infestation, like subterranean levels, crawl spaces, bathrooms, attics, and spaces with plumbing or HVAC appliances.
• Moisture detection: Your mold inspector may use moisture detection equipment, such as a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera, to locate areas of the home that have high levels of moisture to help recognize areas where mold is likely to grow.
• Air Sampling: Air sampling will be carried out to determine indoor air quality and confirm the amount of floating mold spores. Air filters and extraction equipment are employed to obtain air samples from diverse areas of the house. These samples will be submitted to a laboratory for assessment.
• Surface Sampling: If mold infestation is presumed but not visible, the inspector may recover surface samples from areas such as walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This requires wiping or tape-lifting portions of surfaces, which are then submitted to a laboratory for analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting: Findings are noted, including observations, measurements, sample locations, and laboratory results. A thorough report is prepared, outlining the inspection specifics, mold varieties identified, and advised measures for cleanup, if necessary.
• Recommendations and Remediation Plan: If mold is discovered, the inspector may supply recommendations for mold cleanup, which may involve hiring a expert mold remediation company. They will likely suggest steps to reduce moisture intrusions, improve ventilation, and stop future mold growth.
• Follow-up and Clearance Testing: A subsequent assessment may be executed to ensure that the cleanup efforts were successful and that the mold issue has been adequately addressed.
• Education and Prevention: The inspector guides the client about mold precaution measures, including appropriate ventilation, moisture control, and care procedures.

What Do I Need To Do To Prepare for My Mold Inspection?

You do not need to do much in preparation for a mold inspection besides guaranteeing that your inspector can easily reach parts of the home where you suspect mold growth. It is also recommended to arrange for pets to be outdoors of the home throughout the testing period to guarantee that the results of the test are not influenced by pet dander or additional allergens.

Examples of activities we suggest you do not do include:

• Do not clean or disrupt any spaces within the house where you suspect mold colonization.
• Do not operate any air purifiers or air filtration appliances during the testing date, as these may throw off the data of the test.
• If you're able, avoid cooking, smoking, or using any products that release chemicals into the air for at least 24 hours before the test. This precaution helps ensure that the test results are not influenced by additional airborne contaminants.

It is also recommended you keep all windows and doors shut for at least 12 hours before the test. This measure guarantees that the environment within the home remains still and correctly represents the standard indoor air quality. By following these recommendations, you will enhance the accuracy of your mold inspection service and evaluation.

Buy, Sell, or Move Into a House With Boosted Confidence by Scheduling Services From an Experienced Mold Inspector Right Away

Mold can take hold quickly within a residence and degrade various construction materials and personal possessions. The fungus also poses a possible health risk to at-risk people and pets. When searching for mold inspection near your areaAL, opt for Pillar To Post™ to obtain the most accurate results and a well-defined course forward for cleanup. Safeguard your investment and occupants by booking a service date for mold testing online or by dialing 800-294-5591 today.