Mold Inspection and Testing

Mold Inspection and Testing

Mold is a serious matter that should not be overlooked. A person’s health can be adversely affected by indoor mold contamination that causes them to experience an array of medical issues. Mold grows when moisture comes in contact with proteins in building materials. It can be found anywhere in homes, buildings, offices and occupied space. Immunocompromised individuals, children and the elderly are are the most vulnerable to its affects. Whether you’re involved in a real estate transaction, are a property manager, an insurance firm, a contractor or homeowner buying a new home or dealing with a mold problem or someone looking for more information you can rely on Mold Authority for answers and solutions.

Our Mold Authority experts have been helping people breathe easier for over 18 years. We strive to provide A1 services to our clients and our thorough testing methods ensure that any issues your property has will be discovered and you will be provided with a real solution, in order to permanently correct the problem. Call us today at 646-600-MOLD to schedule your Mold Inspection and breathe easier with the peace of mind you deserve.

Helpful information in understanding Mold and its effects:

Moisture control is the key to mold control. Molds will often grow in damp or wet areas indoors. Common sites for indoor mold growth include: bathroom tile, basement walls, areas around windows where moisture condenses, and near leaky water fountains or sinks. Common sources or causes of water or moisture problems include roof leaks, deferred maintenance, condensation associated with high humidity or cold spots in the building, localized flooding due to plumbing failures or heavy rains, slow leaks in plumbing fixtures, and malfunction or poor design of humidification systems. Uncontrolled humidity can also be a source of moisture leading to mold growth, particularly in hot, humid climates.

Health Effects and Symptoms Associated with Mold Exposure

When moisture problems occur and mold growth results, building occupants may begin to report odors and a variety of health problems, such as headaches, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and aggravation of asthma symptoms; all of these symptoms could potentially be associated with mold exposure. All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, toxins that may cause reactions in humans.

Specific reactions to mold growth can include the following:

• Allergic Reactions – Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to mold are common – these reactions can be immediate or delayed. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Mold spores and fragments can produce allergic reactions in sensitive individuals regardless of whether the mold is dead or alive. Repeated or single exposure to mold or mold spores may cause previously non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive. Repeated exposure has the potential to increase sensitivity.
• Asthma – Molds can trigger asthma attacks in persons who are allergic (sensitized) to molds. The irritants produced by molds may also worsen asthma in non-allergic (non-sensitized) people.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis – may develop following either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) exposure to molds. The disease resembles bacterial pneumonia and is uncommon.
• Irritant Effects – Mold exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, and sometimes can create a burning sensation in these areas.

For more about how do molds affect people, visit https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-and-health

A Mold Authority inspection includes the following:

• Evaluate existing mold damage in the home or building.*
  • Investigate environmental conditions that may cause mold to grow.
  • Identify items that may need repair or replacement.
  • Identify moisture intrusion areas and inspect non-visible (in walls) for hidden mold.
• Take indoor/outdoor air and surface samples for testing.
• Samples will be sent for independent laboratory analysis
  • Provide clear answers on what type of mold, toxic or not, how much, and why.
  • Give recommendations based on findings.
  • Take digital pictures of the susceptive areas.
  • Assist in your litigation by reporting details, health conditions, and mold counts.
  • Shed light on identifying if medical aliments are mold related.
  • Provide a fully detailed report as described below including: finds, lab report, construction defects, and potential problems, assessment of existing mold, remediation plan, general recommendations and preventive maintenance moving forward.

The Mold Authority Report – the gold standard for mold inspection reports – features a comprehensive evaluation of the home or building, a thorough walk – through, sampling of air, substance, or surface, and a complete report, including:

• Lab analysis
• Finding
• Remediation steps, if necessary
• Environmental guidelines
• Digital photos
• Preventive maintenance measures and recommendations

*Clients need not be present during the examination, but it is most beneficial if they are in order to understand all of the problems and suggested solutions.

So how can you improve the indoor air quality in your home?

First, have your occupied area being the home office or dwelling inspected and/or tested to determine which environmental hazard may be present so that a proper course of action can be taken. Typical courses of action include stopping or reducing exposure to what is causing the adverse health reactions. Mold Authority has been helping people with Air Quality issues for over 18 years and strive to provide A1 services. Our testing methods ensure that any issues present at the property will be discovered and a real solution will be provided in order to permanently correct the problems. In addition to the New York metropolitan area (Manhattan, Long Island, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx), we also service the following states: New Jersey, North Carolina and South Carolina. For service near you, call us today at 646-600-MOLD to have one of our trained staff talk about giving you the peace of mind you deserve.