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Mold Testing |
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WHAT IS MOLD?
Definitions
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Mold is a very large group of microscopic fungi that thrive on moist and porous
matter such as wet drywall and damp wood. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they
can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are
present. Molds are filamentous and thus have a large surface area to produce spores
that can be toxic to humans. These spores waft through the air continually; air,
water, and insects easily spread them. When they land on a damp spot, they begin
digesting whatever they landed on in order to survive.
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HOW DOES MOLD GROW IN INDOOR ENVIRONMENTS? |
Molds are a type of fungus and fungal spores are a normal part of our environment,
both indoor and out. While fungal growth outdoors helps break down dead organic
materials, fungal growth indoors is not considered a natural occurrence and should
be avoided. In order for fungi to grow indoors, there must be fungal spores, a favorable
substrate (food), moisture and time enough to grow. Without one of these four factors
mold growth will not occur. When mold growth is not present the missing “ingredient”
is typically water; however, it is important to remember that nonviable fungal spores
can still cause an allergic response for some individuals.
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WHERE CAN MOLD GROW?
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Mold can be hidden and undetected inside wall and ceiling cavities; beneath wallpaper,
paneling, showers and bathrooms, carpeting; and inside heating and cooling equipment
and ducts, attics, crawlspaces, and basements.
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ARE THERE COMMON INDOOR MOLDS?
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There are many common indoor molds, however, the most dangerous of indoor molds
are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium,
and Stachybotrys. Mold sampling and lab analysis are required to identify specific
mold species and their concentrations in the air.
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IS THERE MOLD IN MY HOME?
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Airborne mold spores are everywhere both indoors and outdoors. The risk to a person’s
health is seriously elevated when levels of mold spores indoors is greater than
outdoor levels. Air sampling during a mold inspection will compare indoor mold spore
levels to outdoor mold spore levels.
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CAN MOLD CAUSE HEALTH PROBLEMS?
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Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp
spots and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds
produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and
in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold
or mold spores may cause allergic reactions to sensitive individuals. Allergic responses
may include but are not limited to:
- Sinus congestion
- Nausea
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Skin rashes
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Irritation of the eyes, nose or throat
- Restlessness
- Equilibrium or balance loss
- Dizziness
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. The types of severity of symptoms depend, in part, on the
types of mold present, the extent of an individual’s exposure, the age of the individual,
and their existing sensitivities or allergies. Some of us don’t seem to be bothered.
While just inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions
in sensitive individuals.
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WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO TEST FOR MOLD?
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- When you want to determine if mold is growing in your home/workplace
- After any flooding or water damage event
- Whenever you find a leak that has been present for more than 24 hours
- Whenever you smell a musty odor
- Residents of your home experience a long-term medical condition without a known cause
- Unusual stains appear on furniture or building material
- You suspect mold but do not see any visible mold growth
- After a roof leak
- After a plumbing leak
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OUR MISSION?
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At AAA Inspections, our primary mission is to protect the health and well being
of our client and their family/employees.
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WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?
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AAA Inspections will use a calibrated bio-pump to draw air samples using Air-O-Cell
canisters to collect spore samples. These samples will then be send to an accredited
professional microbiology lab for analysis. Normally 3-5 days later, you will receive
a report from AAA Inspection with the results of the mold test. We not only collect
mold samples, we will help you determine why the mold is there in the first place.
In order to achieve this, we use the latest technology (infrared cameras).
AAA Inspections performs mold inspections in compliance with the standards of practice
set forth by the Mold Inspection Protocol Training Institute. Because we function
as an independent inspection firm and not as a remediation firm, we have no conflict
of interest. Protecting your interest and you health is our only concern.
If mold is a concern to you, give our experienced inspectors a call 334-799-2758
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