Parker Safety - Mold Inspection and Testing

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What is going on with mold?

Mold is as old as time, and will be here long after we're all gone. Mold has its purpose, to decompose waste materials. However, mold is an opportunist. Mold is a growing problem in houses built from the mid-1970's to present. Why?

1. Over insulating
2. Poor or inadequate ventilation
3. Poor bulding practices
4. Unabated moisture conditions in the house.
5. Water leaks that have not been properly cleaned.

Mold is considered a serious health hazard. There are 'professionals' that argue mold is not a health hazard. The health hazard depends on an individua'ls own immune system, so what may not affect 3 members of a household, may have a serious health consequence on another. Older people, very young children and immune system compromised individuals are at the greatest risk for mold intolerance.

Mold Information

Lung disease and asthma are dramatically on the rise. Molds and other biological pollutants affect indor air quality and contribute to respiratory disease. IAQ (indoor air quality) has a great effect on 'colds' and general malaise on individuals, especially in the winter months, and for those who spend a great deal of time indoors.

At their mildest, molds can wrinkle the nose and cause coughing, sneezing, headaches and respiratory discomfort. At the worst, they can cause brain and lung damage, up to death. While everyone has heard of Stachybotrys (black mold), not all molds that are black are stachy, and stachy is not the only mold to cause health issues in humans and animals. that is why it is important to test molds when you suspect a mold BEFORE you attempt to clean or remove the mold. KNOW what you are dealing with.

Corner Mold

For example, penicillum is a very common mold. But if you or another member of your family is allergic to penicillin, the consequence can be life threatening. Some genus of aspergillius can live in the human body (lungs and heart lining) and so on.

Warning Signs

While not all mold is as evident as the above photo, here are conditions in a home that may be conducive to mold growth:

Tree roots that have infiltrated storm and sanitary lines. Water backs up and basement wall moisture is evident.

Poor grading - flat or negative slope at the foundation wall is a sure sign of moisture in the home. Water takes the path of least resistance.

Downspout flow from gutters needs to be taken away from the structure. Splash blocks are not sufficient to do this, especially on flat or rolling grades.

Efflorescence (white powdery substance) and staining on: chimneys, foundation or basement walls, till, retaining walls, or any other home surfaces are an indication of moisture penetration.

Flashing changes in roof elevations, flashing not properly sealed, poor maintenance of roof and gutters may indicate a moisture problem.

Ventilation - lack of roof and crawl space ventilation. If you do not see vents, or verify that the vents are truly cut-through or not blocked, there will be mold growth. It is difficult to determine ventilation in cathedral ceilings or roof lines w/o attic entrances.

We use the Zefon Bio Pump for air sampling and VIABLE culture air samples. We also conduct surface mold sampling.

We are also the exclusive supplier for Zefon's mold inspection supplies in Ohio and West Virginia.