What you need to know about mold.

1. What you need to know about mold.

2. What is mold and where is it found? Mold are microscopic organisms that produce spores and are found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Mold can be found on plants, foods, leaves, and other organic materials. Also susceptible to mold growth are cellulose materials, such as, cardboard, paper, ceiling tiles, and sheetrock. Image source: SGS Forensic Laboratories http://www.falaboratories.com/lab-services/microbiology/library/stachybotrys-chartarum.asp

3. How can mold affect your health? When inhaled, even in small amounts, mold can cause a wide range of health problems including respiratory problems (wheezing), nasal and sinus congestion, watery and red eyes, nose and throat irritation, skin irritation, aches and pains, fevers, asthma, emphysema and in some cases even death. Image source: SGS Forensic Laboratories http://www.falaboratories.com/lab-services/microbiology/library/stachybotrys-chartarum.asp

4. How can you be exposed to mold? When moldy materials become damaged or disturbed, spores can be released into the air. Image source: SGS Forensic Laboratories http://www.falaboratories.com/lab-services/microbiology/library/stachybotrys-chartarum.asp

5. The black mold StacybotrysChartarum (atra). StachybotrysChartarum (atra) is a greenish-black toxic mold with 15 different species and typically grows in areas where the relative humidity is above 55%. Image source: SGS Forensic Laboratories http://www.falaboratories.com/lab-services/microbiology/library/stachybotrys-chartarum.asp

6. Black mold symptoms. • Respiratory problems • Nasal/sinus congestion • Dry hacking cough • Sore throat • Shortness of breath • Chronic fatigue • Skin irritation • Central nervous system problems • Aches and pains • Possible fever • Diarrhea • Hemosiderosis • Immune suppression

7. How is mold testing done?

8. How is mold testing done? There are two kinds of tests we perform during our mold inspections. Cartridge sampling and swab tests. • Cartridge tests test the air by pulling air into the cartridge where a sticky substance that traps the spores. Interior and exterior cartridge samples are taken, then sent to the laboratory where they compare indoor to outdoor levels and determine what spores are present. • The swab test is used when there is suspicious staining on a surface. With this method, the inspector uses a special type of swab and container, or sampling tape, to take a sample from the surface of concern. The swab(s) are then sent to the laboratory for analysis.

9. Mold test results. After our mold inspection, the mold laboratory typically returns a report within 3 business days. The report shows the type of mold discovered, if any, and the level of concern based on the levels present and spore types found. The report also contains information regarding the health risks and typical dangers. 

10. What do I do if mold is found? If mold issues are found, we recommend that you hire a professional remediation company to determine what actions should be taken to properly address the issues.

11. Do you suspect you have mold? Schedule a mold inspection with AHI. Schedule Mold Inspection