Overview

Molds are part of the natural environment. Molds are microscopic organisms responsible for breaking down dead organic material such as fallen leaves and dead trees.  They are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores are exposed to moisture source and begin to grow. People are exposed to outdoor mold everyday and experience no adverse side effects.  However, indoor conditions may facilitate the amplification of mold growth beyond normal levels and may result in serious, chronic health conditions.  Mold spores can cause allergic reactions, asthma, infections and other respiratory problems.  They may also be responsible for central nervous problems such as headaches, memory loss and mood changes. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants and in some cases potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).  Mold requires an organic food source, such as cloth, sheet rock, drywall or wood and a moisture source to grow.  Mold can begin to grow on any organic material that remains wet in as little as 48 hours from an initial water intrusion incident.  Therefore, the way to control mold growth indoors is to control moisture indoors.

 

Assessment Guidelines

If mold contamination is suspected, sampling is recommended.  Molds are responsible for a number of adverse health effects and may cause structural damage to a building if allowed to grow unchecked.  If suspect mold is visible on a surface, amplification of mold growth may probably occur and may potentially expose occupants to increased health risks.  Mold requires moist environments to survive, thereby making water damaged areas prime for mold proliferation.  Occupants should be alert for any signs of staining, discoloration and leaching on plaster, ceiling tiles and wallboard that may have been caused by water damage.  Musty, earthy, or “moldy” odors may also be an indicator of mold growth.  Mold sampling is recommended if any of these warning signs are observed. 

 

Sampling begins with a visual inspection of the suspected mold-infected or potential hazard areas.  A moisture meter may be used to detect moisture levels on walls and floors to determine which areas are susceptible to mold growth. Air samples may be taken to determine the levels of mold spores in the air. The normal indoor environment should be reflective of the outdoor environment.  Indoor air samples are compared to those taken at the same time from the immediate outdoor environment.  If indoor mold levels are significantly higher than those anticipated or if the order of mold species type differs from that of the outdoor environment, mold growth and amplification is suggested.

 

Special Considerations

The first priority is to locate the source of water intrusion and ensure that the problem is eliminated in order to prevent future mold growth. Mold growth may often be the visible sign of a structural defect that allows moisture to intrude into a building.  Small mold problems can be safely remediated by cleaning and disinfecting without any significant health or safety concerns.  However, if the mold growth impacts a surface of more than ten square feet, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that special precautions be taken to protect the workers and outlying areas from contamination.  Major mold damage remediation may require placing the affected area under negative air pressure system containment and includes the removal of all contaminated building materials.  The area should also be thoroughly disinfected and moisture tested.  Follow-up air testing is suggested to ensure that proper clean-up has been performed.

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Common Mold/Moisture Intrusion Questions

 

How do I know if I have a mold problem?

If you’ve had a moisture intrusion problem or water damage, it is possible you may have elevated mold levels. Mold can begin to grow within 48 hours of a major water intrusion incident.  The only way to know for sure is to have a mold assessment performed by qualified professionals to check for moisture and airborne mold levels.

 

Is the green stuff in my shower mold?

The green “stuff” you see growing in your shower may be a type of mold, mildew or fungus.  The reason for this growth is due to the large amounts of humidity and moisture. This type of microbial growth is typically more of a cosmetic concern rather than a health concern. This problem may be easily remedied by regularly cleaning affected areas with an anti-mildew cleaner.

 

How reliable are the Self Mold testing kits.

The self testing mold kits you find at your local hardware stores can tell you if you have elevated mold levels.  However, they do not help you isolate the source of the problem.  With a Mold Assessment, Tacteks can tell you if you have elevated moisture problems, relative humidity abnormalities and ventilation problems within your property that may be the cause of mold growth.