Mold Assessment - Inspection

What is Mold? Mold is a type of fungus that grows in our natural environment when exposed to excess water or moisture. Mold spores--tiny microscopic seeds--can be found virtually everywhere, including in homes. They waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually and can grow on building materials and furnishings. When mold spores land on a spot which high enough moisture levels, the mold spores may begin growing and digesting. When excessive moisture or water accumulates in or on a building, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. The key to preventing mold growth is to control moisture intrusion.

Can Mold Cause Health Problems? Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot 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 in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). 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. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.