The EPA describes mold as: Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture
The EPA states: 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 and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Allergic reactions to mold are common. 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 EPA states: Some compounds produced by molds have strong smells and are volatile and quickly released into the air. These compounds are known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). Because mVOCs often have strong or unpleasant odors, they can be the source of the "moldy odor" or musty smell frequently associated with mold growth. A moldy odor suggests that mold is growing in the building and should be investigated.
The EPA states: Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods and interpreting results. Germ Masters Environmental uses several methods of sampling mold including: tape, swab, and air samples.
Germ Masters Environmental will help get you in contact with a licensed mold remediation company. We will compile all of our findings into a Mold Assessment Report (MAR) and create a Mold Remediation Protocol (MRP) for the remediation company to follow to ensure all of the mold is removed, as well as, the source of the moisture or air quality problem.
Once we receive your information with your desired appointment date, we will call you to confirm or to find another time that will fit into both of our calendars.
Even though anyone can buy a DIY mold test from a local hardware store, it takes a licensed and certified professional to assess and test properly to ensure the most accurate results and solutions for your IAQ problems.
Depending on the method selected, results can vary from 24-72 hours.
