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Mold Assessments
HomeSafe is proud to offer one of the most comprehensive mold assessments available today. Each assessment includes: an interior and exterior visual inspection to identify moisture intrusion and microbial growth, an infrared thermal imaging scan to detect additional sources of uncontrolled moisture, and sampling for microbial presence. Sampling and interpretation of the results are conducted according to the standards of the IESO (Indoor Environmental Standards Organization). All mold assessments are conducted by a Certified Residential Mold Inspector (CRMI) with theAmerican Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). To become a more educated consumer, review the Q&A that follows.
How Should I Choose a Mold Inspector?
- Does the inspector proclaim to be "certified", or does he have a professional certification?
A training certificate ("certified") is awarded to anyone who attends a particular class and passes a test based only on that class material. These can be obtained in just a few hours. On the other hand, a professional certification is awarded to someone who passes a proctored exam based on broad industry knowledge that is independent of training courses or course providers. Simply put, a professional certification is more difficult to earn, and HomeSafe Inspection has it. See the following video for further explanation of why this is so important.
- Does the inspector allow the lab to determine if a mold problem exists?
Some lab reports are populated with a "yes" or "no" answer to the question, "Does an elevated mold condition exist?". The inspector then passes the report to you without further analysis. Inspectors doing this may not have formal mold training, might not carry insurance for mold assessments, or may be trying to reduce their liability. Shouldn't the inspector make the final determination since he performed the site inspection, talked with the occupants / clients, and understands the overall picture best? HomeSafe has the training and experience to interpret laboratory data and help clients understand their next steps.
- Does the inspection company also provide mold remediation services?
A company that performs mold remediation AND mold sampling has an inherent conflict of interest both before and after remediation work is completed. Before remediation, they are incented to find a mold problem requiring correction. After remediation, they are incented to show passing results of their work. HomeSafe Inspection does not perform any type of mold remediation work, and, therefore, we have no vested interest in the results of any testing we conduct.
Can I Use a Home Mold Kit Instead of a Professional?
Home mold kits are not advised for many reasons. Here are the top 5 reasons why.
1) The most important part of a mold inspection is the visual inspection. Standalone mold samples can be misleading, are sometimes incorrect with both false positive and false negative results occurring, and can only be accurately interpreted in conjunction with a well thought out sampling plan and visual inspection. The visual inspection requires an understanding of building construction, water sources, and other factors that are not apparent to most people, such as condensation occurring in a poorly ventilated attic, poor drainage on the exterior of a building, or cracks in the foundation.
2) Consumer Reports rates home mold test kits as "Not Recommended". Consumer Reports evaluated 4 different types of home mold testing kits and and rated all of them "Not Recommended," including typical comments like these for a Pro-Lab kit:
"In some samples, the vials with media leaked over entire kit. In one, an unopened kit was moldy. No expiration dates on the kit; old media could affect the accuracy and reliability of the results. Label claims that kit can identify toxic mold, but the report the lab sends can't tell you this. One unused plate came back positive for mold growth, indicating contamination at some point; not very reassuring for post remediation use."
3) Mold test kits do not provide meaningful answers. The primary issue with these kits is they essentially only test for the presence of mold in the home. The mold testing kits that we are aware of are simply "gravity" or "settling" plates which consists of putting an open Petri dish in the home for some period of time. This is about as useful as setting out a plate of fruit and finding out whether mold will grow on them. Mold growth will result 100% of the time. If you leave moist food on the kitchen counter for weeks, no one is surprised when mold forms on that food, and finding mold on that food does not mean that the home has a mold problem. It's important to understand that mold is everywhere. All homes have mold. If you open a Petri dish and take a sample, the resulting mold growth is not helpful information.
4) Mold test kits create fear to make money for mold test kit manufacturers. Setting out a petri dish never provides useful information. It merely confirms what we already know – that there are mold spores in the air – and only serves to line the pockets of the companies that produce them and to cause fear in the people who use them, which causes further sampling or work for the companies that produce home mold testing kits.
5) The mold industry advises against home mold test kits. All credible organizations in the indoor air quality community advocate against using these types of samples. In fact, a well-recognized book in the mold industry "Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control" by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) advises against using the types of samples included in these home mold testing kits.
PLEASE REMEMBER
Georgia does not require any type of licensing for indoor air quality professionals.
HomeSafe Inspection utilizes EMLab P&K for mold sample analysis. It carries the AIHA EMLAP certification, the highest certification given by the American Industrial Hygienist Association to microbiology labs performing this type of work. In addition, this lab differentiates itself by only using analysts with college degrees, the majority with a Masters or Ph.D. in mycology / microbiology.
If possible, sampling should not occur within 12 hours of any substantial rainfall. This reduces the possibility of a false-positive result. Outdoor spore levels are depleted by rain and require time to reach equilibrium again.
Accuracy of results is improved when all doors and windows have been closed for at least several hours prior to testing, preferably 24 hours.
INTRODUCTION TO MOLDS
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 within 24-48 hours, particularly if the moisture problem is not addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold spores in the indoor environment, so controlling moisture is essential.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MOLD
Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
If mold is a problem in your home, you must control moisture to prevent the problem from returning.
Reduce indoor humidity below 60% to decrease mold growth: vent bathrooms and dryers, use air conditioners and de-humidifiers, increase ventilation, and use exhaust fans whenever cooking, etc.
Clean and dry any wet building materials and furnishings within 48 hours.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent and dry completely. Absorbent materials may need to be replaced.
Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
In areas where there is a long-term moisture problem, do not install carpeting.
Mold can grow on virtually any substance if moisture is present. Even inorganic substances can grow mold when covered with dust, debris, etc.
CAN MOLD CAUSE HEALTH PROBLEMS?
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless there is a source of mold spores in an area where air distribution and human exposure can occur. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing, and this overview does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure.
HOW DO I GET RID OF MOLD?
It is impossible to get rid of all mold spores indoors. Mold will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth stopped by controlling indoor moisture. If you have a mold problem, the mold must be removed, and the water issue fixed. If the moisture problem is not remedied, then the mold will return.
HOW DOES MOLD AFFECT PEOPLE?
Some people are sensitive to mold. Exposure causes symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of mold in occupational settings. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. People with chronic lung illnesses may develop mold infections in their lungs. Consult with your physician if you believe that you are suffering from the effects of mold.
