Mold Inspections By The Most Trusted Home Inspectors in Atlanta, Georgia (GA)!

HomeSafe is proud to offer one of the most comprehensive mold inspections available today. Each inspection includes the following components: an interior and exterior visual inspection of the home, an infrared thermal imaging scan to detect sources of uncontrolled moisture, and sampling for microbial presence. Sampling and interpretation of the results are conducted according to the rigorous standards of the IESO (Indoor Environmental Standards Organization). Unlike most other inspectors, we do not provide lab results to the client and leave interpretation up to them. HomeSafe consults with each client to ensure they understand the results, their implications, and potential next steps.

All of our mold inspections and corresponding mold sampling are conducted by Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) and American Indoor Air Quality Council (AmIAQC) certified personnel who are Certified Residential Mold Inspectors (CRMI). This certification is far more difficult to obtain compared to inspectors who are “certified” by only watching training videos or attending classes offered by the laboratories themselves. The goal of these laboratories is to certify as many inspectors as possible in order to increase the volume of samples they process.

· We do not perform any type of mold remediation work. Therefore, we have no vested interest in the results of any mold testing we conduct. A company that performs mold remediation and mold testing is an inherent conflict of interest.

· We utilize 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 Masters or Ph.D.’s in mycology and microbiology.

· Georgia does not require any type of licensing for indoor air quality professionals.

· Typically, we do not take samples within 24 hours of precipitation to prevent the possibility of a false-positive test. Outdoor spore levels are severely depleted by precipitation and require time to reach equilibrium.

· Accuracy of results is improved when all doors and windows have been closed for at least several hours prior to testing, preferably 24 hours.

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.

· 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 eliminate sources of moisture to prevent the problem from returning.

· Reduce indoor humidity to a level 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 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 perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting.

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 isn’t present. Indoor mold growth can be prevented by controlling indoor moisture. If you have mold growth, the mold must be removed, and the water problem fixed. If the moisture problem is not fixed then, most likely, the mold will return.

HOW DOES MOLD AFFECT PEOPLE?

Some people are sensitive to mold. Exposure cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to mold, 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.