Free mold inspections are done by companies who remediate mold.  They are obviously trying to sell you something.  This is a conflict of interest and is not in your best interest.

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and dead trees. But indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Mold can grow almost anywhere: on walls, ceilings, carpets, or furniture. Humidity or wetness, caused by water leaks, spills from bathtubs or showers, or condensation, can cause mold to grow in your home.

• Keep your house clean and dry.
• Fix water problems such as roof leaks, wet basements, and leaking pipes or faucets.
• Make sure your home is well ventilated and always use ventilation fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
• If possible, keep humidity in your house below 50% by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier.
• Avoid using carpeting in areas of the home that may become wet, such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
• Dry floor mats regularly.

Stachybotrys is a greenish-black mold that is often known as toxic mold, or black mold. This type of mold is often more dangerous than other white molds, such as food mold. Highly dangerous toxins are released into the air by Stachybotrys, and breathing anywhere around the infestation of mold can cause serious health risks. There are also other dangers of living with this toxic mold, including damage to the home that can be costly to its overall value.

Since a house doesn’t have to be subject to a natural disaster for Stachybotrys to grow, it is important for all homeowners to know the dangers of this toxic mold, so that if they suspect their house is affected, it can be dealt with immediately. Preventing mold is the best thing a homeowner can do, and leaving a known patch to grow beyond contamination is only asking for one or more of these dangers to knock on the door of your home.

Mold spores are tiny particles that float through the air. These can sometimes cause health problems. Mold does not affect everyone, and different people are affected differently when mold is breathed or inhaled.

People with allergies to mold may get:

• Watery eyes
• Runny or stuffed noses Itching
• Headaches
• Difficulty breathing

Mold can also trigger asthma attacks. Some molds produce toxins (poisons) that may be hazardous if people are exposed to large amounts of these molds. Mold spores and related mycotoxins can also pose a serious health threat to individuals who have compromised immune systems.

Clients often ask us “what are the symptoms of mold exposure”?  Below are some of the common symptoms:

• Respiratory problems; including difficulty breathing, wheezing, and shortness of breath;
• Sinus and nasal congestion and irritation;
• Irritation of the eyes — watery, burning, red;
• Coughing;
• Sore and/or dry throat;
• Skin rashes and irritations;
• Problems with sense of smell;
• Typical symptoms normally associated with a cold or allergies; and
• Memory problems, odd mood swings, nose bleeds, body aches and pains, and fevers are occasionally reported in mold cases.

Mold exposure can also exacerbate other illnesses and conditions, including asthma.  These symptoms are often worse for the young, elderly, or people with compromised immune systems.

Search for moisture in areas that have a damp or moldy smell, especially in basements, kitchens and bathrooms. Look for water stains or colored, fuzzy growth on and around ceilings, walls, floors, windowsills and pipes. If you smell a musty odor, search behind and underneath materials such as carpeting, furniture or stored items. Inspect kitchens, bathrooms and basements for standing water, water stains and patches of out-of-place color.

Bleach actually causes more damage with mold.  Mold has to be removed, not bleached.  Bleach turns the mold white so you don’t see it but the water in the bleach feeds the mold, exacerbating the problem.

Home test kits are useless and a waste of money because the chemicals and solutions required to get accurate readings on mold levels are illegal without special permits.  It’s therefore impossible to get accurate readings from home test kits.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, but it’s extremely durable and heat-resistant. Companies used to mine the fibers and use them for industrial production. At first, they weren’t aware that they could cause health complications. However, as time went on and the fibers were linked to several cancers, the companies simply hid the fact that it was a toxic material.

Thousands of industrial and commercial products, from insulation to plumbing, once contained asbestos. If these products are structurally disturbed, they can release asbestos into the air. If anyone inhales or swallows airborne asbestos, the fibers can get stuck in the body.  Asbestos-induced inflammation and genetic changes can cause illness up to 50 years after exposure.

Unfortunately, as a building owner you are legally responsible for what an asbestos abatement company does in your building.  If they do not properly remove the asbestos, you are held accountable.  To protect you from inadequate asbestos removal, we provide you with an abatement specification sheet that details exactly what your abatement company must do to remediate the problem.