Ten Things to Know About Mold

1. Mold needs water and a food source to grow.

penicillium mold

2. Mold can affect people in different ways; there are approximately 100 types of mold that are considered hazardous.

3. Both live and dead mold spores can irritate people. Just trying to kill mold will not solve a mold problem.

4. The EPA does not recommend the use of bleach to remediate mold. 

5. Mold should not be remediated until the water problem that contributed to the mold growth is found and stopped.  Otherwise the mold will come back.

6. Currently there are no Federal standards for mold testing & remediation.  Firms experienced in mold testing and remediation are trained in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that have been established by various organizations and protocols put forth by the EPA.

7.The water problem that caused the mold growth should be fixed and mold remediation should be performed under controlled conditions (negative air machines), utilizing remedial equipment (HEPA vacs) and by personnel trained in the use of Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE).

8. Mold can cause structural issues in buildings and dwellings by deteriorating organic supports such as beams and framing.

9. Mold spores can be found everywhere (both indoors and outside). The general rule is that mold levels should always be higher outside a living space.  When mold levels are found in concentrations inside a building as compared to outside levels, the general consensus is there is a mold problem.  A mold inspector can evaluate the types of mold found and look for marker species of mold that can help fingerprint the source.   

10. Newer homes and buildings are more susceptible to mold problems due to tighter building envelopes creating ideal environments for mold to grow.

 

  Mold Questions? Click Here

 

mold remediation & mold testing