Mold Spores

WHERE CAN MOLD GROW IN COLUMBIA?

Anywhere, unfortunately mold can grow on any organic substance as long as there is moisture, warmth, and oxygen present. Excessive amounts of these essentials can lead to rapid growth of mold when left unchecked. If you suspect mold in your residence, commercial building, or industrial facility, you should contact us immediately for appropriate testing.

Good places to check regularly for mold growth include: closets, laundry rooms , utility rooms, equipment rooms, and kitchens. These places in the home often have heat producing equipment that allow mold to flourish.

HEALTH EFFECTS

Many people in the United States report allergic reactions to mold and mold spores. Exposure can lead to relatively mild symptoms such as: wheezing, skin irritation, eye irritation, and nasal stuffiness. A severe reaction can include fever and shortness of breath. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions are at risk of developing a mold infection inside the lungs.

Useful Links

U.S. EPA’s web portal on mold

New York Times Article on Mold

ALLERGIC REACTION

A major concern associated with exposure to biological pollutants is allergic reactions, which range from rhinitis, nasal congestion, conjunctival inflammation, upper gastrointestinal illness and urticaria to asthma. Notable triggers for these diseases are allergens derived from house dust mites; other arthropods, including cockroaches; pets (cats, dogs, birds, rodents); molds; and protein-containing furnishings, including feathers, kapok, etc. Pinnacle Property Inspections can test for all of these allergens in your home or place of work. Contact us for information and pricing. In commercial and industrial facilities, including multi-family housing (i.e. apartment buildings, dorms, military barracks), more unusual allergens are found (i.e., bacterial enzymes, algae) have caused asthma epidemics. Probably most proteins of non-human origin can cause asthma in a certain part of the population.

INVESTIGATING HIDDEN MOLD PROBLEMS

Just smelling moldy can mean a building is hiding a mold problem. Especially after any water damage or if residents are starting to report symptoms consistent with mold allergies. Places like the rear of drywall or in wall cavities, insulation, beneath cabinets or behind the paneling, top side of ceiling tiles, carpets and pads, and anywhere condensation can form out of site are favorite hiding spots of mold growth.

Proper investigation of a mold problem can be difficult to achieve and potentially dangerous. A professional independent environmental consultant, such as Pinnacle Property Inspections, should handle this for you. The homeowner should not disturb potential sites of mold growth especially by cleaning with the use of harsh chemicals. We also have the ability to sample inside wall cavities in most cases without drilling a hole. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, contact us immediately.

TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MOLD

  1. Health effects and symptoms associated with mold contact and exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses.
  2. The only way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores.
  3. If mold is a problem in your residence or place of work, you should have it tested by a professional immediately.
  4. Fix the source of the water intrusion or leaks to prevent additional mold growth.
  5. Reduce indoor humidity level (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: installing ventilation in bathrooms and utility rooms and other locations that generate heat.
  6. Properly dry any damp furnishings or wet building materials within 48 hours to highly reduce the opportunity for mold to grow.
  7. After proper testing and results, remediate by cleaning all hard surfaces with water and detergent and completely dry. Materials such as ceiling tile, carpets and insulation that are moldy will need to be professionally cleaned or replaced.
  8. Condensation can be reduced on cold hard surfaces such as windows, floors, piping, condensate lines, and HVAC equipment located inside a conditioned space by adding additional insulation.
  9. Do not install carpeting in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms, screened porches, etc. In commercial facilities, also in janitor closets or near drinking fountains.
  10. It has been reported that up to 75,000 species of mold exists and possibly up to a million unidentified. Mold growth can be found on vertical or horizontal surfaces as long as there is condensation or moisture present.
MOISTURE PROBLEMS IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS

Building construction practices and energy code changes in the past few decades have been linked to increased moisture problems in industrial and commercial buildings. Tightly sealed buildings make it very difficult for moisture to escape, leading to buildup that creates a happy environment for mold growth. Problems in these facilities are also related to delayed and/or insufficient maintenance, and the lack of properly trained labor to handle the maintenance.

Temporary office spaces, portable classrooms, and other short-term structures have frequent moisture intrusion issues that develop into mold concerns.

Pinnacle Property Inspections can test in any size location day, night and weekends for your convenience and discretion.