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.
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.
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.
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.
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.