Mold Facts

According to FEMA: “Mildew and molds are fungi - simple microscopic organisms that thrive anywhere there is a moist environment. Molds are a necessary part of the environment; without them, leaves would not decay and aspects of soil enrichment could not take place. It is their ability to destroy organic materials, however, that makes mold a problem for people - in our homes and in our bodies. Mildew (mold in early stage) and molds grow on wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves and other organic materials. Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours. They reproduce by spores - tiny, lightweight “seeds”- that travel through the air. Molds digest organic material, eventually destroying the material they grow on, and then spread to destroy adjacent organic material. In addition to the damage molds can cause in your home, they can also cause mild to severe health problems.”

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf

Mold will grow and reproduce under the appropriate conditions, temperature, enough moisture (e.g., rain flooding in from roof or ground floor, very high humidity, condensation in poorly ventilated bathrooms, water from a leaking pipe, etc.) and a food source of organic material, like cellulose in drywall or wooden carpet tack strips, etc.

Signs of mold growth typically are discoloration, staining, odors, or fuzzy growth on building materials or furniture, and can be of many colors white, gray, brow, black, yellow, or green, to name a few.

Certain walls, floors, appliances, HVAC air vents, carpets, excessive dust buildup and furniture may all offer the environment mold needs to thrive. But because all mold requires enough moisture, you're more likely to find mold in wet locations like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and crawl spaces. Moisture control is key!

• Household leaks can waste 180 gallons per week. Toilets are often the culprit.- EPA.gov/watersense

• 98% of basements experience some sort of water damage.

• The average home insurance claim for water damage is $11,098.

• According to FEMA, flooding is the most common and most expensive, natural disaster in the U.S. 1 foot of water in a 2,500 sq ft single story home can cause more than $29,000 in damage. 

VOCs are various volatile organic compounds, either of chemical or biological origin, consisting of hazardous gasses.  Various smells associated with microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOC) are musty odors compared to old cheese,a stagnant locker room, dirty socks or a wet dog. This odor is the off-gassing of industrial chemicals in your home from furniture, carpets, certain glues, cleaners, etc. Or microbial decay off-gassing created by mold or bacteria growth during their metabolic processes. These odors could be signs of mold growth indoors and should be investigated. These gasses can contain formaldehyde, ethanol ,alcohols, carboxylic acids, benzyl cyanide, hydrocarbons,2-methyl-isoborneol, sulfur and nitrogen compounds which at elevated levels are classified as a health hazard. Exposure to MVOC’s has been blamed for headaches, cancers, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.

When it comes to mold remediation think mold removal. Returning your indoor environment back to a “normal” pre contaminated condition. Ultimately you want the mold removed, not just painted over, as we sometimes see, especially with drywall!

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If you believe you have mold, the first step is to contact an independent mold testing company that does not do mold removal or mold remediation. What is the significance of this? Because you're looking for an honest no conflict of interest answer. After we complete our  testing, we will offer you a mold removal outline so you can select a trustworthy remediation company to carry out the plan. Inquire about their qualifications, insurance, and licensing, as well as the length of time they have been a company. You should also request references from the mold cleanup business. 

Because Air Mold Inspection & Testing only does mold testing and inspections, rather than mold remediation, our results are impartial and genuine. We do not fabricate or exaggerate mold problems in order to profit from remediation. In some states it is prohibited to test for and treat mold on the same job; you must employ two distinct companies, right now Maryland is not one of those states.

The mold remediation process can begin when the amount of the contamination is identified. Once assessment is complete, we can recommend a separate mold remediation company to handle this job. This is the process of physically removing mold and contaminated material. Mold removal products and sufficient ventilation are recommended for minor infestations. In more severe situations, carpeting, drywall, and even structural repairs may be required. 

Out of the several hundred thousand species of molds, there are a few different species which are known as toxic molds because they can release mycotoxins which are toxic to humans and animals. Some of the most common toxic molds are:

• Aspergillus

• Fusarium

• Penicillium

• Stachybotrys

• Trichoderma

Not all Black Mold is Toxic Mold.

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Not all mold that appears black or dark is toxic. This is why if you find black mold which you suspect is giving you toxic symptoms then you should have it tested to identify the species of the mold before taking any drastic measures such as moving out or getting rid of your belongings.