How do I
know if I have mold in my home?
Answer:
Many times
mold is not visibly obvious. Mold can be hidden
inside walls both interior and exterior where
water or extreme moisture is present, in some
cases an odor will be present and in other cases
it will not.
We always recommend Air Sampling prior to
using invasive exploration such as drilling a
small hole in the suspect area and utilizing a
borescope (A borescope is an optical device
consisting of a rigid or flexible tube with an
eyepiece on one end, an objective lens on the
other linked together by a relay optical system
in between. The optical system is usually
surrounded by optical fibers used for
illumination of the remote object and a rigid or
flexible protective outer sheath. The remote
object is illuminated and an internal image
formed by the objective lens is relayed to the
eyepiece, which magnifies the internal image and
presents it to the viewer's eye). Borescopes
are used for inspection work where the area to
be inspected is inaccessible by other means.
Many people
will show signs of allergies when mold is
present, specifically people who are susceptible
to Allergies, the Elderly, Infants, and people
who have weakened immune systems.]
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What if I can see mold? How do I know if
it is Dangerous?
Answer:
Not all Molds produce Mycotoxins A
mycotoxin is a
toxic secondary metabolite produced by an
organism of the fungus kingdom, including
mushrooms, molds, and yeasts. The term 'mycotoxin'
is usually reserved for the toxic chemical
products produced by fungi that readily colonize
crops. Most fungi are aerobic (use oxygen) and
are found almost everywhere in extremely small
quantities due to the minute size of their
spores. They consume organic matter wherever
humidity and temperature are sufficient. One
mold species may produce many different
mycotoxins and/or the same mycotoxin as another
species.
Where conditions are right, fungi proliferate
into colonies and mycotoxin levels become high.
The reason for the production of mycotoxins is
not yet known; they are neither necessary for
growth nor the development of the fungi. The
production of toxins depends on the surrounding
intrinsic and extrinsic environments and the
toxins vary greatly in their severity, depending
on the organism infected and its susceptibility,
metabolism, and defense mechanisms. Some of the
health effects found in animals and humans
include death, identifiable diseases or health
problems, weakened immune systems without
specificity to a toxin, and as allergens or
irritants. Some mycotoxins are harmful to other
microorganisms such as other fungi or even
bacteria; penicillin is one example.
This is why we
take samples and utilize lab analysis, we
determine what type of mold you have, the
presence of mold spores, their
numbers/concentration and if it is a type known
to produce mycotoxins, we accomplish this by a
variety of sampling methods based on each
situation.
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Can I just put Bleach on the Mold?
ANSWER:
Mold is a
fungus, and it sends roots into the material on
which it is attached. Mold also produces spores,
which are then introduced to other areas and
spread by becoming airborne. The ion structure
of a bleach solution prevents the bleach from
penetrating any porous surface so only the water
part penetrates and the bleach sits on the
surface. Bleach is typically 5% bleach (sodium
hypochlorite) and 95% water. So when you put
bleach on mold the bleach may kill that part of
the mold plant, which is on the surface, but it
will not touch the roots or have a killing
effect on spores that may have already been
released into the Air or other surface areas.
Again, a
determination needs to be made as to where and
why there is moisture intrusion, which has
allowed the mold to grow.
What’s Toxic Mold?
Answer:
The term
"toxic mold" is not accurate. While certain
molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce
toxins (specifically mycotoxins), the molds
themselves are not toxic, or poisonous. Hazards
and Health challenges presented by molds that
may produce mycotoxins should be considered
serious.
Again, a determination must be made by a
qualified individual as to the type and
concentration of mold in your home.
I already know I have mold I see it why do I
need to test for it?
Answer:
By taking
samples for lab analysis we can determine the
type and whether or not the mold is a type that
produces Mycotoxins, which can be problematic to
people with allergies, small children, elderly
and people with weakened immune systems. We can
also determine the amount of spores that have
become Airborne which may also be helpful in
determining the levels of mold in your home and
its growth and Location.
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