You just received your mold report, but you might still be scratching your head trying to make sense of it all. Mold can be a confusing topic, as neither the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) nor the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) have any standards for what is or what is not acceptable. Mold is a naturally occurring substance that is everywhere, so it’s normal for some mold to be present. The issue we are concerned with is if the mold is in a higher concentration inside when compared to the outside.
From the EPA:
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing.
The other issue is different people may react differently to the same mold. Some people may not have a reaction, while others may have severe reactions.
More from the EPA:
Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
While the CDC says:
The health effects of mold can be different for different people so you cannot rely on sampling and culturing to know if you or a member of your family might become sick. There are no set standards for what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of different kinds of mold in a home.
Here are the most common scenarios in order of frequency. Take a look and see if your property falls under one of these cases. And of course, reach out to us directly to go over anything that is unclear. We’re here to help!
Scenario 1: Air sample results: Normal levels
The lab confirmed that our air samples came back without elevated levels. No remediation steps are necessary. We recommend you follow environmental guidelines as noted in the report to prevent the possibility of future mold growth.
Scenario 2: Mold Confirmed/Remediation Recommended
Mold has been confirmed and identified on either a surface(s) or air sample(s) due to past moisture damage, and or ongoing/active leaking. Reach out to a qualified remediation company.
Scenario 3 No Elevated Air Samples or Mold Identified But Moisture/Wet Areas Found During Inspection/Attention Required
Air and surface samples were taken at the time of inspection, but the report shows no evidence of mold or elevated air samples. At the time of inspection; however, the inspector identified an area of moisture either visually, with the moisture meter, or thermal camera. Despite the lack of mold confirmation, it is important to address the source of moisture to prevent a future mold problem. Mold takes 48 hours to begin growing in a susceptible area (wood, drywall, particle board, etc.) You want to eliminate the moisture before the mold shows up on a surface or in the air and becomes a bigger issue.
Scenario 4 No Physical Evidence of Mold But Air Samples Elevated/ Recommended air cleaning
We sampled a remodeled property with no physical evidence of mold, yet air samples came back elevated. It is not uncommon for contractors or owners to remodel spaces without addressing previous moisture and mold issues. Sections of drywall, cabinetry, etc…might have been removed but the underlying moisture and/or mold was never remediated by a specialist. In these cases, mold is disturbed and lingers in the air, and requires treatment for removal. Air scrubbers (industrial filtration systems) or in some cases fogging are used for this purpose.
Scenario 5: Surface Samples Confirm Mold/ Recommend Cleaning by Qualified Professionals
The inspector observed growth on non-porous, cleanable areas of your home (rubber fridge seal, vinyl or aluminum window frame, bathroom tiles, shower enclosures, etc.) These areas can be treated using a biocide, a specific disinfectant developed for the removal of mold. Please reach out to a qualified cleaning specialist.
Scenario 6 Air Samples Elevated Due to High Humidity/Recommend Controlling Humidity/ Remediation if Necessary
Air samples came back non elevated or possibly elevated yet no signs of visual moisture were detected during the inspection. In some instances, high humidity is the culprit. Wet soil from an abundance of plants, humidifiers on high settings, lack of ventilation, etc…can contribute to this environment. It is recommended to reduce humidity to a range of 40 to 60%.
Regardless of what scenario you may have, moisture is the culprit and any point of moisture needs to be identified and corrected to prevent future issues.
Book your home and mold inspections by calling 818-298-3405