Indoor Air Quality/Mold

Over the past several decades, our exposure to indoor air pollutants has increased significantly due to a variety of factors. Today's construction of more tightly sealed buildings with reduced ventilation rates help us to save energy, but these homes also increase the temperature and level of humidity found within. Our lifestyles have also changed dramatically in the last 50 years – the use of synthetic building materials and furnishings, and the use of chemically-formulated personal care products, pesticides and household cleaners, have all become quite commonplace in our modern-day world.

Research indicates that people now spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Studies by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of human exposures to indoor air pollutants have shown that this exposure may be 2-5 times higher, and occasionally more than 100 times higher, than outdoor exposure levels. These studies offer cause for great concern.

Indications of poor indoor air quality

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from allergies or asthma, poor indoor air quality could be triggering your symptoms. Previously nonexistent, sudden, or worsening respiratory problems, sinus congestion, headaches, nausea, mucous membrane (nose/eye) irritation, fatigue, and in some cases even joint aches, have been shown to be related to or caused by poor indoor air quality.

Odors are a key indication of a problem. Many irritating odors are organic in nature and are typically caused by bacteria, mold, mildew or fungus. Many porous materials common to the home, such as ceiling tile, fiberglass, and wood, are convenient places for the accumulation of disease-causing pollutants. The duct work in your home or office provides necessary air circulation, but it is also typically full of mold, dust and bacteria.

Damp carpeting or wood, humidifiers and air conditioners can often harbor toxic microorganisms such as mold. Additionally, if you have recently moved into a newly constructed or renovated home, the off-gassing of furniture, wallpaper, particle board, adhesives, carpet, varnishes and paints are just a few of the things that could taint your indoor air. Changes in personal care products and other lifestyle changes, such as using a new perfume or air freshener, or even frequenting a new dry cleaner, can all affect your indoor air quality and your health as well.

Molds can cause serious health effects

Molds are a type of fungi found throughout the natural environment. Fungi are a large and diverse class of microorganisms that live on organic nutrients. In nature, they play an important role in the breakdown of dead organic matter. Certain varieties of fungal spores contain mycotoxins (fungal toxins) which can be breathed into the body. This pathogenic or toxic mold can cause serious health effects, especially in persons with decreased immune function, those who are taking chemotherapy, or individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

The problem with molds start when they are found in excessive amounts in the indoor environment. Like most fungi, the majority of molds reproduce by producing spores in large numbers in the fruiting bodies. These microscopic spores develop on hyphae (threadlike filaments) that project up into the air above the food source, thus making them easily airborne. The color of the mold also comes from these spores.

Because they are so small, mold spores can be carried indoors on clothing, pets, and shoes, or enter through open doors, windows, and ventilation systems. It is impossible and impractical to attempt to eliminate all indoor molds, but it is necessary to prevent significant accumulation and growth.

In order to grow and survive, mold needs moisture, a nutrient base, and a temperature range above 40 degrees and below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Under the right conditions, spores can prosper on wood, paper, carpet, soil, plants and fabrics. Any dirt on these surfaces will provide additional nutrients for spore growth.

Mold sampling

It is important to note that mold sampling services are dependent upon a careful examination of the structure for moisture "red flags." If no "red flag" conditions are obvious, but there is still cause for concern, then collection is made near the HVAC return. Several methods are utilized by professionals when testing for mold, such as air and swab sampling.

Identifying molds

Identifying molds can be a difficult process. Under ideal conditions, molds take about seven days to germinate and grow to spore production. A comparison of indoor and outdoor samples may verify the existence of amplified mold in the home; however, several different species may exist within a sub-family of mold, one or more of which may be pathogenic. If mold is collected and cultured in a laboratory environment, the species may be identified, a process known as viable testing. If a mold sample is collected in a field environment and observed under a microscope, the process is called non-viable testing.

Although viable testing may allow complete characterization of molds for classification and research into disease related questions, it may actually fail to identify a mold if it does not happen to grow well in the chosen culture medium. An additional problem with viable testing is that it may not identify the dead spores and parts of mold hyphae which may cause allergy or disease symptoms. Often, the species of fungi is not identified through any form of testing, however, this information is not necessarily needed to detect a microbial problem in the home.

Moisture evaluation is key to finding the source

Moisture plays a major part in mold growth – an increase in moisture will cause mold to grow excessively. Statistics from the US Census Bureau indicate that approximately 35 percent of American homes are water-damaged each year. To control and eliminate mold growth, moisture must be minimal.

An indoor air quality analysis therefore, must also include an extensive moisture evaluation. This evaluation encompasses a series of moisture readings taken both inside and outside the home. These readings trace the path of water penetration in order to discover the actual source. It is only when this moisture source has then been eliminated that remediation can begin on the "symptoms" that it created, i.e., mold growth, odors, allergens, etc. This evaluative step is vital to the process of improving overall air quality in the home.

What can we do for you?

Prime Property Inspectors can offer a possible resolution to an ongoing problem. Through the use of various evaluative tools, we endeavor to determine if there is a presence of pollutants, irritants or allergens, identify possible contaminants, educate the client on preventive measures, and provide a valuable analysis that may aid the health professional in evaluating and alleviating a chronic health challenge. This analysis can alert the client to the presence of contaminants inside their home that could be exacerbating their poor indoor air quality. We offer suggestions for remediation and abatement that in most cases can be easily performed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mold

What kind of mold is in my house - is it toxic mold?

Mold cannot be identified by sight and there are thousands of species of mold. Collecting samples and having them analyzed by a laboratory is the first step to identifying if there is any cause for concern.

How did the mold get into my home?

Mold is everywhere; it is not uncommon to find it in any home. It enters through open doorways, windows, heating and air conditioning systems. Spores in the air outside attach themselves to people and animals, bringing mold indoors. Once inside, the spores will begin to grow if they land on places where there is excessive moisture.

How can I tell if there is mold in my home?

Some mold problems are obvious – you will see it growing. You can also look for areas that are consistently wet, or have been wet due to flooding, leaky plumbing or roofing, and areas of high humidity such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens. Other mold problems are not so obvious. If you do not have any visible mold but your home has a damp, musty smell or visible water stains, mold could be growing in areas you cannot see, such as in wall cavities or the duct work of heating/cooling systems.

How can I stop mold from growing in my home?

Look for visible signs of mold growth and signs of excessive moisture or water damage. The earlier a problem is detected the better – mold activity can begin as soon as 24 hours after a water loss. Search areas with noticeable moldy or musty odors. Search behind and underneath materials such as carpets and padding, wallpaper, vinyl flooring, sink cabinets, furniture, pictures or stored items, especially things placed near outside walls or on cold floors. Check around air handling units for stagnant water, and keep these units serviced with regular cleaning of ducts and air filters.

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