Mold Survey:

This level of Mold Inspection includes data collection (photos and moisture intrusion locations/reasons for intrusion) room by room documentation and sample collections. (Collection of a minimum of 3 samples)

Clearance Testing/Post-Cleaning Testing:

This level of Mold Inspection is designed to determine the effectiveness of remediation efforts and to document the absence of microbial problems before renovations begin. (Collection of a minimum of 3 samples)

      • The lack of evidence does not exclude the possibility of mold especially in homes that have been prepared for sale. If this is the case, a carpet sample should be taken to determine historical data if mold was ever present.

Molds are microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Mold spores are tiny, lightweight, and easily detached by airflow, vacuuming, walking on a carpet or sitting on a couch. In indoor environments, they grow in air-conditioning ducts, carpets, pots of household plants, etc. They produce and release millions of spores, which are small enough to stay airborne threatening to invade the human respiratory system. Mold growths can often be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown and black. In large quantities, molds can cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen. In order for mold to grow, it needs food sources (such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt), a source of moisture, and a place to grow.

Allergenic molds are normally not dangerous in low amounts, but they can cause allergenic or asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing or runny nose. These molds can be abated safely with the assistance of gloves and a disposable particulate-removing respirator.

Mycotoxic molds can cause serious health effects in humans and animals. Health effects range from short-term irritation, to immunosuppression, to cancer and even death. If any toxic molds are identified, it is suggested that you seek advise from an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for guidance. The average homeowner should NOT attempt the abatement of these types of mold.

Pathogenic molds can cause serious health effects in persons with with suppressed immune systems, those taking chemotherapy, those with HIV/AIDS, or autoimmunity disorders. If any pathogenic molds are identified, it is suggested that you seek advise from an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for guidance. The average homeowner should NOT attempt the abatement of these types of mold.

Hyphae & hyphal elements refer to single, unidentifiable fragments of mold. Although they may not be traceable to a specific mold species, the fragments themselves may be responsible for allergic reactions in some people and may indicate pervious or current growth event. Smut spores are agricultural spores from outside sources. Ascospores and basidiospores are clusters of spores that may not be easily identified as per specific species, but may still represent a mold problem in the home.

The Real Problem...

In 1999, Mayo Clinic researchers found that the cause of most chronic sinus infections was an immune system response to fungus. The researchers studied 210 patients with chronic sinusitis. They discovered fungus in 96% of the patients. They identified a total of 40 different varieties of fungi in these patients, with an average of 2.7 kinds per patient!

"This is a potential breakthrough that offers great hope for the millions of people who suffer from this problem," says Dr. Eugene Kern. "We can now begin to treat the cause of the problem instead of the symptoms"

"Fungus allergy was thought to be involved in less than ten percent of cases," says Dr. David Sherris. "Our studies indicate that, in fact, fungus is likely the cause of nearly all of these problems. And it is not an allergic reaction, but an immune reaction.