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Mold Sampling
Mold Sampling
There are varying degrees of mold present in many homes and commercial buildings. If you suspect there is mold present in your structure, either by site or smell, it is suggested that you have a professional inspection / sampling done to determine the extent of the problem. In severe cases it may cause health problems.
Infrared Can Help
While the Infrared camera cannot see or verify if mold is present, under the right conditions, it can help to determine areas of moisture buildup that is a prime cause for mold growth. It may narrow the search and lessen the expense of finding mold if you suspect that it's there.
Testing or Sampling for Mold
Is sampling for mold needed? Since there are more that 450 molds that have been identified by name and of these molds, many are allergies and many others can be toxic, taking surface samples and having the sample analyzed by a certified laboratory will help to identify the levels of toxicity.
Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards., Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.
Suspicion of Hidden Mold a Reason for Testing
You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).
Investigating Hidden Mold Problems
Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.
Chris Curles and Associates, Inc. - Inspections Atlanta, Inc. - Infrared Atlanta, Inc. does not offer or provide a MOLD inspection service or a referral for a MOLD inspection service. If you are concerned about MOLD or the presence of MOLD in your home, you are encouraged to have a professional inspect your home. MOLD spores can be found in basements, crawl spaces, attics and other habitable and uninhabitable areas. MOLD can be found on wood framing, sheetrock, insulation, in HVAC ducts and many other fibrous surfaces. These spores may then be inhaled by the occupants. Some MOLDS are not dangerous and only cause allergenic symptoms. However, some MOLDS have been linked to conditions that are more serious. For additional information regarding MOLD go to:
http://www.toxic-black-mold-info.com/moldtypes.htm#Cladosporium
http://www.mold-help.org
http://www.epa.gov
Call us for more information.
404-797-4123
chris@homeinspectionsatlanta.com
