Our MOLD inspection is ideal for houses, office buildings and apartment buildings, if the occupants experience chronic symptoms such as recurring sinus infections, asthma, chronic fatigue, headaches, scratchy throat, mental fog, etc … or for occupants who are generally concerned about indoor air quality and their health.
This survey is also ideal for those who have mold sensitivity and are planning to purchase or lease a new property to check for these issues before committing.
If you are building a new home, a consultation regarding how to avoid mold problems in the structure by using the newest technologies and appropriate materials will more than pay for itself in the long run and give you the peace of mind that your home or office will support good health. 
What is done in a Mold Investigation ?
This process involves a walk-through of the home or office, an interview with the occupants and maintenance personnel if applicable, and a series of tests to identify the presence and types of molds. Windows and doors should be kept closed for at least 24 hours prior to the beginning of the survey.
With specialized equipment, we will scan walls and suspect areas for damp spots, temperature differentials and particle counts which may hint to potential mold growth. Visual and olfactory observations are also made to detect problem areas. We then use air sampling equipment to collect samples of air inside various rooms. In addition, we may take samples of the particulates found on surfaces throughout the structure for laboratory analysis.
If a wall or carpeted area is suspect, we may take samples of the dust found in the carpet or we may sample the air inside a wall cavity (this requires drilling a small ¼” hole in the bottom of the wall, behind the baseboard).
All the samples are then sent to the lab for microscopic evaluations. It is rarely necessary to incubate the mold samples so results are usually obtained in 2 to 3 working days.
A full report is then sent to you. The Mold investigation service includes a follow-up phone consultation to discuss results and remediation efforts if necessary.
Air Quality Assessment:
Our IAQ Survey includes a complete walk-through of your home or office. Of utmost importance are the sleeping areas so much time is spent assessing these.
Our Full Assessment package includes:
- Client interview to determine areas of focus for survey
- Check for biological contaminants - molds, mildew ..
- Check for moisture problems or potential moisture sources
- Check heating/air conditioning system for contamination
- Electronic check for gas appliances and piping leaks
- Lead screening of surface paint, pottery and dishes (3 items)
- Check for dangerous household chemicals
- Check for radioactive tiles, granite countertops, pottery, smoke detectors
- Check dry traps for sewer gas
- Radon screening
- Measurement of Carbon Monoxide & Carbon Dioxide
- Sleeping place assessment for 3 bedrooms
Our Sleeping Area Assessment includes:
- Visual exam for biological contaminants, moisture issues, fungi
- Olfactory air quality assessment
- Measurement of Body Voltage in sleeping area
- Measurement of current on water pipes
- Locate sources of electric and magnetic fields
- Reduction of body voltage by manipulation of electrical distribution system
- Measure bed for disturbed DC magnetic field zones
- Measurement of Electro stress from house wiring & bedroom appliances
- Written report with recommendations for addressing the problems identified
Laboratory Testing
- Carpet Dust analysis
- Mold Spores in Air
- Mold Spores on Surfaces
- Microbial VOC's (chemicals emitted by active molds)
- Dust mite, mouse, canine, cockroach and feline allergen
- Bacteria Identification (air or surface)
- Air sampling for Pesticides, VOC's, Metals
- Fungi (mold) identification and concentration
- Dust Mite Identification & Count
- Household Dust Analysis
- Animal hair & dander concentration
- Soluble pesticide screening
- Pesticide level and type - soluble & insoluble
- Presence & concentration of volatile organics such as formaldehyde, benzene, naphtalene, toluene ...
- Lead in soil or water
- Radon in air or well water
Odor Investigation
Odors can be caused by fungal growth, microbial VOC's (mold/bacteria), chemical vapors or gases. An odor investigation includes several tests to eliminate possible sources. Odors are usually more perceptible when the temperature and relative humidity rise. If an odor gets worse over time, its likely source is biological or gaseous in nature. If the odor seems to get better over time, it's more likely to stem from a chemical source, as chemical-offgassing dissipates over time.
Chemical (VOC) Testing
There are several methods used to test for chemicals or to identify the offending chemical(s). The real-time method involves sophisticated electronic equipment which measures the ppb (parts per billion) or ppm (parts per million) concentration of a specific chemical or gas. This method is used if the offending chemical is known and you wish to know if the quantity is above a threshold (i.e. OSHA, NIOSH limits).
Another method is to collect ambient indoor air for a specific period of time (4 to 12 hours) into an aluminum canister. The canister is then shipped to the lab for analysis via gas chromotography. The lab will provide a report listing all identifiable chemicals found in the sample of air and the quantity in Parts per Billion. This method is used for odor investigations or when occupants are symptomatic to identify which chemical might be causing the odor or the symptoms (or both).
Pesticide Testing
Pesticide testing is available for surfaces, air and soil. If a building is suspected to be contaminated by pesticide dust, this fact can be confirmed with surface samples. This entails collecting swipes from various horizontal surface areas and sending them to the lab for analysis. Pieces of clothing, carpeting, drapes, etc ... can also be analyzed for pesticide content. Pesticides tend to cling to synthetics so these materials are best. Air sampling for pesticides is also available and involves colelcting ambient air samples in a building and sending to a lab for analysis. Pesticide testing is tricky because labs cannot test for ANY pesticide. You must specify which family of pesticides you suspect (organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethrins ...). Soil testing is available as well and would be applicable for areas where children will be known to play.
Water Testing
Your choice of water testing will depend on whether you need to test city water or well water. There are different issues with each. You may wish to test city water for lead if you suspect the city supply pipe is a lead pipe or you may wish to know the PH of your tap water. Well water should be tested regularly for pesticide runoff, nitrates, coliform bacteria, etc. Water testing simply entails obtaining a collection kit from our lab and filling specific bottles with water from the tap.
Soil Testing
Soil testing is performed for children play areas for the presence of lead, arsenic and other metals. This type of testing involves the collection of soil samples which are sent to a lab for analysis.
Electromagnetic Exposure Testing
This type of testing is provided with specialized instrumentation to determine the level of exposure in certain areas for magnetic fields, electrical fields, Radio Frequency, High Frequency Radiation, Dirty Electricity, Current on Water Pipes, etc ...Electro Smog has many sources like wi-fi (wireless) modems, cordless phones, Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL's), Cell Phone Towers, Airport Radar, and many more. More and more people are experiencing a sensitivity to these fields, much in the same way as more and more people are becoming sensitive to chemicals i nthe environment. We use European standards and equipment to measure this type of radiation and make recommendations for reduction and/or mitigation with special shielding devices or relocation of desk, beds, chairs, etc. For more information about Eletro Smog issues visit our page In the News
Mold: Fact and Fiction
Can one determine the species of mold based on color ?
Often clients will ask "What type of mold is it if it's white ? " or "The mold is black so it must be the toxic kind right ?"
Unfortunately, it's not that simple and there is no way to identify mold species strictly based on visual observation. Each individual species of mold can have many colors depending on its stage of growth. For example, some molds may start out white then turn peach or pink then green.
Also, just because mold is black does not mean it's Stachybotrys, the mold often characterized in the press as "toxic black mold". Often, the "black mold" people find on wet drywall in their basement is actually Penicillium.
Some molds are the same color as the substrate on which they grow, this makes the mold invisible. For example Aspergillus growing on the back of drywall is often white and mistaken for drywall dust. A microscope is needed to identify it.
Scopulariopsis, a common crawlspace mold, can be the very same color as wood so it's not visible on a floor joist unless the flashlight is held paralel to the surface to reveal the fuzzy growth which home inspectors often mistake for dust or dirt.
What types of symptoms can be caused by mold ?
Most mold species are capable of producing mycotoxins which can cause symptoms or reactions in people. Not everyone will react to these mycotoxins, and those who do will not necessarily all react in the same manner.
Penicillium and Aspergillus type molds are usually associated with respiratory issues such as chest tightness, breathing difficulty or asthma, irritation of the nose and eyes, sneezing, sinus infections and the like while Stachybotrys has been implicated in episodes of mental fog, nose bleeds, ear bleeding, headaches, depression, memory loss, dizziness, extreme fatigue, liver and kidney damage and skin rashes.
Anecdotal evidence is plentiful that mold affects many people, some seriously. In our work we interact with thousands of people each year who believe they have been affected by mold indoors. Lab analysis of air samples often confirms and validates complaints. We also see numerous cases of "mistaken identity", where a homeowner is reacting to other substances in the home or to susbtances from other locations.
Reactions are not predictable as various individuals could react differently to the same toxin, or not react at all. Sometimes symptoms are caused by agents other than mold. For example, chemical offgassing from new furniture, a new mattress, paints, glues, imported rugs, upholstery and particle board furniture can cause similar symptoms often mistaken for mold reactions.
It's common for people to avoid opening windows and/or get fresh air due to sneezing, nasal symptoms, headaches and other symptoms believed to be caused by outdoor pollens and molds when in reality, the symptoms are caused by indoor substances like VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) and fresh air would be what is needed to dilute these chemical vapors.
I have black mold on my walls so it must be the toxic kind right ?
Due to extensive media coverage of the poisonous black mold Stachybotrys, many people assume that all black molds are Stachybotrys. This mold was implicated in the deaths of several infants in the Cleveland, OH area several years ago and has since received a lot of press. It's important to note that ALL of the infants who died after being exposed to Stachybotrys mold were also from homes where second hand smoke was present. Second hand smoke suppresses the immune system and can make children more susceptible to fungal infections. On the other hand, Stachybotrys is notorious for causing internal bleeding and all the infants suffered lung bleeding in this case.
It is important to note that many mold species are toxic. Actually most molds have the potential to be toxic and the majority of molds are allergenic so it has no place in an indoor environment.
If I had mold, I would smell it
While some molds emit a strong musty odor (called Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds or MVOC's) some do not emit any odor at all. In fact, Stachybotrys, the mold capable of emitting the most potent poisons, often cannot be detected by smell alone.
We have observed many cases where the residence was so contaminated the occupants could not stay in it and yet, no odor was perceived in the home.
Additionally, some molds emit various odors based on the substrate that feeds them (wallpaper glue, vinyl, plaster). These odors can be sweet, pungent, acrid, etc ... and sometimes can simulate other odors not associated with molds, such as sewer gas, vomit or even formaldehyde-like.
Interestingly, a musty odor can be present even if no mold is present as with certain plastic encasements of computers, computer monitors, exercise equipment, etc ... that is because certain combinations of chemicals can emit a mold-like odor.
I just want the mold in my home tested to find out if it's the harmless type ...
When it comes to indoor mold, quantity is just as important and relevant, if not more, than the type of mold present. Focusing on the TYPE of mold rather than its presence is potentially harmful. Large quantities of mold have no place indoors regardless of species.
Most molds have the ability to produce mycotoxins and microbial volatiles. The effect of these susbtances is not well understood yet but it is generally believed that they are capable of affecting health. Molds produce other by-products such as beta-glucans and endotoxins, all of which have the potential to cause allergic reactions.
Even if and when a mold is dead or doesn't produce toxins, it can still be allergenic and cause allergic reactions in people and animals.
Additionally, mold thrives in damp, humid conditions. Numerous studies have shown a direct link between damp buildings and respiratory illness. Also, if there is chronic dampness or wetness, it's very likely that building materials are decaying. The source of moisture should be identified and resolved or repaired.
Mold should not be ignored or assumed to be harmless. At a minimum it is harmful to the structure, the building materials , etc ... not to mention the negative effect on air quality.
Experts disagree on the amount of mold that can be handled safely by a homeowner so if in doubt, call a professional to assess your specific situation and guide you.
I suspect I might have mold inside a wall cavity, can I just cut a hole in the wall and look with a mirror and a flashlight ?
Yes but there are several caveats with this method. The first one is the potential health hazard. While it's uncommon, a wall CAN contain large amounts of very toxic mold which will be seriously disturbed by the cutting and will likely become aerosolized. Once the opening is made, the exposure is much higher. Mold spores are also free to transfer into occupied spaces - this could cause the entire structure to become contaminated, especially if the ventilation system is operating.
Secondly, mold is not always obvious. For example it could be underneath the baseplate (bottom stud) and not visible from above, or it could be white and not visible against the white drywall, giving the homeowner a false sense of security.
A more accurate way to check would be to hire a professional who will use moisture meters to measure the moisture content of the susbtrate and collect some air from the wall cavity for lab analysis. This method is not foolproof but has a good track record of identifying contaminated walls.
What if mold is found, then what ?
Molds are present in outdoor air at all times and finding some mold spores in your home or office is not necessarily a cause for alarm. High quantities of mold can cause symptoms as can small amounts of very toxic mold species. They can affect the occupants depending on the individual's immune system and sensitivity. It is suspected that chronic exposure to large amounts of mold or to toxic molds like Stachybotrys and Aspergillus are detrimental to health and will eventually affect the occupants, whether they experience symptoms or not. Field observation also seems to indicate that prolonged exposure to a certain mold can cause the occupants to develop an intolerance or allergy to that mold.
New evidence seems to point to fungal by-products as the possible culprits in adverse health effects. Known by-products of mold are Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds, also called MVOC's, mycotoxins, endotoxins, glucans, etc ... Research is ongoing and so far inconclusive.
If the amount and type of mold found are above typical or expected levels, we will advise you on remediation procedures to remove the mold. If the damage is extensive and you choose to hire a Mold Remediation company, we will write a protocol (detailed instructions) following generally accepted standards and procedures for mold removal. This protocol will specify where we found the mold, how it is to be removed and what precautions should be taken in order to not contaminate the structure.
Can I clean the mold myself ?
Before cleaning up mold, obtain a copy of the EPA publication entitled Mold, Moisture and Your Home or go to the New York City Health Dept website and read the Mold Remediation guidelines. They both offer detailed mold cleanup guidelines.
Visit www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html to print a copy of the guidelines. The phone number for the EPA Indoor Air Quality Clearinghouse is 800-438-4318.
We recommend do-it-yourself clean-up only for small and contained areas.
You must first find and eliminate the cause of damp conditions (leaks, condensation, lack of ventilation, etc).
Fungi are normally microscopic. If you can see the growth, the infestation is advanced. It may be behind a wall and be more extensive than you think.
While we do NOT recommend application of sprays,. chemicals, etc ... people continue to use this method so ... remember to ventilate the area when using any cleaning solution.
Use appropriate protective equipment (N-95 respirator, disposable coveralls, gloves and goggles),
If the mold growth is on a hard, non-porous surface, remove the mold (wirebrushing, scraping) and discard it. Keep in mind that as you disturb the mold, it has the potential of becoming airborne and riding on dust particles which will later deposit on surfaces so keep the movement to a minimum. Once the mold is removed, any of the following products can be used to clean and sanitize the affected area:
- Benefect, an EPA Registered fungicide
- Young Living Thieves Cleaner (available at www.youngliving.com)
- Any non-toxic, ecofriendly enzyme product specifically recommended for mold
While spraying bleach on mold seems at first to be effective, it rarely solves the problem and most people find the mold returns eventually. The latest scientific research has clearly shown that, not only bleach is not effective in killing mold, but the spores that are dead are still toxigenic and allergenic (capable of producing mycotoxins and causing allergies). Additionally, bleach is itself toxic, environmentally unsound and can be a strong lung and eye irritant.
Mold removal can be dangerous and cause additional damage to a facility if not conducted in the proper fashion. For example, while attempting to remove moldy drywall on one floor, it is possible to contaminate an entire home by releasing millions of mold spores in the surrounding area. The removal of the drywall could also cause the mold spores to be circulated throughout the entire structure via the ventilation system.
While mold can be killed with a fungicide and then removed, keep in mind that even "dead", mold spores are still allergenic and toxigenic therefore able to affect health and/or cause symptoms. It is generally believed by mold experts and confirmed by the US EPA that fungicides are NOT effective in the removal of mold. Use of fungicides has its place in some remediation cases but only as one part of the remedial process. Removal of the affected substrate (drywall, studs, etc ..) and the mold should be the goal.
OSHA (US Dept of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration) states that "As a general rule, simply killing the mold, for example, with biocide is not enough. The mold must be removed, since the chemicals and proteins, which can cause a reaction in humans, are present even in dead mold." More at http://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib101003.html
The latest industry standards from the S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration strongly discourage the use of chemical sprays of any kind in an occupied building/residence.
What to expect from a professional mold remediator ?
The safe removal of large amounts of mold requires specialized apparatus, such as Negative Air Machines, HEPA vacuums, moisture meters, a laser particle counter to monitor HEPA filters and vacuums, micro manometer to monitor containment air pressure, protective gear and masks, and more.
With that in mind, we recommend that you hire a professional who has access to this equipment and who will follow standards and procedures as outlined by the following organizations:
Ø IICRC S520 (Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (www.iicrc.com)
Ø Control/Remediation/Prevention of Microbial Contamination, EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) (www.epa.gov)
Ø Microbiological Contamination in Buildings - Precautions during Remediation Activities, P.R. Morey, Ph.D., ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) www.ashrae.org
Ø Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control, ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists), Cincinnati, OH, 513-742-6163 www.acgih.org
Should you decide to hire a professional to carry out the remediation efforts, we HIGHLY recommend that you hire someone who is certified by the American IAQ Council or the IICRC (Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). These certifications ensure that the mold restoration professional has received training on proper containment procedures to protect you and your furnishings from further contamination. Also note that because a firm is Certified doesn’t mean the restorer they send to your location will be Certified. Be sure to ask about the certification of the individuals who will beperforming the work in your home/office.
How to determine if the mold has been successfully removed
Once all remediation efforts are completed, post-remediation verification testing should be conducted. This should be performed by an independent party, not associated with the remediation company or professional.
Surface and air samples should be taken again, possibly at different times of the day, to insure that all contaminants have been removed. The remediation professionals may conduct their own tests during the clean-up process or at the end of the job, at their own expense however, an independent assessment and evaluation of the remediation work is well worth it for peace of mind. About 40% of the mold remediation jobs we test do not pass clearance and must return for further mold remocal and cleanup work.
Mold will return if the source of dampness has not been remedied or if some mold is left behind.
