Frequently Asked Questions
Not to be confused with Mold Assessment, a mold inspection is
just identifying where the mold is and possibly how large the mold
issue may be.
A Mold Test is the process in which a State Licensed Mold
Assessor may conduct a variety of sampling methods to collect
mold spores to be sent to a lab to determine the type of mold(s)
and or how much may be present.
A Mold Assessment can take between 1 hour to 6. All of this
depending on the size an extent of the concerned area.
Again, this all depends on the size and extent of the concerned
area. Typically speaking, an average Mold Assessment can be
between $450 and $500.
Some people are more sensitive than others when it comes to
dealing with Mold. People more sensitive can experience
symptoms like coughing, itchy red eyes, difficulty breathing, lack
of sleep, headaches, skin irritation, runny or stuffy nose. Elderly,
small children, and weak immune systems usually are more
directly affected.
Most common places to find mold are dark, moisture rich
environments. Basements, under sinks, under carpet, wood floor,
closets, attics, crawlspaces, behind walls, ventilation, and duct
work.
Remediation is the act of physically removing contaminated
materials due to Mold growth. Along with Hepa vacuuming and
sanitizing any and all affected areas by a trained Hazardous Mold
Technician.
Remediation is necessary in specific cases. High Mold Spore
counts inside an occupied space could be grounds for
remediation. Typically, with visible Mold, any area greater than 10
square feet should be professionally remediated. Many times,
Mold is not visible, which might call for more invasive inspection
and or remediation.
No. Mold is everywhere inside and outside. It’s the Mold spore
count that can affect us. Depending on the individual, Mold can
affect us in different ways. We can establish a safe level of spores
however with different methods. This is where a well written
assessment can come into play.
There are simple things you can do to help prevent Mold growth.
Routinely check the “water areas” in your home or business.
Example- Bathrooms, Kitchens, Laundry rooms, Hot water heaters, HVAC. These can become problem areas if water leaks
are present.
Scientifically there is no one “Black Mold”. Media and rumors
have hyped the black mold epidemic into a scary frenzy. In reality
there are many types of “Black Mold”, and can be identified thru a lab analysis. The mold family, having thousands of different types can vary so greatly. It is comforting to have a specific and easy to understand analysis given from a licensed Mold Assessor.
Commonly, you will find mold in dark, damp areas. Active water
spots, (leaky pipes, sweaty HVAC units, roof leaks, foundations
leaks, etc…) Mold can be all different colors, from brown, black,
yellow, green and so on.
Some common indoor molds include: Cladosporium, Penicillium,
and Aspergillus.
A Pre-Test is what is executed to determine what type of Mold
and how much.
Protocol are the specific instructions written by a licensed Mold
Assessor for what and how remediation should be completed.
A PRV is an acronym for “Post Remediation Verification”. This is a report stating if remediation was done affectively.
“Normal Fungal Ecology” is a scientific way of saying that your
living environment is safe to be in.