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If you would like a
professional mold evaluation
at your house, school or
business and it is located
in the Greater Kansas City
area, we would be honored
to assist you. For more
information, please see:
flappanconsulting.com |
Frequently Asked Questions About Mold
Testing:
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How
are my mold samples analyzed?
The tape sample(s) are stained with a dye and then examined
microscopically under high power (400 or 500X magnification)
and 1000-times magnification by an experienced,
highly-trained laboratory technologist.
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What are the advantages of
tape-lift surface sampling for mold?
Advantage over testing by culture method:
The tape lift method is analyzed by direct microscopy. You
do not need to grow the fungus in culture media to identify
it. Thus, you are able to detect both the viable (living)
and non-viable (dead) spores, both of which are important
because mold spores continue to be allergenic and toxigenic
even when dead (even after being treated with a
disinfectant). Additionally, some types of mold grow much
faster than other types. Slower-growers (like the black mold
Stachybotrys) may be overgrown by molds that grow much more
rapidly and thus may not be found by the culture technique.
The method we use enables all spores in the sample to be
observed.
As opposed to air sampling: Air sampling gives you a
snapshot view of what is in the air at the time of testing.
Intermittent or past problems may not be found. Surface
sampling gives you a better picture of what has occurred in
the past and over time.
As opposed to petri dishes or settle plates:
Scientists of the American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists say that settle plates do not collect
airborne particles in a way that allows you to properly
evaluate conditions. Particle settlement depends on the size
(weight) of the particle size and also is influenced by air
movement. Thus, settle plates cannot provide reliable
measurements. This method is not even appropriate for
determining the relative air concentrations of different
microrganisms because of the collection bias.
-
What if
I suspect mold but cannot find it?
Look where there has been previous water damage, where there
is standing water, or where there is a lot of humidity.
Visible mold growth can sometimes be found underneath
materials where water has damaged surfaces or behind
walls.(1)
-
How much mold can
make me sick? It depends. For
some people, a relatively small number of mold spores can
cause health problems. For other people, it may take much
more. The basic rule is, if you can see or smell it, take
steps to eliminate the excess moisture, and to cleanup and
remove the mold. (1)
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What symptoms do molds commonly cause?
Mold can cause illness in several ways:
Irritation: Exposure to mold can irritate
the eyes, nose, and upper breathing passages. Symptoms of
irritation include burning eyes, nasal congestion, coughing,
and post-nasal drip.
Allergy: Many people become allergic to
mold and develop hay fever or asthma symptoms such as itchy,
watery eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, chest tightness,
cough and wheezing.
Toxins: Some molds create chemicals, called
toxins that can cause illness. While much remains unknown
about mold toxins, it appears that some molds produce toxins
that can have effects on the skin, the respiratory system,
the immune system, and the nervous system.
Infection: Some molds can also cause
infection, such as chronic sinus infections. Other types of
mold-induced infection are much less common, and occur
mainly among people with weakened immune
systems. Examples of individuals with weakened immune
systems include those with HIV infection, those receiving
chemotherapy, and the elderly. Children and pregnant women
may also be at increased risk. (2)
-
Are some
molds more hazardous than others?
Allergic persons vary in their
sensitivities to mold, both as to amount and type needed to
cause reactions. In addition, certain types of molds can
produce toxins, called mycotoxins that the mold makes to
inhibit or prevent the growth of other organisms. Mycotoxins
are not always produced, and whether a mold produces
mycotoxins while growing in a building depends on what the
mold is growing on, conditions such as temperature, pH,
humidity or other unknown factors. When mycotoxins are
present, they occur in both living and dead mold spores and
may be present in materials that have become contaminated
with molds.(1)
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What can I
save?
What should I toss? In general, porous substances that are growing
mold, such as paper, rags, wallboard, and rotten wood,
should be bagged and thrown out. Harder materials such as
glass, plastic, or metal can be kept after they are cleaned
and disinfected.
-
Can air duct systems become contaminated with mold?
Yes, air duct systems can become contaminated
with mold, either by supporting mold growth inside (e.g.,
from a dirty or clogged air conditioning pan, due to
over-humidification of system, etc.) or by being a means of
circulating and distributing spores from one location to
other parts of the home.
-
Should I have my
ducts cleaned?
That depends on the
circumstances. The EPA guide “Should you Have the Air Ducts in
Your Home Cleaned?”
may help you to decide this or you may wish to consult a
qualified environmental professional. MOLDetect tape lift
samples taken from inside a supply vent or from the outside
of a supply register can often be helpful in determining if
the supply air from the ventilation system is contaminated
with mold. A good tape lift sample from the supply duct or
register will have a visible deposit of dust, but if
overloaded with dust, it becomes difficult to read under the
microscope. Do not run the heater or air conditioner if you
know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold. Cleaning
should be done by a NADCA certified duct cleaning service.
-
I have mold in my basement but no one ever goes down there.
Can this be a problem? Yes. It
is possible that contaminants can enter small openings in
the ventilation system and be distributed to other parts of
the home.
-
Can ozone air cleaners improve or reduce odor or pollution
levels? Some air cleaners are
designed to produce ozone. Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent
used as a disinfectant for water and sometimes to eliminate
odors. However, ozone is a known lung irritant. Symptoms
associated with exposure include cough, chest pain, and eye,
nose and throat irritation. Ozone generators have been shown
to generate indoor levels above the safe limit. Furthermore,
it has been demonstrated that ozone is not effective in
controlling molds and fungi, even at high concentrations far
above safe health levels. Also ozone may damage materials in
the home. For these reasons, the EPA strongly recommends
that you do not use an ozone air cleaner in any occupied
residential space. (1)
-
Can ozone air cleaners be used in unoccupied spaces?
They are sometimes promoted to treat homes,
furniture and clothing after fires to remove smoke odors.
Ozone is a strong oxidizer that will accelerate the
degradation of rubber, upholstery, paints and other
materials. Hence even when used in unoccupied areas, ozone
generators can cause damage to building materials and
electronic devices.
References:
1. California Department of Health Services: “Mold
in My Home: What Do I Do?”
2. July 2001 EPA Mold Remediation in Schools and
Commercial Buildings,
3.
The Facts about Mold: April 2001 NY Committee for
Occupational Safety and Health
Call 1-866-225-MOLD
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Mold Remediation Guidelines |
Mold Cleaning Tips and Safety Precautions | Mold Prevention Measures |
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Information on Fungal
Spores Contact
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