MOLD

Ken has earned National Certification as a Microbial Technician to inspect for and take samples of Mold for laboratory analysis.  Mold can be a serious health hazard to you and your family - Trust Ken to ensure your home is free of dangerous Mold!

Ken provides the following mold testing services:

	Visual mold investigation, including prior & past water intrusion
	Physical "swab" samples
	Air samples
	Carpet mold testing

Molds or fungi break down dead materials.  The same powerful digestive enzymes that enable fungi to decompose wastes and dead organisms also permit them to reduce wood, fiber, and food into their components with great efficiency.  Various molds produce incalculable damage to stored goods and building materials each year.  These same molds cause great damage to housing, compromising the health of the residents and the structural soundness of the building.

Some molds are known to be highly toxic when ingested, such as the types that invade grains and peanuts.  Still others cause negative health effects, such as asthma or allergic reactions, when their reproductive spores are inhaled.  Most of the molds found indoors come from outdoors.  When molds are present in large quantities (called colonies) they can cause health problems in some people.

Molds can generally be divided into 3 groups based on their effects: Allergenic, Pathogenic and Toxic.

Molds reproduce by very tiny particles called spores. The spores float in on the air currents and find a suitable spot to grow. Spores are very light and can travel on air currents. If mold spores land on a suitable surface, they will begin to grow.

Molds need three things to thrive- moisture, food and a surface to grow on. Molds can be seen throughout the house, and can be found in most bathrooms. Mold growth can often be seen in the form of discoloration, and can appear in many colors-white, orange, pink, blue, green, black or brown. When molds are present in large quantities (called colonies) they can cause health problems in some people.

Who does mold affect?
Mold spores can cause adverse reactions, much like pollen from plants. Mold spores cause health problems when they become airborne and are inhaled in large quantities. Everyone is exposed to mold in some concentration in the outdoor air. Indoor exposure to molds is not healthy for anyone. In particular, people with allergies, existing respiratory conditions or suppressed immune systems are especially susceptible to health problems from mold exposure. Additionally, infants and children, pregnant women and the elderly can be sensitive to the effects of mold exposure. Some molds are more hazardous than others. For some people, a small number of mold spores can cause health problems. For others, it may take many more.

Symptoms of mold exposure
There are many symptoms of mold exposure. The extent of symptoms depends on the sensitivity of the exposed person. Allergic reactions are the most common and typically include: respiratory problems such as wheezing and difficulty breathing; nasal and sinus congestion; burning, watery, reddened eyes or blurry vision; sore throat; dry cough; nose and throat irritation; shortness of breath; and skin irritation.

Other less common effects are: nervous system problems (headaches, memory loss, moodiness); aches and pains; and fever. If you have any of these symptoms, and they are reduced or completely gone when you leave the suspect area, chances are you have been exposed to some sort of allergen, quite possibly mold.

How can I tell if I have mold in my home?
Testing is the only way to determine if you have a mold problem and what type it is.
Some mold problems are obvious - you can see it growing.  Even so, you can’t be certain whether it is allergenic, pathogenic, or toxic unless you have it tested.  Others are not so obvious. If you can see mold, or if there is a musty odor in your home, you probably have a mold problem. Areas that are wet, or have been wet due to flooding, leaky plumbing, leaky roofing, or areas that are humid (such as bathrooms and laundry rooms) are most likely to have mold growth. Look for previous water damage.

Visible mold growth may be found underneath wallpaper and baseboards, behind walls, or may be evident by discolored plaster or drywall. If you don't have any observable mold, but are experiencing symptoms likely to be mold-induced, the mold could be growing in areas you can't see, such as the ducts of a heating/cooling system. In this case, the only way to know if you have mold spores, and what type they are, is to conduct air quality sampling.

As a certified microbial technician, Ken Marchi can conduct air sampling to detect the presence of these spores in your home. If you have obvious mold, he can conduct a swab test that can be analyzed to determine the molds that are present. Take a copy of the laboratory report along with you when you visit your doctor or allergist. This will aid in determining a method of treatment.

Aspergillus