Mold
There are thousands of different mold species that can be found in residential dwellings. Most mold species are classified as common allergens. However, a small percentage of molds are mycotoxic or pathogenic in nature.
Rash and skin sensitization can result from dermal (skin) contact with some types of molds. However, the predominant source of exposure to mold comes from the inhalation of mold spores and mold fragments in the air. All molds generate microscopic size spores which are released into the air where they attempt to find another suitable site to establish growth of a new mold colony.
In most people, exposure to common allergen-type molds produces only mild allergy-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, etc. Certain individuals, including pregnant women and asthmatics, who have hypersensitive immune systems, can experience more serious symptoms from exposure to allergenic molds, such as headaches, nose bleeds, and breathing difficulties.
Exposure to mycotoxic and pathogenic molds can cause serious health problems in any individual, although, in persons with weakened or compromised immune systems (HIV/AIDS patients, chemotherapy patients, recent surgery patients), the effects can be fatal. Pathogenic molds damage various organs in the body and cause infectious diseases. Mycotoxic molds produce toxins that are carried by the mold spores. When the spores are inhaled, the toxins are released into the bloodstream. Infants less than six months old are particularly vulnerable to pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding of the lungs) from mycotoxic molds such as stachybotrys. Healthy adults have developed encephalitis (swelling of the brain) from exposure to stachybotrys.
Mold Testing
Saulsbury Environmental Consultants, Inc. developed the protocol in Pennsylvania for testing molds in homes. Visible mold in a home is collected by a swab and deposited onto a patented culturing medium. The type, toxicity, and extent of mold growth are reported to the client.
Where no visible mold is apparent, but occupants are concerned about a musty or unusual odor, or are experiencing unexplained health problems, Saulsbury Environmental Consultants, Inc. utilizes a patented air sampling technique which compares the amount of airborne mold spores inside the home to the ambient level of spores in the outdoor air.
Mold Abatement
The presence of visible mold in a home is always the result of excessive moisture. Relative humidity above 60% in the home or materials and structural components that have a surface moisture greater than 20% provide and environment that is conducive to mold growth. Virtually all types of visible mold that are present in a home can be killed using a mixture of household bleach/water or various fungicide products. However, unless and until the underlying moisture problem is identified and corrected, the mold growth will recur.
While on-site at a client's home to sample and test for mold, Saulsbury Environmental Consultants, Inc. also performs surface moisture and humidity readings along with a visual investigation to determine the probable source of moisture that is contributing to the mold growth. Our report to the client identifies and explains the type and nature of the mold(s) that were found in the client's home and the report provides guidance to the homeowner on correcting the moisture problem.