Health Impacts of Mold: There are a number of adverse health effects that can be brought on by the presence of mold in your home or office that can range anywhere from severe side effects to allergic reactions. Additionally, continual exposure to mold often leads to a whole host of physical ailments including:
- Headaches
- Flu-like symptoms
- Respiratory illness
- Irritated skin, nose, throat, and eyes
- Rashes
- Digestive problems
- Learning disabilities
- Immune system problems that can cause the body to become vulnerable to fatal illnesses like cancer.
Mold Accumulation: Mold often appears as white, thread-like objects or small black circles which generally accumulate in moist environments such as basements, improperly ventilated areas, and near plumbing fixtures and pipes. Mold can also easily accumulate in kitchens, bathrooms, and showers; it can also spread and grow in places such as the attic. New construction is not necessarily immune to mold either; Building materials and supplies that become exposed to damp weather can harbor dormant spores that can manifest into mold at a later time. Even drywall, insulation, and wood can harbor dormant spores and accumulate mold.
Screening for Mold: Numerous home inspection companies do not have the proper qualifications to conduct mold screenings as part of their home inspection procedure; however, GCW inspectors have all been trained in conducting mold investigations, and they have been certified by the Environmental Solutions Association and the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (IAC2). GCW provides mold screening as an important part of any routine home inspection or stand-alone service, and inspectors can examine specific area of the home for indications of mold, or they can conduct a more extensive investigation.
During the mold screening process, inspectors search for indications of mold in the basement, crawl space, attic, and around appliances and plumbing that can create moisture. Inspectors will search for moisture stains, leaks, water penetration, and defective or deteriorating caulking. Inspectors might also take a carpet or air sample to be forwarded to an independent lab where qualified technicians can determine whether or not mold contamination's are occurring. They may also take swab samples of moldy areas in order to determine the sort of mold present.
Major Types of Mold: There are numerous types of mold, but it generally falls into 1 of 3 categories including: toxic, allergenic, and pathogenic molds. All of these types of mold have the potential to produce ill-effects, but toxic and allergenic molds produce the most severe symptoms; a home containing toxic mold can be deemed too dangerous to inhabit. A proper mold screening will assess the degree and type of mold growing in your home, and it will show you how to effectively address the problem.
Mold Inspection in Minnesota: If you suspect that mold may be present in your home or office, or you have never had a mold screening, schedule an appointment for a mold inspection today. It could have a significant impact on the health of you and your family.