Frequently Asked Questions

Mold Explained

Molds are members of the fungi family, and molds are the cause of most organic indoor air hazards. When used to describe stains and odors in buildings, mildew is another word for mold.

How can I tell if I have a mold problem?

While all buildings contain some mold, certain buildings are at risk for contamination with dangerous and dangerously high levels of mold spores. Unfortunately, available mold test kits are unreliable.

Buildings with high levels of humidity, damp basements, large number of house plants, damaged gutters that tend to back up or damaged shigles, are at greater risk for mold contamination. More urgent indicators are leaks, leak stains, brown, yellow, black or greenish- black stains, rotting wood, dusty air, musty smells, odor of mildew, flaking wallpaper, peeling baseboard tape, and bulging or warped walls and ceilings.

What are the health risks?

Trying to wash away those suspicious stains on the walls or the musty odor from the ventilation system could endanger your health and the health of everyone who enters your building. Indoor mold contamination is unhealthy regardless of the type of mold involved, and even relatively harmless species of mold can aggrevate allergies and respiratory problems, so it is best to keep your building as free from all molds as possible.

An odor of mildew means you are breathing volatile organic compounds (VOC's). VOC's are toxins released by mold. Depending on the type of mold in your building and the sensitivity of the people who enter your building, these VOC's can range from mostly harmless to lethal. Infants, children and the elderly, asthma sufferers, and those with chronic health problems are most in danger from all molds and are most likely to have sensitivities to the buildup of less harmful molds.

What can I do to reduce mold contamination?

Sometimes tossing out moldy old pillows and sofa cushions, replacing suspicious- smelling carpets, and using bleach or white vinegar to clean mold from garbage cans, appliances, and floors and tiles is all it takes to clear your air. Sometimes it takes biohazard suits, special equipment and a thorough understanding of building materials, molds, and effective, safe decontaminations procedures. This is where we come in to play!