Answer some of the questions below to determine if you could be at risk for a mold-related illness...

•  Is there a musty or dank odor in your home or building?
•  Are there any visible signs of water damage?
•  Has the building ever suffered a roof, basement or plumbing leak?
•  Is there visible mold in the basement, attic or living area?

 
                                    Mold can cause illness in several ways --

• Irritation
  Irritation to the eyes, nose, and upper breathing passages can be caused by exposure to mold. Symptoms of irritation include burning eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, and post-nasal drip.
   
• Allergies
  Many people become allergic to mold and develop hay fever or asthma symptoms including: itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, chest tightness, cough and wheezing.
   
• Mycotoxins
  Some molds create chemicals, called mycotoxins, 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 and can, at times, be deadly.
   
• Infection
  Some molds can also cause infection. One of the most common types of infections caused by mold are chronic sinus infections. Other types of mold-induced infection are much less common, and occur mainly among people with weakened immune systems. This includes those who are affected by HIV infection, those receiving chemotherapy, and the elderly. Children ,pregnant women, and the elderly may also be at increased risk.

Certified Mold Inspection and Remediation Services

WeKillMold.com is dedicated to the health and well being of your family. Accordingly, we provide professional services for mold inspection, testing, and remediation. Our testing methods assure you of the highest degree of reliability in toxic mold detection.

Our mold inspection of homes and commercial buildings are performed adhering to the standard methods, practices, and protocols of the Certified Environmental Inspectors and the Environmental Assessment Association.  They encompasses a wide range of data sources, giving you the most accurate conclusions possible.

Visual Inspection
A visual inspection is the most important initial step in identifying a possible contamination problem. The extent of any water damage and mold growth should be visually assessed before a Remediation is embarked upon. This assessment is important in determining remedial strategies. Ventilation systems should also be visually checked, particularly for damp filters but also for damp conditions elsewhere in the system and overall cleanliness. Ceiling tiles, gypsum wallboard (sheetrock), cardboard, paper, and other cellulosic surfaces should be given careful attention during a visual inspection. The use of equipment such as a boroscope, to view spaces in ductwork or behind walls and moisture meters to detect moisture in building materials, may be helpful in identifying hidden sources of fungal growth and the extent of water damage. Based on the evidence gathered in the inspection sampling may be recommended. We also use digital cameras and other equipment to record data which later will be used to highlight defects where attention is needed. Some of the following testing methods are listed below.

Bulk / Surface

Bulk or surface samples may need to be collected to identify specific fungal contaminants as part of a medical evaluation if occupants are experiencing symptoms which may be related to fungal exposure or to identify the presence or absence of mold if a visual inspection is equivocal (e.g., discoloration, and staining). An individual trained in appropriate sampling methodology will perform bulk or surface sampling. Bulk samples are usually collected from visibly moldy surfaces by scraping or cutting materials with a clean tool into a clean plastic bag. Surface samples are usually collected by wiping a measured area with a sterile swab or by stripping the suspect surface with clear tape. Surface sampling is less destructive than bulk sampling. Other sampling methods may also be available. 

Air Sampling

Air sampling may be necessary if there is evidence from a visual inspection or bulk sampling that ventilation systems may be contaminated One of the purposes of such air monitoring is to assess the extent of contamination throughout a building. It is preferable to conduct sampling while ventilation systems are operating. Air monitoring may be necessary if the presence of mold is suspected (e.g., musty odors) but cannot be identified by a visual inspection or bulk sampling (e.g., mold growth behind walls). The purpose of such air monitoring is to determine the location and/or extent of contamination. If air monitoring is performed, for comparative purposes, outdoor air samples should be collected concurrently at an air intake, if possible, and at a location representative of outdoor air. 

In all situations, the underlying cause of water or moisture accumulation must be rectified or fungal growth will recur. Any initial water infiltration should be stopped and cleaned immediately. An immediate response (within 24 to 48 hours) and thorough clean up, drying, and/or removal of water damaged materials will prevent or limit mold growth. If the source of water is elevated humidity, relative humidity should be maintained at levels below 60% to inhibit mold growth. Emphasis should be on ensuring proper repairs of the building infrastructure, so that water damage and moisture buildup does not recur.