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Mold Remediation

hen considering the remodel of a home it is necessary to check for mold. High and dangerous levels of mold are not common occurrences. Nevertheless in situations like the flooding of New Orleans, mold can become a major health hazard.

It is generally accepted that increased levels of airborne spores represent an increasing health risk. To monitor those situations spore counts in problem areas are often compared to background levels. Nevertheless, of the thousands of types of molds found in indoor and outdoor environments, only a few are considered to have adverse health effects. The spores associated with health threats are: The indoor environment standard practice is to compare mold concentrations, and specific types of mold present, with outdoor ones at the same location. If the indoor levels are higher, or if the dominant mold species are significantly different, that indoor environment is considered to have a mold problem requiring attention

“I served on committees for the Austin ISD overseeing the removal of mold and other health and safety related improvements to our schools. I’ve encountered mold on many occasions in Houston, Austin, and Seattle. Says Steve Wauson from Custom Homes of Austin.

What is Mold?

Mold is the blanket term used to describe types of fungi found growing indoors and outdoors, mainly in moist warm environments. Exposure to mold may result in a number of health problems including allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and often infections in people with impaired immune system.

Some fungal species, such as Stachybotrys also known as "black mold" or "toxic mold" are extremely dangerous. Stachybotrys produces mycotoxins that can cause flu-like symptoms and other respiratory problems. It is associated with a variety of neurological effects, immune suppression and with infant pulmonary hemorrhage.

There are no U.S. regulatory standards for either indoor or outdoor levels of mold spores in the air. The National Allergy Bureau of the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology has set general nationwide definitions for mold spore counts in the outdoor environment. The health hazard posed by mold is usually assessed by the:

Mold and The Environment

People spend most of their daily lives indoors and according to the EPA, air levels of indoor pollutants sometimes reach two to three times higher than the levels found outdoor.

Mold comes in contact with humans by: Mold has the potential of making a residence uninhabitable or condemned. For instance a mold spore concentration of 650,000 spores per cubic meter (spores/m3), would be considered dangerously uninhabitable by any definition.

Mold and Health

Invasive fungal pneumonia almost never occurs in healthy people, but can be a very serious threat to people with weak immune or lung function. The long term effects of exposure to mycotoxins in humans are unknown and remain of high concern.

Beyond allergens and irritants mold may produce mycotoxins —toxic substances. Allergic reactions can be immediate or delayed, varying with the individual. Asthmatics, immune system challenged, the aging, children, and pregnant women are the more risk prone.

Exposure to mold may cause:

Mold and the Environment

In nature mold plays a natural role in the environment. It decomposes dead organic matter such as dead trees and fallen leaves. It often appears in damp and moist areas either as little black circles or thread-like white residue, accompanied of a musty odor.

Mold reproduces through microscopic spores; which float on air. Indoors mold grows when these spores land on wet or damp surfaces. Mold is unable to grow without water or moisture. Always dry water-damaged areas and objects within a maximum of 48 hours to prevent mold contamination.

Indoors mold is often found in: Mold can be tested by:

Mold Prevention

Indoor mold cannot be completely eliminated. Mold spores will always float in the air and dust. Mold growth indoors may be prevented by prompt water and moisture control.

The best way to prevent mold growth is to: If you need to set a consultation session or want further information, click here.

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