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Envision 3 Group, Inc. is a full service environmental firm providing a broad range of environmental consulting including but not limited to asbestos inspections, asbestos testing, mold inspections, mold testing, asbestos management, site assessments, indoor air quality assessments, mold testing, remediation design and implementation, lead based paint inspections and field services to a wide variety of clients. Our personnel are committed to providing prompt and professional environmental services. We pride ourselves on the increasing number of private, corporate, and government clients who exclusively use Envision's services to solve their complex environmental and regulatory concerns.

 

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MOLD IN THE NEWS

Remove source of mold as soon as possible.
Rosie Romero
Special for The Arizona Republic

Mold is all around us. Some (mushrooms) you can eat, others (penicillin) make you better, but some can make you sick. Although the verdict is still out on some research, there's something we know for sure: Get rid of mold when you find it.

Are all molds dangerous to your health?
No. The human body can tolerate small amounts of mold; high doses are a concern. For the majority of molds, the most common side effects are allergic reactions due to indoor air- quality problems. Reactions range from sneezing or eye irritation to asthma attacks, and can occur in people with or without allergies. Children, elderly and those with impaired immune systems are more susceptible. Symptoms that are non-allergic or -irritant are not commonly reported, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. However, research is ongoing.

Although most molds produce allergens, under certain conditions some can release mycotoxins. In high doses, these can be toxic. In most cases, the amount produced is extremely small.

What else does mold do?
Mold causes damage, even in dry climates like Arizona. This can include an unsightly cosmetic stain or permanent damage to your home. The longer the mold is there, the more damage it will cause.

Where should you look for mold?
Mold is a natural fungus found all over the earth. All types of mold have one thing in common: They need moisture to survive. Some of the most common places to find mold in the home include bathroom (moisture from baths or showers), kitchen (steam from cooking), windows (condensation or bad flashing), attics (from roof leaks), roofs (weather), basements (underground), vents and ductwork (can have condensation and transfers airborne mold spores to other areas of the home) and crawl spaces.

Are there precautions that need to be taken while cleaning mold?
Especially if you have allergies or asthma, it is recommended to stay on the safe side and wear rubber gloves and goggles. A respirator also can be worn while cleaning. If you're working with drywall or wood, remember to treat the area with a proper water sealant after the moisture problem is fixed and the area is clean and mold-free. If the area is over 10 square feet, or if you're concerned with certain health problems, a professional can do the job.

There are concerns that even dead mold spores may be allergenic. Whenever possible, mold must be removed and not just cleaned.

How can you prevent mold?
Many people think that Arizona is immune to mold because of the dry climate, but mold can grow on a wet surface in 48 hours. The sooner the area is cleaned, the better. You must eliminate the moisture source. If you don't, mold will keep reappearing.

Take preventive measures at home.
Occasionally, check areas that are more susceptible to mold growth and get things fixed before much damage occurs. Make sure no sprinklers are hitting the house when they come on, don't use your air-conditioning system if you suspect mold contamination, etc. Additional insulation can prevent condensation on cold surfaces, such as windows, flooring and piping.

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Following is an excerptfrom the EPA Mold Website:
Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are part of the natural environment.  Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided.  Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the non-microscope eye and float through outdoor and indoor air.  Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet.  There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing.  Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).  Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.  Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common.  They can be immediate or delayed.  Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.  Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold.  Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.  This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional.  You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.

How do I get rid of mold?

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust.  The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present.  Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors.  If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem.  If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

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Useful Links:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - "Molds in the Environment"

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - "Questions and Answers on Stachybotrys chartarum and other molds"

Environmental Protection Agency - "Information regarding mold"

Planet Mold (http://www.planetmold.com)

New York City Mold Guidelines

OSHA Indoor Air Quality Guidelines

Environmental Protection Agency / Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings

USA Weekend Article (7 21-02) - When Mold Takes Hold

CBS News: An Insidious Mold - The Melinda Ballard Story

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS: Toxic Effects of Indoor Molds

Indoor Toxic Molds and their Symptoms By Nachman Brautbar, M.D.

TOXIC MOLD & TORT NEWS

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