What happens during a mold inspection? One of the 48-Hour certified mold inspectors will contact you after we receive your order to schedule a mutually convenient time to conduct the mold inspection. On the day of the inspection, we recommend that you try to minimize the outdoor air flow by keeping the doors and windows closed. Depending on the size of the property and the type of mold inspection ordered, it may take our mold inspector as long as two hours to fully inspect the property for any indications of active mold growth. The inspector will then recommend samples based on the observations made during the inspection. You will have the option to accept or decline each sample recommended by the mold inspector. Samples you authorize are taken by the mold inspector and, following strict chain-of-custody guidelines, are sent overnight to the laboratory for analysis. It generally takes 3 to 5 business days for the laboratory to issue their results, and after additional analysis by our office, the final mold inspection report is issued.

What are the symptoms of exposure to mold? Effects from exposure to toxic mold can result in any of the following symptoms: headaches, memory loss, problems focusing or concentrating, chronic fatigue, nose and throat irritation, persistent cold-like symptoms, burning, itching or watering eyes, dizziness, nausea, tremors, heart palpitations, shortness of breath (during mild exertion), exhaustion after routine activity, serious swelling in legs, ankles, feet, serious swelling in torso or stomach, prolonged muscle cramps and joint pain, sensitivity to odors, cancer, women who are pregnant could experience multiple problems, even miscarriages.

If mold is everywhere, why has it suddenly become a problem now? A better understanding within the medical community of which symptoms can actually be attributed to exposure to certain types of mold. Expanded land usage and development into areas which are conducive to mold growth. A better understanding of construction methods and what processes foster mold growth.

Why test for mold? 100% of homes - every single one - has some sort of mold growth. Only laboratory testing can determine if the mold growth is dangerous.

What are possible mold warning signs? Musty smells, visible mold, evidence of water damage, unexplained illness... even fresh paint or new carpeting.

Who is most at risk from mold exposure? High levels of molds are not healthy for anyone inside a building. Those individuals that appear to be at higher risk are infants, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems (HIV infection, liver disease or those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy), pregnant women and individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities and asthma, pneumonia or bronchitis. Healthy, active people are less likely adverse reactions at first. However, extended exposure to molds can be a health risk to anyone. If you have concerns about your health, you should consult a physician for advice.

Who should test for mold? A company who has no interest in the clean up (remediation/restoration) of any mold discovered. The company should be fully insured i.e. mold inspection-specific E&O insurance. A company whose inspectors are certified by a third party organization.

Is bleach effective at eliminating mold? It may clean mold off a surface, but it does not penetrate porous materials where mold hides. It will not kill the mycotoxins that some molds can release (which are actually the cause of many adverse reactions).

I'm buying a home… should I get a mold inspection? Mold assessments are not included in a home inspection. You should know what you’re buying before the deal closes. In some cases a seller may hide existing mold problems with new paint or carpeting. In other cases, mold problems may not be known to the seller and therefore not disclosed to you.

What type of mold sampling is available? Air, wall cavity, swab, tape, bulk and carpet sampling.

How can I tell if I have mold in my home or office? If you see mold growth or water stains or if there is the smell of mildew, it is a good idea to have a Certified Mold Inspector conduct an inspection and gather samples for laboratory analysis.

Does it matter what kind of mold is found in my home? Some molds will produce mycotoxins (poisonous toxins), and simply spraying a fungicide or bleach on the mold will not remove or inactivate the mycotoxins that have already been produced. An adverse reaction from dead mold or mold spores can still happen. Not all molds produce mycotoxins all the time. It is important to note that mold spores do not have to be alive to be dangerous. Dead and dormant mold can be just as toxic. Tolerance to these mycotoxins again varies from person to person. Molds that produce mycotoxins are generally considered to be more dangerous than those which do not produce mycotoxins, but because people can react differently to the same mold exposure, it is best to remove any mold found in a home. The techniques for removing mold, however, may differ according to the mold type.

How Should I Choose a Qualified Mold Inspector? Here are 10 questions you should ask when selecting a mold inspector:

Why test for mold? 100% of homes - every single one - has some sort of mold growth. Only laboratory testing can determine if the mold growth is dangerous.

What are possible mold warning signs? Musty smells, visible mold, evidence of water damage, unexplained illness... even fresh paint or new carpeting.

Who should test for mold? A company who has no interest in the clean up (remediation/restoration) of any mold discovered. The company should be fully insured i.e. mold inspection-specific E&O insurance. A company whose inspectors are certified by a third party organization.

Is bleach effective at eliminating mold? It may clean mold off a surface, but it does not penetrate porous materials where mold hides. It will not kill the mycotoxins that some molds can release (which are actually the cause of many adverse reactions).

What type of mold sampling is available? Air, wall cavity, swab, tape, bulk and carpet sampling.

How can I tell if I have mold in my home or office? If you see mold growth or water stains or if there is the smell of mildew, it is a good idea to have a Certified Mold Inspector conduct an inspection and gather samples for laboratory analysis.

How Should I Choose a Qualified Mold Inspector? Here are 10 questions you should ask when selecting a mold inspector: