Introduction to Molds
Molds release tiny spores in order to reproduce. These spores waft continually throughout the indoor and outdoor air. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors mold growth will occur, especially if the moisture problem remains un-discovered or un-addressed. When these mold spores land indoors on a damp spot, they may begin growing and digesting whatever surface they land on in order to survive. There are numerous types of molds that can grow on a variety of surfaces such as wood, paper, carpet, and foods. There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; the best way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
Usually indoor molds are not a problem, unless these spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin to grow; then they can have the potential to cause many 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 very common; they can be both immediate and 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.
Since there are no EPA established limits for safe levels of mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's or home’s compliance with federal mold standards. Additionally, sampling indoor air for the presence of mold spores requires trained professionals with special sample equipment. However, surface sampling may be useful to determine if a questionable area contains mold or has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations. J3 Resources, Inc. is accredited by AIHA for the analysis of mold samples and complies with current ASTM methods.
Homeowners can test areas in their home suspected of mold contamination in the following manner:
- Remove a small piece of the contaminated material (wallpaper, texture, paint, drywall, carpet, etc) and place in a zip lock bag and send directly to J3 along with the sample submittal form for analysis.
- A “tape lift” sample can be collected by gently touching the area suspected of mold contamination with an approximately 2-inch long piece of adhesive tape. This tape can then be adhered to the inside of a ‘zipper-type’ plastic bag and mailed to J3 along with the sample submittal form for analysis.
Results of the analysis will be sent directly by email according to the time frame requested on the sample submittal form. Prices differ based on the time frame marked.
The following is an EPA guidance document that contains pertinent information about controlling mold and mold spores in the home.
U.S. EPA – Homeowners Mold Guide
