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Frequently Asked Questions About Mold
- 1. Why use a home test kit?
- The Got Mold? Test Kit is designed to empower you and educate you about the presence
and potential danger from mold in your home, or any other indoor environment.
The Got Mold? Test Kit is a cost effective screening tool to determine whether a mold
or moisture problem may exist in your home. The test kit will help you decide
whether or not calling a professional inspection or testing company may be
warranted. This could save you thousands, of dollars. To have a professional
mold inspector gather the samples and deliver the results you can get from this
kit would typically cost more than $1,200.
The Got Mold? Test Kit – when the inspection and testing is done in strict accordance
with the instructions – can help you determine 1) if, and where, mold may be
growing, 2) the types of molds present, and 3) whether the airborne
concentrations may be elevated in your home and pose a potential threat to the
health of you and your family.
The Got Mold? Test Kit cannot determine the exact amount of mold present and will not
provide the extensive report of a professional testing firm, but it does give an
excellent indication of current conditions inside your home.
- 2. What tests are included in the Got Mold? Test Kit?
- Air Samples: A sample specimen is taken by using The Got Mold? Test Kit air sampler.
The patented Air-O-Cell® cassette is used with the included Bio-Vac vacuum pump
to trap the mold particles present in the air onto a test slide inside the Air-
O-Cell® cassette, so you can have the sample analyzed by our professional
laboratory. The results of your sample are then compared with the range of
normal concentrations expected in residential homes, and with other samples
taken inside and outside your home.
Surface Samples: A surface sample is collected from an area of visible growth.
This helps to determine the types of mold present. The enclosed Bio-Tape™
adhesive strip sampler is used to lift a suspected mold growth from a surface,
and then submit the sample to our professional laboratory for analysis, using
the pre-addressed labels.
- 3. What are the limitations of the Got Mold? Test Kit?
- The enclosed directions supplied for the use of The Got Mold? Test Kit must be
followed exactly, or else the test results will not be accurate.
The Got Mold? Test Kit provides screening analysis, is able to identify the common
mold types commonly found in homes. In your report, each air sample will have a status of Not Evident, or an “alert condition” of Slight Evidence, Moderate Evidence or Substantial Evidence, as compared to your outside reference sample.
The results of the airborne and surface tests can only be expected to
Represent the conditions at the time the samples are collected. Changes
in the conditions of home, time of year, and even time of day can be expected to
vary.
The Got Mold? Test Kit is not recommended for people who are already in the middle of
a mold remediation project, or want to verify precise professional results. You
should hire a professional mold inspection company for this kind of clearance
testing. The absence of alert conditions does not exclude the possibility of a mold problem. This kit was not designed to be a substitute for a professional mold assessment. This kit should not be used as the sole basis for professional mold remediation, nor should it be used to verify professional mold remediation.
- 4. What is mold? Molds are living organisms, microscopic in size, and grow
similar to plants feeding on decaying or dead organic material.
- Molds are present on most surfaces around us and also serve helpful purposes,
but it can be harmful if allowed to grow out of control.
Molds produce billions of spores – their version of seeds – which are carried on
air currents, enabling them to grow in other locations and reproduce. These
spores give each type of mold its distinct color and appearance. About
1,000,000,000 (1 billion) spores can fit comfortably into one square inch.
- 5. What are the most common symptoms of exposure to mold?
- Nose irritations - runny nose
Nasal and sinus congestion.
Throat irritations
Aggravation of asthma.
Headaches
Dizziness
Fatigue
Fevers
Eye irritation – watery and red eyes
Skin irritations
- 6. Why is mold a bigger problem today than 20 years ago?
- New construction methods and materials were developed to comply with Title 24 of
the United States Code of Federal Regulations (1978), focusing on energy
conservation. The new building methods and construction materials do not allow
buildings to ventilate, or “breathe,” as freely as before. The result is that
moisture vapor can become trapped if sufficient ventilation systems are not in
place, providing the basis for mold growth.
When a house is built on a concrete slab, the concrete emits moisture depending
upon surrounding conditions. Concrete slabs are porous, allowing moisture
present in the soil beneath the slab to migrate into the living area above.
Legal issues attributed to mold are now in the news more than ever before.
Owners selling or renting properties are being held responsible for not
informing tenants as to possible mold problems. Mold can grow from minor water
problems as simple as wet indoor plant baskets or wet laundry hung indoors to
larger problems such as plumbing failures and roof leaks. As a result, the
responsibility for keeping track of potential mold growth problems becomes more
important than ever before.
- 7. Is mold dangerous, and who is at risk when exposed to mold?
- Molds, their spores and the gases they produce, known as Microbial Volatile
Organic Compounds (MVOCs), are unlikely to cause serious illnesses in the normal
home setting with healthy individuals. Although allergies to mold are quite
common, serious infections are rare. Most reported cases of disease or serious
medical effects attributed to mold are found in occupational settings where
exposures are very high and chronic, or where the occupant has a severely
compromised immune system.
When elevated mold growth is present in the home, allergy, upper respiratory
symptoms and irritation of the upper airway, sinuses, and mucous membranes are
not uncommon. These symptoms will usually disappear when the mold growth and the
moisture conditions causing the mold growth are removed. Each individual’s
response when exposed to mold varies according to his or her age, gender, state
of health, genetic make-up and the duration of exposure. Most people have no
symptoms at all or experience irritant symptoms such as stuffy nose and
irritated eyes.
- 8. What does mold smell like?
- When a musty smell is present, mold growth may be present. A musty smell by
itself however, does not automatically indicate the presence of mold growth or a
hazardous condition. The presence of moisture on organic surfaces in a home,
especially carpeting, with give off a wide range of musty odors from a variety
of organic sources including pets, dander, bacteria and other forms of
biological decay. There are certain molds that give off identifiable odors to a
trained expert, but most musty odors in a home are from a combination of
sources.
- 9. What does mold look like?
- Mold growth is usually present as mottled colonies or irregular surface
discolorations having a fuzzy texture. The color of the mold growth is most
often the direct result of the chemicals and pigments within the spores
themselves. Mold spores are smaller than the smallest sand grains and as many
as 10,000,000 (ten million) could fit on the head of a pen. Spores occur in
various color and shapes.
- 10. Which types of mold do we need to be concerned about? What about 'Toxic
Mold'?
- All molds are capable of producing allergens and Microbial Volatile
Organic Compounds (MVOCs) such as benzene, methyl chloride and acetone. When
present in high concentrations, molds can produce airway and mucous membrane
irritation. Some molds are capable of producing toxigenic compounds known as
Mycotoxins, however serious health effects as a direct result of exposure to
Mycotoxins are rare. Although there has been significant media hype and hysteria
regarding the black mold Stachybotrys Chartarum, there is no medical proof that
this mold is more dangerous than any other mold. However, in practice, there is
no good mold, except in cheese. The fact is, a narrow range of molds typically
are found in elevated concentrations when damp conditions exist indoors. These
most commonly include Aspergillus and Penicillium types (genera) and are
classified and reported together when you receive your Got Mold? Test Kit report.
Most current data suggests that elevated mold growth or airborne spores of any
kind is an undesirable condition.
- 11. What is the role of mold in nature?
- Mold is nature’s recycler. In nature, molds, mushrooms and other fungi are
responsible for the decay of organic material, such as wood, leaves, flowers, or
animal tissue.
When mold is found inside homes, it does exactly the same – it starts to devour
the material on which it is living. If left untreated, it will slowly eat away
the organic and construction materials in your home!
- 12. Where does mold grow?
- Mold grows anywhere and everywhere: Outdoors – naturally on dead plants, leaves,
soils, wood: Indoors – even in the newest and cleanest houses - we can find all
the necessary ingredients for mold to grow.
A majority of environmental professionals agree that indoor mold spore
concentrations on average are normally lower than concentrations outdoors,
provided we have good healthy living conditions indoors. Mold concentrations in
a clean home can range from 10 to 5,000 spores per square inch on horizontal
surfaces, and can range from 200 to 5000 spores per cubic meter in the air in
clean homes. When severe surface mold contamination is present, indoor mold
spore concentrations often exceed 100,000 spores per cubic meter of air.
- 13. What does mold need to grow?
- A. Food: Mold needs an organic source of food, such as: wood, fabric,
leather, gypsum, fireboard, drywall, stucco, insulation material, ceiling
tiles, paint textiles, dirt, dust, paper adhesives.
B. Water: Mold needs the correct amount of surface moisture, and sustained
relative humidity of 50% to 80%, depending on the specific type of mold.
- 14. Why does mold appear to grow on non-organic surfaces?
- Mold found on these surfaces is actually living off organic debris such as dust,
oil films, dirt, skin cells, etc deposited on the surface.
- 15. When and where do we come in contact with mold?
- Mold is, in a word, everywhere. We come in contact with mold every single day of
our lives.
Most contact takes place unnoticed. We routinely inhale naturally occurring
molds outdoors, or mold found indoors as a result of outdoor infiltration of
spores. Often, indoor exposure to mold is the result of our own living habits
or on common household items such as moldy food, potted plants, or damp clothing
and towels. Only if mold is found in highly visible or accessible areas are we
likely to notice.
- 16. When does mold grow indoors?
- Mold growth can occur indoors whenever excess moisture accumulates and is not
dried within 24 to 48 hours.
Extensive mold growth is likely following a major water leak, such as a burst
pipe, sewer backflow, tub overflow, or after putting out a fire. However, minor
events can also cause significant mold growth if not properly addressed.
- 17. What are the potential sources of moisturein and around my home?
- There are many different indoor and outdoor sources and causes for minor indoor
water leaks.
Exterior:
Leaking faucets or sprinkler valves.
Water ponding next to the home.
Roof or chimney leaks.
Water, vegetation or debris accumulating on roof.
Vegetation next to or growing on the home.
Sprinkler heads too close to the side of the house.
Absence of rain gutters, or downspouts not draining away from the house.
Accumulation of dirt and debris on window ledges.
Window and door leaks.
Damaged or leaky siding; improper drainage of siding
Damp garage, basement.
Damp or poorly ventilated crawl space
Sewer backed up
Soil sloping towards house
Interior:
Leaking faucets or water valves.
Inadequately sealed toilet.
Insufficient caulking around tub and shower.
Storage of garbage under the sink.
Steam from cooking and dishwasher.
Leaking water valves or lines under sink or water conditioning units
Leaking air conditioning condensate lines
Inadequate bathroom ventilation
Bathroom exhaust fan venting into attic space
Carpeted bathrooms
Potted plants, especially when in wicker baskets.
Accumulation of dirt and dust on window ledges and panes.
Wet clothes drying indoors.
Clothes dryer vented indoors.
Dirty (HVAC) heating and air-conditioning ducts.
Spilled liquids on carpeted surfaces.
Poor carpet cleaning job (excess moisture left behind).
Condensation in attic.
Dampness in closets, especially on the ground floor next to exterior walls, or
adjacent to bathrooms
High humidity levels in any room
- 18. How long does it take for mold to grow?
- The time varies for each different type of mold, but some types can start
growing within 24 hours of a water event. In most cases the growth may not
become visible for several days.
- 19. Can my own household activities cause mold growth?
- The answer is yes. Inattention to routine cleaning and maintenance of heating,
air conditioning, and water utilities in and around your home can all contribute
to elevated moisture and mold growth. The following are the most common causes
of “household” mold growth caused by inadequate cleaning or maintenance:
Dirty HVAC system
Dryer vented indoors
Wet clothes drying indoors
Garbage stored under the kitchen sink
Inadequate bathroom ventilation, or bathroom exhaust vented into attic
Moisture from dishwasher
Steam from cooking, baths, and showers
Indoor plants
Loose or missing caulking around bathtubs and shower
Moisture from incomplete carpet cleaning
Chronic plumbing leaks
The use of carpeting in bathrooms
Infrequent cleaning of carpeting and window ledges
Pets
Any excessive humidity
- 20. How should I respond to a flood in my home?
- The answer is: ACT IMMEDIATELY! The quicker cleanup and drying takes place, the
less water and mold damage will be. Naturally, the smaller the damage is, the
less costly it will be to clean and repair. Make sure all of the following are
dried immediately:
Wet contents and clothing (discard all wet cardboard boxes)
Wet carpet padding and carpeting
Baseboard drywall
The underside and back of cabinets
If the flooding is extensive, immediately call a professional restoration
company
- 21. What is the best way to remove mold-contaminated materials?
- Although small and localized areas of mold growth can safely be removed by the
homeowner, it is important that all affected materials be removed and the source
of the moisture fixed. This usually requires hiring a qualified restoration or
remediation professional. Make sure that the room area is sealed off from the
rest of the home to contain spores and dust migration. Use plastic barriers and
high capacity fans equipped with HEPA filters commonly referred to as negative
air machines to exhaust air outside of the home. The handling or disturbance of
mold contaminated materials should only be performed when you are wearing a
properly fitted dust mask or respirator. Homeowners can purchase dust masks
which are rated by NIOSH as N-95 or 95% efficient. Gloves and goggles are also
strongly recommended. Any clothing exposed to spore laden dust should be
immediately washed after use.
- 22. Where can I get more information on mold?
- There are literally thousands of web sites offering information, and sometimes
disinformation, about mold. The most reliable information can often be found on
web sites of government agencies and recognized scientific professional
organizations. The following link contains a treasure trove of links to these
organizations and they are constantly being updated.
http://moldfacts.org
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