Mold Inspections, In-door Air Quality
Inspections & Assessments
Licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services
Mold Assessment Consultant - License #MAC0558
Every time we open a door to the outside or come in from the outside we allow mold carried on air currents, on our clothing, our shoes etc. to be carried into our indoor environment. However, in order for mold to grow, it needs food sources (such as the carpets, gypsum wall board or other organic materials in our home), and a source of water. Thus water is the catalyst that enables mold to propagate in our indoor environment. Without water from plumbing leaks, condensation from humidifiers or AC, misaligned sprinkler heads, window and roof leaks mold does not cause problems.
Is there a musty smell in your Home or unexplained odors indoors?
Are there visible signs of water damage anywhere?
Has the building ever suffered a roof or plumbing leak?
Is there visible mold in your bedroom, living area, crawl space or attic?
Is Your Family at Risk?
Have any family members, residents or occupants experienced any of the following adverse health
effects in your home?
Mold and/or mildew can cause illness in several ways:
Allergy: Allergic reactions to mold and/or mildew include hay fever or asthma symptoms such as itchy,
watery eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, chest tightness, cough and wheezing.
Irritation: Exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, nose, and upper breathing passages. Burning eyes,
nasal congestion, coughing, and post-nasal drip are all irritation typical of mold and/or mildew
symptoms.
Infection: Some molds can cause chronic sinus infections. Individuals with weakened immune systems
are at high risk to mold induces infections; these include those with HIV infection, those receiving
chemotherapy, and the elderly. Children and pregnant women may also be at increased risk.
Toxins: Some molds produce toxins that can have effects on the skin, the respiratory system, the
immune system, and the nervous system.
Other Signs of Mold and /or mildew contamination in your office, apartment, or home may include:
Balance Loss Bloody Noses Chronic Colds Chronic Headaches
Coughing Flu-like Symptoms Irritation of Eyes Nose, & Throat Nausea
Skin problems Skin Rashes Sinus Congestion Upper Respiratory Distress
If you are experiencing one or more of the above conditions, you may be dealing with a serious mold problem that must be corrected to avoid further property damage and health problems.
What is the Process for Mold & Mildew Detection?
Mold testing begins with a physical inspection (assessment) conducted by Stewart Home Inspections who visits the site and conducts a comprehensive physical inspection of the premises for mold or mildew. Upon completion of the inspection, I explain what I have found and where it will be necessary to collect test specimens (and the reasons for collecting samples at the proposed location with the structure). I will also discuss the lab fees and time frames for lab results associated with these test.
What is the Process for Mold & Mildew Removal?
If mold contamination is found within your residence or work space, the areas to be treated must be isolated from the clean areas with poly-film barriers and placed under negative pressure with HEPA blowers (to prevent the spread of mold to unaffected areas). The mold contaminated surfaces (walls, ceilings etc.) must then be treated with a mold treatment reagent, if the surfaces are accessible, or removed and disposed of if parts are inaccessible (if mold is between a wall, for example, one wall must be removed to allow treatment of the other wall). The entire contaminated area is HEPA vacuumed (High Efficiency Particle Air filter) including floors, walls, ceilings and room contents, and treated with a mold cleaning reagent.
A HEPA blower (used to create negative air pressure in the treatment area by drawing air into the contaminated area from a clean part of the structure and discharging it to the outside) is then operated to purge any remaining mold spores from the air in the treated area. After treatment, Stewart Home Inspections conducts clearance tests to assure the remediation has successfully reduced mold to safe levels.
If you suspect that you may have mold or mildew in your residential, commercial, or industrial building, please contact Stewart Home Inspections and I will test and survey your building and assist you removing any contamination that may pose a threat to the health of occupants.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) deals with the health and comfort of the air inside buildings. The IAQ may be compromised by microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria), chemicals, allergens, or other contaminants that can affect the heath of people or animals. Often the perception is that outdoor air is polluted, but indoor air is acceptable. Many studies and experience show that this isn't always the case.
Acceptable indoor air quality is the quality of air within a residence or work area, where the concentrations of unwanted gases or particulates are so low they will not adversely affect the health or comfort of the occupants. Poor indoor air quality occurs when gases or particles are present in quantities that would present a risk to the health of occupants or otherwise make it uncomfortable to occupy the premises. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 30% of all commercial buildings have significant indoor air quality problems. Sadly, with modern day construction practices, residential properties are built to prevent the intrusion of all fresh air from the outside environment allowing contaminants to accumulate in the air to levels that cause discomfort, respiratory distress or illness.
Mold Assessment Services begin with a visual inspection of the property for water or moisture like damage, wood rot, cracking, swelling, staining, mold, and the causes of those conditions. I recommend air and/or surface mold sampling, which allows us to identify poor air quality conditions and mold types that may be harmful to occupants or cause property damage.
Every assessment is documented in a report (with photos) that describe:
Background Information Moisture Measurements Sampling Methods Laboratory Results
Visual Observations Corrective Recommendations Preventative Recommendations & Conclusions
If necessary, the report will include a detailed, professional remediation protocol, which includes recommendations for:
Area Containment Disposal Techniques Negative Air Pressure Cleaning Techniques
Removal Techniques Personal Protective Equipment Cleaning Equipment Evaluation Criteria
Not every environmental company includes a detailed remediation plan!
Assessments, performed after remediation, are documented in a report with a ‘Pass/Fail’ evaluation for areas where abnormal concentrations of mold were found.
Stewart Home Inspections performs inspections, sampling and assessments only. I have no vested interest in finding mold that would require expensive treatment. I will recommend remediation only when it is required.
If remediation is required! Stewart Home Inspections will write a Remediation Scope of Work that will guide a remediation company you choose, so you will only pay for the treatment you actually need.
Stewart Home Inspections will visit your home and perform a complete assessment of your mold sampling needs and make the appropriate recommendations, on a case by case bases.
Do not delay! Schedule the Mold Property Assessment
Call 214-908-0626 TODAY
