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Mold Removal And Remediation Standards

Mold Removal And Remediation Standards

Mar 13, 2023 | Mold Remediation

Mold Removal Standards 2023

Responsible homeowners have questions whenever they discover mold for different reasons most commonly the concern revolves around health in general.  Homeowners understand that mold remediation is a important maintenance issue and should be addressed by a competent mold remediation professional. Homeowners also need to know who they can trust whenever such a problem arises in their home. Homeowners like to do research to find out which companies have information to help educate their customers.

At Mold Metrix we believe this is important because many states do not regulate mold remediation or mold removal projects.  States such as New York, Florida and Texas provide valuable guidance to the mold remediation industry with regards to practicing standards and each of these states rely on the ICRC S 500 water damage restoration and S520 mold remediation standards in addition to their respective mold decontamination statutes.

IICRC S500 and S520 Mold Remediation Standard

The IICRC has played a central role in the cleaning and restoration industry for many years by providing industry standards and best practices. The IICRC’s course on water damage is the industry standard for training on water damage mitigation.  After the famous Ballard mold lawsuit was decided, the IICRC decided that a working standard should be created for mold remediation. The standard produced by the IICRC for mold remediation is known as the IICRCS 520 standard and reference guide for mold remediation. Rather than focusing on visible contamination, the S500 focuses on the extent of mold contamination.

The ICRC S 520 defines a mold remediation project in terms of the following three conditions:

Condition 1: a normal living environment. This is the normal living environment that one would expect in a home, office or commercial building.

Condition 2: an indoor environment that is contaminated with settled mold spores and fragments. Condition 2 areas are located directly near or adjacent to a room with active mold growth.

Condition 3: an indoor environment contaminated with visible or active mold growth.

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S520 Mold Removal Approach

From its introduction the IICRCS 520 approach has moved the mold remediation industry forward. to better understand the mold remediation standards there is certain terminology which must be defined.

In the S 520, the term “should” means that the practice or procedure is the accepted standard of care, and should be followed, but is not mandatory.

the term “shall” means the practice or procedure is mandatory due to laws or regulations. This use of shell comes from the legal terms used in the writing of laws and regulations.

The term “recommended” means that the practice or procedure is advised or suggested, again not mandatory.

The term “limitations” refers to restrictions that are placed upon the remediator that result in a limit on the scope or on remediation activities.

The term “complexities” means situations that cause the mold remediation job to become more difficult or detailed, but that the work can still be performed adequately.

The term “complications” means situations that may arise after the start of a mold remediation project which may change the scope of work.

mold remediation

Category 3 Water and Mold Remediation

Category three water is almost certain to cause mold growth. The IICRC S 520 mold remediation standard defines category three water as grossly unsanitary contaminated and containing parthenogenic taxonomy genic or other harmful agents. Category three water is any water that enters a home from beyond a sewer trap. Other examples of category 3 water include all water entering from outside the dwelling, ground water, river water, and or fish tank water.

When reporting water damage and mold remediation to your insurance company the proper way to create a claim is as a category three water damage. Category 3 water damage includes toxigenic or other harmful agents including, but not limited to gas, lead, asbestos, animal droppings and mold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsalvageable Mold Category

A category three water loss will create a condition 3 mold environment in as little as 72 hours and sometimes faster than that depending on the contamination levels of the water. Moldy materials are generally classified as either salvageable or unsalvageable. Organic based materials are able support mold growth very easily are typically classified as unsalvageable due to mold growth and or contamination. Examples include books, papers, carpet padding, baseboards, drywall, vinyl plank, and wood flooring.

Salvageable Mold Category

Not all organic material is automatically classified as unsalvageable. For example; studs, floorboards, and joist systems are all structural components made of organic material. However, these materials are structural and are usually salvaged unless they have decomposed to the point where they are structurally sound.  Contents are defined as the personal property held within the dwelling or office.  Contents restoration is a separate, but related claim for mold contamination.  Concerns related to salvageability and cost should be discussed with the mold remediation manager.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Any project classified as a mold remediation project or classified as a category 3 water damage should be expected to use protective gear including, but not limited to rubber gloves, rubber boots, a Tyvek suit, mask and or respirator. In some cases a self-contained breathing apparatus may be necessary due to the level of mold contamination. Additional protective equipment may include lighting and lighting setup. Additional fees may be incurred for projects located in attics and crawlspaces.

Containment Standards For Mold Removal

Mold remediation projects with less than 10 square feet of mold do not require additional containment measures beyond HEPA air filtration.  Containment on a mold remediation project can be as simple as closing a room door and covering it with a containment plastic and zipper. In other cases, full scale containment is necessary. Any questions or concerns you may have about containment and your mold remediation project should be discussed with your project manager. They should be able to explain All decided courses of action as well as how they have applied the IICRC S 500 standard.

Air Filtration For Mold Remediation

Inhaling mold is one of the easiest ways to become affected by it. This is why mold remediation professionals must also include HEPA air filtration add negative air systems on all mold remediation projects. In this way we can improve and preserve the integrity of the indoor air quality.

Mold Remediation Cleaning Standards

The IICRC S520 mold remediation standard is to remove all affected materials and to remediate mold contamination. What this translates to is the safe removal of affected materials, including cutting out and bagging materials for removal. Mold remediation does not mean zero mold present. The goal of mold remediation is to restore mold levels to within safe acceptable levels.

If you or anybody you know needs mold remediation, Choose Metrix Over The Matter, because the Power to Change the Matter is in the Metrix.

What is Mold Contamination

What is Mold Contamination

Mar 13, 2023 | Mold Remediation

What is Mold Contamination?

What is microbial contamination? Where does mold come from? Is mold contamination a health concern issue? How do you properly get rid of mold?  These are just some of the questions home and business owners ask when they find out they have a mold problem.

Microbial contamination refers to a variety of microorganisms, including mold, bacteria, viruses, and protozoa; and fungi, which include molds, yeasts, and their byproducts and toxins. All of these can affect the health of a building and its occupants.

In this paper, we will begin by answering the question: what is mold contamination? A full discussion of related issues will follow in subsequent papers released by Metrix Restoration. As a starting point, the proper job sequencing for a typical mold remediation project includes but is not limited to: identifying and stopping the source of moisture; setting up containment; establishing negative air; removing contaminated building material; cleaning surfaces; drying the affected area; and conducting post remediation evaluation. The IICRC S520 defines mold contamination as any non-condition 1 indoor environment.

Condition 1: a normal indoor living environment. This is the normal indoor living environment that one would expect in a home, office building or commercial building.

Condition 2: an indoor environment that is contaminated with settled mold spores and fragments. This could be an area that is located near active mold growth, but does not have active mold Itself. For example, the room adjacent to an effected area may not have active growth, but could have settled mold spores originating from the effected zone.

Condition 3: an indoor environment contaminated with visible or active mold growth.

Mold Contamination Begins With Water Damage

Almost all plants and animals need light, but both fungi and bacteria do not because of their method of obtaining energy. In all forms of life, as we know it on earth, water is a requirement. Thus, if a building stays dry, no form of life can live on it. This means that if buildings are kept dry, mold and other bacteria would not become an issue effecting the living space of a home or an office.

When water enters a building in any form the potential for microbial growth to become established is solidified and potentially increases with time.  Many types of contamination affect homes. Some of these contaminants are beyond the scope of this paper. The primary types of microbial contamination that this paper covers are molds. Microbial contaminations include microscopic particles and spores that need water to survive and proliferate. All living organisms on earth need water to survive. While spores can exist in all buildings, a wet building is almost certainly going to contain spores, and these sports will lead to mold growth.

One of the easiest ways to determine if a building has a mold problem is by odor. Odors detected in water damaged buildings can be caused by wet structural materials. The odors released by microbial growth are musty or earthy odors and are scientifically known as microbiological volatile organic compounds.

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Spores Are A Major Concern For Mold Remediators

Mold spores are a major concern for remediators because of their very small size. Mold spores can be anywhere there is air, including under carpet, inside wall cavities, under kitchen cabinets, virtually everywhere. Most are usually not a problem unless mold spores land on a damp spot and begin growing. They digest whatever organic material they grow on to survive. Some molds grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation, while other molds feast on everyday dust and dirt that gather in the moist regions of a building.

Generally, molds are hydrophobic. This means that spores do not like water itself. While mold spores need water to colonize, they like wet organic substances, not a puddle of standing water. These airborne mold spores are looking for a proper location to reproduce. The location must provide food, water, and a calm environment, preferably darkness and acceptable temperature. The inside of a building wall cavity is perfect, except that wall cavities are normally dry. Simply add water, allow the area to stay wet for a few weeks, and mold grows.

Mold starts from a spore. Once the mold finds an acceptable environment, growth starts. Mold grows into a plant like structure having a network of tubular branches called hyphae. Hyphae are genetically identical and are considered a single organism or a grouping called mycelium. Once mold becomes visible to the human eye, this grouping is then called a colony. In most residential and commercial water damage, mold remediation becomes a standard after 72 hours.

As colonies of mold continue to grow, they reach a point where it becomes time to continue their life cycle. This is when mold begins to produce and release spores into the environment, known as sporulation. Two types of spores are produced during sporulation: viable spores and non-viable spores. Viable spores are active and can establish new colonies. These types of spores may also be allergenic, and or contain toxins. Non-viable spores are not active and therefore cannot begin new colonies. The term settle spores refers to those spores which are present on surfaces but are not active. This distinction is necessary for defining conditions of mold contamination.

Mycotoxins are released by molds as part of their natural defense system.  Humans are also sensitive to mycotoxins produced by mold and are subject to related health effects.  Among the most common mold types encountered by mold removal professionals are Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, and Penicillium.  Stachybotrys requires a constant water source to thrive, in other words, a very moist environment.  Unlike Stachybotrys, both Penicillium and Aspergillus are able to grow in low moisture environments. Mold does not “die” when a structure dries out, it simply goes into a “dormant state”.  This is why non-salvageable materials are disposed of during a mold remediation project and structural materials such as studs and joists are dries and decontaminated.

Masters Of Mitigation

Mold VS Mildew

The words mold and mildew are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct species within the fungi family. Mold is one of nature’s chief decomposition mechanisms. Molds that decay dead organic matter that was once alive, such as trees, leaves, cotton, leather, wolves, are known as saprophytic molds. Molds are part of the natural environment.  Molds are fungi that can be found both inside or outside throughout the year. The problem with saprophytic mold is that it does not understand the difference between a dead tree and the forest, and a two by four wall stud that came from a dead tree and a home, that we do not want decomposed.

Indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Problems may arise when mold starts eating away at materials, affecting the look, smell, and possibly, with respect to wood framed buildings, the structural integrity of buildings. Mold reproduces via a very small seed, called a spore. Mold spores are very small and are typically found to be 2.0 Microns in diameter. Because of this very small size, mold spores are invisible to the human eye, and are everywhere there is air. Most can grow on virtually any substance or material, if moisture or water, oxygen, and an organic food source is present. Molds reproduced by creating tiny spores that cannot be seen without magnifying them through a microscope. Mold spores are very similar to dandelion seeds as they continually float through the indoor and outdoor air using air currents as transport.

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Biohazard & Fungal Clean Up

Whenever human and or animal biological wastes or fluids are involved in a mold removal project, the project also becomes a biohazard cleanup.  Mold removal professionals should also be aware that any mold remediation involving bird or bat droppings may also involve cryptococcus neoformans and histoplasma capsulatum which are known to cause serious respiratory disease.  Mold remediators should also take special precautions when conducting inspections or mold removal projects involving any rabid animals.

Homeowners Guide To Basement Water Damage 2023

Homeowners Guide To Basement Water Damage 2023

Nov 22, 2022 | Water Damage Restoration

Homeowners Guide To Basement Flood Damage

The homeowners guide to basement flood damage restoration produced by Flood Metrix is our attempt to educate the public about water damage restoration.  We believe that education is a main factor in accomplishing our mission, which is to move a customer from stress to satisfaction.  Having a plan of action in case of a flooded basement really helps a customer to rest at ease during a time that is naturally stressful.

Many homeowners don’t know what their insurance company will or will not cover.  This article is going to include some standard procedures for basement flooding so that homeowners can better understand what to expect.

We should begin with what is considered basement flooding

First, let’s break the subject down into three parts:

Basement Leaks

Basement Water Damage

Basement Floods

Basement Leaks

Basement leaks can originate from a crack in the foundation, failed plumbing or plumbing related appliances.  Leaks originating outside the home are not typically covered by standard homeowners’ insurance, an additional policy for a flood protection is usually needed.  I recommend reading your policy and contacting your agent to discuss any question before they arise.

Basement Floods Water Proofing

It is always a good idea to have a water proofing expert make suggestions about the best water proofing options for your basement.  An expert will be able to let your know if installing some a simple water barrier is enough for your project or if you need greater support.  It all depends on the location of your home, and the condition of the basement, and your goals as the homeowner as to what maybe considered the best course of action for preventing a basement flood in your home.

When To Call A Water Damage Professional

Homeowners should call a professional whenever there is more than 10 gallons and or sewer water involved.  Basement flooding typically involves multiple areas of a basement or over 60% of a basement.  Anytime you experience a basement flood, the first step is to contact an IICRC certified water damage professional.  It is better to call an experienced water damage professional, because most plumbers do not understand the insurance process of basement flood claims. 

If you are unable to stop the water flow, then definitely call the plumber first.  But if you can, call the water damage restoration professional first they can explain to you your options with filing a claim.  Homeowner really need to understand that the inspection report is the document they need to support their damage claim.

Water Damage Cleanup

Step 1 Basement Flood Mitigation

The very first step to a basement flood damage mitigation is to choose a qualified and reputable water damage restoration professional.  If you are able to stop the leak yourself, you do not need to call the plumber first, you need to call a water damage restoration professional, even before you call your insurance company to make your claim.

Flooded Basement Service Agreement

Most companies require that you sign a service agreement.  Signing a water damage service agreement is important because not only does it protect the water damage restoration company, but it also protects the homeowner.  Both parties become protected from no fault damages.

Initial Water Damage Report

Most homeowner are not experts at making damage reports for official basement flood coverage.  One advantage of hiring a water mitigation company first is the additional help you have with properly filing your basement flood insurance claim.  After you’ve chosen a qualified water damage mitigation professional, the next order of business is to inspect for primary, as well as secondary damages.  We want to document both what is and what is not affected at the time of arrival.  Videos, photos, written notes, diagrams, measurements, along with psychometric analysis are all use to create basement flood damage reports to be shared with the homeowner and insurance adjustor.

Your basement flood damage project manager should be able to answer questions related to and provide help with filing your water damage mitigation claim.  Information such as: how to report a water damage mitigation claim and your rights and responsibilities when filing a water mitigation claim.   The initial report usually takes an hour to create and with today’s technology can be completed onsite.

 

Step2: Basement Flood Water Removal

After the paperwork is taken care of, the water extraction can begin.  The water removal method depends on how much water is in the basement.  If there is less than more than six inches of standing water in the basement pumps will be used to quickly remove standing water from the basement.  If there is less 6 inches of water, portable extraction equipment will be used to remove standing water from the basement.

What to do if basement flood water becomes frozen?

If you come across a case where the basement has flooded, and the water has frozen.  The only way to proceed would be to restore power, either through the electrical system or by generators to warm up the house.  Then the water can melt and then be pumped out of the house so that the mitigation process can proceed.

A Pack Out Is Standard Basement Flood Mitigation Procedure

A flood damage pack out is considered a specialty skill and even has its own IICRC certification.  Pack outs are typically necessary when dealing with basement floods because contents must be removed from the affected area during water damage mitigation.  Pack outs are the process of moving a customers’ items for storage and must be done in an organized fashion.  Homeowners’ contents are labeled and can be always tract during the mitigation and reconstruction portion of a basement flood damage restoration project.   Compare this to content manipulation, which is relocating affected items on site.  Often a pack outs are the preferred course of action for all parties involved, including insurance companies.

 

Homeowners are hesitant when they don’t know if insurance is going to pay for certain costs, however, a pack out is standard basement flood damage mitigation procedure.  It is recognized by insurance carriers, and they even have a special billing for this service which includes storage.

water damage restoration

Step 3: Water Damage Demolition

Homeowners tend to worry about the cost of water damage restoration, but the truth is that it may not even cost you anything out of pocket.  If your insurance deductible is $1000 then that is your total out of pocket expense for a new basement.  In most cases, especially when you’re dealing with a good water damage restoration contractor and a flooded basement you should be able to defer your deductible to avoid any out-of-pocket emergency expenses.

The commitment of an insurance carrier is to bring you back to a pre lost condition.  When dealing with water damage restoration projects and flooded basements oftentimes there are many damaged materials that need to be removed.  This is the 3rd step to water damage mitigation.  During the demolition portion of your project all unsalvable materials throughout the flooded basement will be removed for disposal.  area after the demolition is complete and all wet and affected materials have been removed will then move on to step 4.

Step 4: Decontamination

During the decontamination phase, any exposed structural frame of the home be cleaned and decontaminated along with the walls and floors.  This process includes HEPA extraction and the application of antimicrobial.  In some case this also includes the HVAC.

Step 5: Water Damage Structural Drying

Once the demo phase is complete your water damage project moves into the dry out phase. OK The dry out phase includes of a lot of air movers to manipulate the air flow and dehumidifiers to pull excess water from structural materials and other contents in the area.  This help to prevent further secondary damages including microbial growth.  When the dry out phase is complete your water damage mitigation project is complete.

At the end of a water damage mitigation a customer will be given a final walkthrough.  They will be allowed to inspect and will be asked to sign a certificate of completion.  The insurance company will be sent an invoice which is normally paid 30 days.  The average time frame for a water mitigation to be complete is about three to five days.  However, water damage reconstruction can take a lot longer due its nature.  It’s a good idea for a water damage restoration contractor to closely network with a basement remodeling company to better assist their customers in these situations.

4 Hidden Causes of Flooded Basements:

  • Location

The natural position of your home or office relative to its natural environment is a major factor when considering the possibility of future water damage or basement flooding.  Understanding where your house is built in relation to land elevation & sloop is important when planning to prevent basement flooding.  Low quality materials and poor craftmanship is a dangerous mix and is more susceptible to water damage causing basement flooding.

  • Water Drainage System

Improper installation of underground drainage system by your home builder can cause many complications and are not likely to be discovered until a basement flood damage occurs.  However, you can do your part to prevent a basement flood.  Proper maintenance of your sump pump includes having a back up power source.  Even this precaution will fail if the builder makes a mistake.

French drain installation can be a great defense against basement flooding.  If you live in the Northern VA or Southern MD area and plan to use your basement as living space, then French Drain Installation is highly recommended as a defense against water damage.

Gutter maintenance and water diversion is important to the overall water damage protection of your home.  Clogged gutters can cause ceiling to wall water damage.  When gutter water is not diverted away from the home, water pressure increases around basement perimeters.  This makes basement water damage and basement flooding more likely.

  • Foundation Cracks & Leaks

Foundation cracks can be tiny but turn into a major water damage cleanup.  High humidity levels are the result of leaky pipes, water intrusion, foundation cracks and many other water damage issues.  Mold growth is a secondary damage caused by water, in gas or liquid form.  Foundation cracks become weaker by poor drainage.  As the ground becomes over saturated, the pressure per square inch increases as does the chance for basement flooding and basement water damage.

  • Home Additions

Making additions to your home must be carefully planned.  Increased water pressure around a basement perimeter is almost a certainty when additions do not align with precision.  The risk of basement flooding is higher when water pressure around a basement foundation is multiplied.

Air Duct Mold Removal

Air Duct Mold Removal

Aug 10, 2022 | Mold Remediation

Air Duct Mold Removal

When I received this request for air duct cleaning, I wanted to make sure I was the best option for the project.  It was early in the workday, and he was the first caller of the day. 

“A Friend Used Your Service For Air Duct Cleaning Before And Recommended That I Give You A Call”

The customer went on to explain that there was some renovation in an office he was planning to open and there was some mold discovered.  He was instructed to have a certified mold remediation specialist come on site to check the HVAC system and air ducts for mold contamination.

How Mold Grows in Air Ducts

The HVAC system compresses air in what is know as the “a-coil” of a unit.  When the air is compressed it produces an excesses of moisture which is released from the unit by way of a “pipe drain,” usually made from plumbers PVC.  Proper maintenance of the air duct system requires this pipe drain be cleaned regularly.  It is recommended that this drain be cleaned whenever you change the filter of your HVAC unit, or once a month.

When proper maintenance of the air duct drainage system is ignored, foreign waste particles begin to build up over time causing clogs and drainage back ups.

Excess Moisture Allows Mold to Grow In Air Ducts

Elevated moisture levels supported by pipe drain clogs create the prefect conditions for mold to grow in air ducts.  There are signs that you have mold growing in your HVAC unit.

  • Visible mold growth on the PVC

  • Visible mold on air duct vent covers

  • Heavy build up on return covers

NADCA recommends having your air ducts cleaned once per year; however, research suggests that the average homeowner only has their air ducts cleaned once every three to five years.  When you combine this lack of air duct cleaning with the lack of HVAC drain cleaning the likeliness of developing a mold contamination issue within your air duct system becomes highly probable.

Humidifiers May Support Mold Growth in Air Ducts

Many homeowners love the idea of installing a “whole house humidifier” in their HVAC system.  While the ideal may sound nice, the pros may not outweigh the cons.  I never suggest that a humidifier be installed in an air duct system without simultaneously installing a UV light system to help combat the elevated likeliness of mold growth developing in the HVAC system once the humidifier is installed.

Dirty Filters Support Mold Growth in Air Ducts

I recommend installing filters at each of the return openings of the air duct HVAC system.  By doing this you reduce the amount of foreign particulates entering the HVAC unit, both organic and non-organic.  However; disposable filters are designed to be disposed, usually after thirty days.  Once a filter has reached its capacity it becomes inefficient.

Residential Air Duct Mold Remediation

Mold Metrix specializes in residential mold remediation and does not offer air duct cleaning where there is no concerns of mold contamination.  Most air duct cleaning companies are not mold remediation and removal specialist.  This is the distinction between Mold Metrix and other companies offering air duct mold removal services.  At Metrix, we SPECIALISE in solving the specific problem of removing mold from an HVAC system.

Air Duct Mold Removal

Mold Remediation

3 Steps to Air Duct Mold Removal

Decontaminate Main HVAC Unit

This involves cleaning and decontaminating both the blow, a-coil, return box and other interior components of the unit, as well as the exterior components such as the drainpipe.  Your HVAC is the “heart” of your home and the air ducts and like its “lungs.”  When mold contamination begins, it usually starts here and then is spread to other areas of the home or office.

Decontaminate Air Ducts & Filters

In most cases, mold will not become established throughout the entire air duct system, for two reasons.

  • Forced Air Movement

  • Smooth Sheet Metal Interior

Forced air movement mean that there is a “consistent and steady flow of air” so that particulates do not have a chance to become settled.  Most air duct systems are designed to eliminate or minimalize the production of ninety-degree edges for smooth air flow transitions.  The majority of residential air duct installations uses sheet metal and keeps the inside un-insulated, but interior insulation in air ducts does exist, when it does, it causes complications in air duct mold removal projects.

Install UV Light

The IICRC S520 Mold Remediation standard require that mold effected materials be removed during a mold remediation.  This raises a critical issue involving air duct cleaning and mold remediation, because following the standard to the “letter” would mean replacing the entire HVAC system, and air ducts, which would cost a fortune and require a major renovation.  Fortunately, the HVAC unit and sheet metal air ducts are salvageable due to their material constitution. 

NADCA, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, writes guidelines on how to clean air ducts. Based on the IICRC S520, NADCA recommends UV light installation after an HVAC system has been cleaned and decontaminated.

Check out the video posted on YouTube associated with this blog to get a better understanding and visual of what an air duct mold removal project involves.  Choose Metrix over the Matter, Because the Power to Change the Matter is in the Metrix.

Mold and Fungus Explained

Mold and Fungus Explained

Mar 16, 2022 | Mold Remediation

FUNGI DEFINED

Fungi share some basic similarities with plants and bacteria but are neither. All 1 million to 1.5 million species of true fungi are in their own kingdom, the Fungi Kingdom. Many persons inaccurately use the term mildew to describe fungal growths that they feel are not harmful to human health. The powdery green or white growth in humid closets is sometimes considered by homeowners as “just mildew”.

Ironically this growth is almost always penicillium / aspergillious mold. Many species of pen / asp produce offensive smelling volatile organic compounds and may be toxigenic or allergenic when present at the correct levels. According to more reliable definitions, mildew is a powdery or downy parasitic fungal growth that attacks and grows on living plants, while molds are often fuzzy and grow on all sorts of moist surfaces. Molds, mildews, and other fungi usually reproduce by forming and releasing spores into the air. Typical indoor spores are around 3 to 15 microns across. For reference the period at the end of this sentence is 500 microns.

TOXIGENIC MOLDS

Mycotoxins are chemicals that are sometimes produced by various species of molds. These toxins are real and are powerful weapons used by molds in a sort of microbial warfare to help them compete against bacteria and other molds. Mold spores in residential settings, even if they are potentially toxin producing types and are at high levels, do not necessarily result in toxic effects on humans via inhalation. It takes a lot of inhaled spores to poison a person.

 Currently, disagreement exists as to if residential mold spore exposures levels are ever high enough to result in toxic effect on humans. However, toxic effects of mold mycotoxins in humans and farm animals leading to serious illness and even death via accidental ingestion of toxic mold, have been well documented in scientific literature.

INFECTIOUS MOLDS

 According to a Mayo clinic study, sinusitis caused by growth of fungus fibers or balls of fungus fibers in the sinus cavities is not unusual. This is typically caused by common Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Curvularia species. Aspergillosis caused by the growth of aspergillus species in the lungs most commonly A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. Niger and A. territus species typically occurs in persons with compromised immune systems or a history of lung disease that resulted in past lung damage. Common Candida albicans that causes yeast infections is a major cause of serious nosocomial (hospital acquired) fungal infections. Histoplasma capsulatium and Cryptococcus neoformans are very dangerous yeast like molds that should be assumed to be present in any bird droppings but are primarily a concern when spread to humans via inhalation of particles from accumulations of pigeon, starling, and bat droppings. Coccidioides immitis mold spores are spread from dusty soil in the southwestern United States, it sometimes causes valley fever but at other times the same fungus can be deadly. Nearly any fungi can cause infections in persons with severely compromised immune systems. Detection of infectious fungi such as but not limited to the above listed ones and identification of fungi to determine the species is not part of most mold inspections.

Mold Sickness

ALLERGY ASTHMA AND HYPERSENSITIVITY DISEASES

An allergic reaction occurs when your body’s immune system mistakes harmless proteins in mold spores or other allergens as if these proteins were harmful microbes trying to infect your body. Your body’s immune system, feeling threatened releases histamines into the blood stream and these histamines are what actually causes coughing, sneeze, and watering of the eyes. Other persons immune systems will not mistake proteins in mold spores as a microbial threat, and thus not develop allergic reactions.

Asthma is a condition where the smooth involuntary muscles lining the airways contract but do not properly relax to allow the lungs to bring in new air. Mold, other bio-allergens, and gases such as nitrogen dioxide and ozone, and even stress are common triggers of asthma. Many people die every year from asthma. Mold- related allergenic and asthmatic conditions in homes are quite common and very serious and should be addressed and not ignored. Many serious hypersensitivity diseases in humans, such as baker’s lung, wood workers lung and others are the result of exposures to molds by persons working in industries that result in long term exposure to elevated spore levels.

Hypersensitivity diseases have long been well documented in science and the medical field. According to Bioaerosols assessment and control hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a hypersensitivity disease that results from the long-term repeated exposure to elevated mold spore levels or other antigens. This condition can occur at in industry or agriculture where spore levels are high. It may also occur in moldy offices or homes, it produces pneumonia like symptoms with fever, cough, tightness of chest, lung infiltrates, and difficulty breathing.

Once sensitized, individuals may react to extremely low, often unmeasurable, concentrations of antigenic materials. Organic dust toxic syndrome is a flu like illness that results from a short-term exposure to very high levels of spores, such as the levels that may be encountered by workers doing large mold remediation jobs without wearing protective respirators. Symptoms show up several hours or a day or so after exposure and symptoms go away after a day or a few days.

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