Mold Inspections and Testing

 

Recently, mold has made its way into people's homes as

well as the headlines.  Many people don't fully understand the

health hazards of fungal exposure.  We aren't going to labor

on about plagues of biblical proportion or suggest your home

is a toxic dump, but we do feel there is valuable information

the consumer should be made aware of.

 

Myth vs. Fact:  Is mold a health problem?

 

The simple answer to this is "yes."  First

we need to understand that mold is

everywhere, there are over 100,000 types

of molds floating about with most not

having a name. 

 

The problems arise when excessive

moisture is combined with the normal and

natural spores floating around your home.

 

When introduced to moisture, these molds

colonize and grow.  As these colonies

grow within your home, they release

mycotoxins (seeds) and can cause ill

effects on humans and animals

 

Unfortunately, due to the recent storm

seasons, many homes withing the South Florida area have been subjected to moisture intrusion.  Other homes have suffered moisture intrusion from other means, such as; faucet leaks, toiltet over-flows and

overall poor maintenance.

 

The problems occur when this moisture has not

been addressed in a timely manner.  When left to

grow, mold can dramatically change the health of

your home, family and pets.

 

Myth vs. Fact:  The danger of mold is over-hyped.

 

We wish this was true.  The realty for some is a

small amount of fungal contact can cause adverse

medical conditions, but for many, live their life

daily with mold and with no serious consequences.  However, it is rarely seen,

a person living within a serious mold condition that doesn't have a reaction to

these mycotoxins.

 

From a medical standpoint, over-exposure to fungal mycotixins can have a devastating affect on pre-existing medical conditions and have been documented to cause the following symptoms and conditions:

 

Allergies                 Arthritic Conditions                Asthma

Bloody Noses        Chronic Headaches              Coughing

"Crawly" Skin         Depression                            Dizziness

Fatigue                   Flu-Like Symptoms               Irritation Of The Eyes & Throat

Loss Of Memory    Loss Of Hearing                    Loss of Eyesight

Nausea                   Restlessness                         Runny Nose

Seizures                 Sinus Congestion                  Skin Rashes

Sneezing                Trouble Breathing                  Unexplained Irritability

 

We recommend testing for fungal activity when the following are present.

 

• As a preventive precaution
• Someone in your home has unexplained or undiagnosed symptoms
• Anytime you smell a musty or mildew scent in your home
• You suspect mold but cannot see it
• Someone in you home has a medical condition and considered high risk
• Anytime there has been significant moisture intrusion or damage
• Anytime there has been prior mold remediation work performed
• Anytime you see unexplained stains on wall, floors, ceilings or furniture
• Anytime you can visibly see suspect fungal growth