Mold Test America 800-604-0468
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WHY TEST FOR MOLD?
Twenty years ago it was asbestos. Today, mold is in the spotlight and America is divided over whether mold really is a legitimate concern or just another over-rated environmental issue. What we hear about mold testing is often influenced by what someone is trying to sell us or want us to believe.
A SIGN OF THE TIMES.
Whatever we believe about mold, it is a reality that is here to stay. Numerous alerts from the medical profession and the skyrocketing number of lawsuits against landlords, realtors, employers, insurers, and even car dealers, warn us of the seriousness of mold and justify the need for proper mold testing, especially in California where everyone is sue-happy.
Some have even called it "The Silent Killer". That may be on the extreme side, but with all the information available about mold and it's potential for harm, there are plenty of valid reasons for mold testing. For example, we now know that some molds produce toxins which may be linked to severe cases of asthma, respiratory problems including bleeding lungs, and many other very serious ailments including immune system disorders. The medical and legal communities are now taking mold contamination very seriously. With so much overwhelming evidence to support the dangers of exposure to mold, mold testing is the first step in properly assessing whether an abnormal or elevated mold condition exists.
We hope you find this information helpful in making confident and educated decisions about mold testing as well as any other concerns you have about mold.
Things you should know about mold and indoor air quality:
Molds are simple microscopic organisms that have been around for thousands of years. They are found everywhere in the environment, indoors and out. Most experts agree that there are 80,000 to 100,000 or more different kinds of mold. Of these, only about 200 have been identified.
When sufficient moisture is present and an organic food source exists, an amplification of mold is possible. If the conditions continue, mold can flourish.
Sources of moisture include:
Roof leaks, especially around flashings
Pipe leaks
Condensation around windows, fixtures, and pipes
Improperly vented exhaust fans in attic from kitchen, bath or laundry
HVAC and refrigerator drip plans
Water intrusion due to improper exterior surface grading or clogged gutters and downspouts
A common organic food source around the home is cellulose (paper) substrates, such as:
Paper on the face of drywall or paper backing on insulation
Cardboard
Ceiling tiles
Carpet
Wallpaper
I think that I might have mold in my home, what should I do?
Call Mold Test America and have their trained technicians investigate and let you know for sure.
Can Mold in my home be unhealthy?
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.
Will mold go away by itself?
No. Mold will continue to grow until it is completely killed and removed.