Detect Mold - About Mold

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About Mold

Mold (fungi) is present everywhere – indoors and outdoors. Mold frequently grows in hidden places – behind wall linings, in floors or behind installations – and is often not visible from the outside. When moisture builds up from leaky pipes or roofs, high humidity, or flooding, conditions are ideal for mold growth. Molds are easily disturbed and their spores can become airborne, getting into noses, mouths and lungs.

Traditional methods of mold detection commonly incorporate air sampling, surface swabs, moisture meters, and visual inspection. While these tactics may effectively determine the presence of mold in a home or commercial building, they often cannot pinpoint the exact location of the mold colonies. The result is often a costly and time-consuming wholesale demolition of walls, floors, and ceilings in search of mold. Invariably, a large quantity of mold-free material is destroyed in the pursuit of the source.

A WDDO certified scent detection canine however can lead its handler to the exact locations of mold infestations, whether active or dormant. The ensuing mold remediation can then be done with greater accuracy and at a minimal cost compared with traditional methods. Air sampling and other scientific instruments are then used in conjunction with the scent detection canine inspection to provide proof of the dog's findings and to certify the effectiveness of the remediation work.

Mold is fast becoming one of the most volatile issues in the insurance industry, where the battle among building owners, tenants, insurers, and government regulators could go on for many years. Although insurance carriers are limiting their liability for mold, insurance regulators have for the most part refused to allow insurers to deny mold coverage, but have permitted tight ceilings on claim amounts. This has placed buyers, sellers, owners, and tenants under increasing pressure to protect themselves against mold and its legal complications.

Homeowner Tips for Eliminating Mold...

From the U.S. EPA Website - As Posted on 1/23/02
www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldresources.html

Moisture control is the key to mold control, so when water leaks or spills occur indoors - ACT QUICKLY. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.
Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.
If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

Last modified: 2009/9/21 by molddog