Home Pro Environmental Experts Issue a Warning Against Not Testing for Mold Post Repair
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 07, 2014 -- The work is done, the workers have cleaned up and the bill is in hand. All is well, right? Maybe not, according to most mold professionals. In many cases, post repair mold testing might not be performed. Of course everyone wants to save money these days (especially in today's tough economy), but this may not be the best time to get shortchanged. However, if post mold testing is completed, it is most likely done by the removal company. This in itself may pose a level of trust problem. Most service providers recommend that a Certified Hygienist be called in for post mold testing. While this is a good idea, it may be a costly and unnecessary one, especially in relatively mild cases of mold infestations. Industrial Hygienists are certified by the American Industrial Hygiene Association and equipped with the most current and useful knowledge on Indoor Air Quality. Companies performing mold testing without the use of a third party may inherently cause a conflict of interest. There are at least three goals of mold testing that need to be achieved in the post repair process:
1. Is there actual mold present in the suspected areas?
2. What kind of mold is it?
3. How much mold is present?
In the end, the process of testing for mold again will verify if the level of mold has been reduced to equal or less than the level of mold found in the outside air. The actual testing usually involves taking “air” or “swab” samples. An air sample involves a small pump that is calibrated to draw a certain amount of air through a small plastic canister for a specific amount of time. A common method is to draw fifteen liters of air for five minutes. The “air cell” is then taken to a certified Lab for analysis. In most cases, an outside air sample is taken to compare the level of mold in the home to the level of mold found naturally outside. If the level of mold inside the home is higher than the level of mold found outside, then most service providers will recommend some type of mold remediation work. Generally the cost of each sample to be processed by the lab is around $35. According to Larry Holmes “The Home Pro” (CEO of Home Pro Environmental), on average most homes require 3-4 samples to get the information needed to make a common sense decision on how extensive the problem may be and how to repair it. After the work is completed Mr. Holmes also recommends taking two air samples inside the home to verify the success of the mold remediation. This of course is a subjective procedure based on an average size home with average remediation work involved.
Pre-repair mold testing is always a good practice. Sometimes finding the exact source of the mold can be frustrating and difficult. Mold spores are everywhere – inside homes, up in the attic, in a home’s yard outside, living rooms, kitchens, etc. It is a question really of how much and what species of mold that is present. Some molds are worse than others in terms of toxicity. If a building smells moldy, for instance, hidden mold could be the culprit, but perhaps the source cannot be pinpointed. If it is known that there has been water damage and health problems are being reported then is it usually safe to assume that mold growth is present. Modern building materials like wood, drywall, wallpaper, and fabric are excellent food sources for mold, while synthetic stucco building technology can leak and trap moisture inside. Home appliances like washers, dryers and dishwashers also generate water vapors which again create the type of thriving environment conducive to mold infestation.
Mold can be very sneaky hiding in unseen places such as on the back side of dry wall, under wallpaper or paneling, on the top side of ceiling tiles, underneath carpets and pads, etc. Other places include areas inside walls around leaking or condensing pipes, wall surface behind furniture, inside air ducts, and even in roofing materials above ceiling tiles usually from roof leaks or poor insulation. Most home inspectors will use a professional grade moisture meter to help discover areas of moisture in a home that support mold growth. It is always good practice to look for a certified mold inspector that will work to resolve your mold issues on the lowest level possible. It is of course in the best interest of the consumer to hire a knowledgeable technician that uses common sense when deciding how a mold project should be completed. Homeowners can stay involved in the decision making process by asking the right questions.
For more information concerning mold inspection and mold remediation, please visit our website: http://homeproe.com.
Larry Holmes, Home Pro Environmental, http://homeproe.com/, +1 (562) 818-6946, [email protected]
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