70% of homes in the United States have mold in them
You may have symptoms of mold exposure.
Symptoms of mold exposure
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1. Respiratory Issues:
Exposure to mold can cause a variety of respiratory issues, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In fact, one study found that individuals who lived in mold-infested homes were 40% more likely to develop asthma (Source: Institute of Medicine). -
2. Infections:
Mold can cause infections in the lungs, skin, and other organs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some types of mold can even cause serious systemic infections in people with weakened immune systems. -
3. Allergic Reactions:
Mold spores are a common allergen that can trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose to severe reactions like anaphylaxis. It is estimated that up to 30% of the U.S. population may be allergic to mold (Source: American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine). -
4. Neurological Problems:
Studies have linked mold exposure to neurological problems such as headaches, memory loss, confusion, and mood changes (Source: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences). -
5. Skin Irritation:
Exposure to mold can cause skin irritation or rashes in some individuals. -
6. Eye Irritation:
Prolonged exposure to mold spores can cause eye irritation such as redness, itchiness or watery eyes. -
7. Fungal Toxicosis:
Fungal toxicosis occurs when mycotoxins produced by molds enter the body through ingestion or inhalation causing symptoms like fatigue, headaches, joint pain etc (Source: American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology).
Do you suspect you have mold in your home? We want to help!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mold
What equipment is used for mold inspection?
I carry state-of-the-art, high-tech equipment with me on every mold inspection, including:
- Protimeter Surveymaster
- Protimeter Hydromaster
- FLIR C3 Thermal Image Camera
- Hygiena ATP Tester (Bacteria)
- Tramex CMExpert II (Slab moisture meter)
- CO Meter
- CO2 Meter
- CH2O Meter
- VOC Meter
- Gas Leak Detector
- Particle Counter
- Bio Pump Plus
For Sample Results Interpretation, NWA Mold Inspector follows the guidance of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Publications 2001/2002), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) (2008).
NWA Mold Inspector follows the mold sampling protocols as described in the International Association of Certified Air Consultants' (IAC2) "Mold Inspection Standards of Practice", and EM Labs P&K.
For mold sample laboratory analysis, NWA Mold Inspector relies on the leading commercial air quality lab in North America, EMSL Analytical Labs (St. Louis MO facility).
NWA Mold Inspector uses Zefon International mold sampling media.
For more information on the mold inspection process, please check out the What to Expect Page here.
Why does mold grow?
Most Common Reasons for Mold in Attic Areas
- Inadequate or blocked/partially blocked ventilation openings.
- Inadequate levels of insulation.
- Bathroom exhaust fan discharging into attic or soffit.
- Excessive amount of stored items in attic.
- Non-insulated attic scuttle/pull-down staircase/ walk up staircase door.
- High interior humidity levels.
- Presence of whole-house fan.
- Presence of Air Conditioning evaporator in attic.
- Presence of non-insulated sheet metal ductwork in attic.
- Other uncorrectable factors include: orientation of home and/or sections of roof (north, south, etc.), home location (woody areas can contain higher concentration of airborne mold spores), and number of occupants in home.
Most Common Reasons for Mold in Basement Areas
- Improper construction methods for finished areas.
- Condition of gutters and downspouts.
- Grading around exterior perimeter.
- High interior humidity levels.
What makes mold hazardous?
Common symptoms of mold exposure
- Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose
- Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness
- Red, itchy eyes
- Dry, scaly skin
- Hay fever like symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headache
- Morning stiffness and joint pain
Complications of mold exposure
- Mold-induced asthma
- Allergic fungal sinusitis
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- Infections of the skin or mucous membranes
When should I consider hiring a mold inspector?
- To determine if mold is in fact growing in your home.
- Before you purchase a home or investment property and wish to identify if mold is a pre-existing issue.
- You smell a moldy or musty odor and cannot locate the source.
- You suspect mold but do not see any visible mold growth.
- Residents of your home experience mold exposure related symptoms (headaches, breathing difficulties, congestions, skin or eye irritation, allergic reactions) without a known cause.
- After any flooding or water damage event.
- You find a water leak that has been active for more than 24 hours.
- Unusual stains appear on furniture or building material.
If you have any questions, please contact us here. Often mold problems can have simple solutions if treated early, but if left alone can grow spread to other areas and long term exposure to mold increases potential health risks.
Why should I hire a certified independent inspector?
NWA Mold Inspector is NORMI and IICRC certified, and uses certified labs to test samples so you know your results are accurate and true. By using NWA Mold Inspector, clients can rest assured their inspection will help prevent costly repairs, and will prevent unseen mold from growing and continuing to infect the home. One issue people may face is hiring a company that does both mold inspection and remediation. This scenario shows a conflict of interest where the company claiming an issue is the same company to fix it and say it is no longer a problem. When NWA Mold Inspector does the testing, a remediation protocol is created which will be followed by the remediation company of your choosing. After the remediation is complete, NWA Mold Inspector will conduct a follow-up test to verify the issue has been successfully removed
Here is a segment from the popular show Dr. Oz which highlights this exact issue and how to avoid it:
A Note to Resellers and Home Sellers
If you have any troubles regarding the presence of mold in one of your listings/or as a result of a home inspection, PLEASE CONTACT ME. I can help you through this situation quickly and professionally. Most Home Inspectors are not trained in handling mold-related issues and thus can unnecessarily alarm customers/cause delays/increase costs. DON'T RISK LOSING YOUR SALE as the result of an untrained or alarmist home inspector!
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Brian went above and beyond to assess my situation with a free initial phone consult and provided incredibly detailed and helpful knowledge to set me well on my way. His customer service is excellent and you can tell he truly cares about the wellbeing of his customers. Thank you Brian
Great company. Brian answered my call when I considered it to be "after hours". Brian had me send him some pictures of the areas in concern, and gave me suggestions to follow until he could arrive. Brian then gave me an estimated time of arrival. He was prompt to keep his appointment time and let me know prior to his arrival. Brian was very professional and polite, also very educated in his field.
Brian was great - he was able to squeeze me in the day after I called after a slight panic of having possibly disturbed unknown asbestos in our new home with popcorn ceilings. He was quick, thorough, competitively priced and we had our results the next day!
Commercial and Industrial
Experienced working in occupied settings, I hold 17 credentials and licenses and am OSHA Certified.
Asbestos
Asbestos is most dangerous when airborne, which can occur from deterioration or damage. Today, in the United States, asbestos can regularly be found in manufactured and/or imported products.
CIRS
Mold is a serious issue that can have a negative impact on your health, especially if you suffer from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). I understand the importance of a mold-free environment.
Do you suspect you have mold in your home? We want to help!