Molds are organisms that are found indoors and outdoors. They are part of the natural environment and play an important role in our ecological system by breaking down and digesting organic material. Molds are neither plants nor animals. They are part of the kingdom Fungi.
Molds grow in many colors, including white. “Black mold” is not a species or specific kind of mold, and neither is “toxic mold.” Sometimes the news media use the terms “toxic mold” and “black mold” to refer to molds that may produce mycotoxins, or for a specific mold known as Stachybotrys chartarum. Molds that produce mycotoxins are often referred to as toxigenic fungi.
Discovering fungi in the indoor environment raises three major concerns:
- the potential negative health effects of exposure to fungi and their byproducts;
- the effects of fungal contamination on the structural integrity of a building; and
- the negative aesthetic effects fungi can produce both visually and on the human olfactory system (sense of smell).
If mold is suspected, we will perform a LIMITED MOLD INSPECTION.
The Limited Mold Inspection is performed by an IAC2-Certified Mold Inspector. The difference between a Complete Mold Inspection and a Limited Mold Inspection is a limitation of the non-invasive, visual examination of the building.
The Limited Mold Inspection does not include a visual examination of the entire building, but is limited to a specific area of the building identified and defined by the IAC2-Certified Mold Inspector.
Prior to the inspection, the IAC2-Certified Mold Inspector and client shall agree to the limitations of the visual examination. As a result, potential sources of mold growth in other areas of the building may not be inspected.
The IAC2-Certified Mold Inspector may perform:
- a non-invasive, visual examination of the readily accessible, visible, and installed systems and components of only the specific room or area defined by the inspector;
- possible air samples (one indoor and outdoor); and
- possibly one surface sampling at an area of concern that will be lab tested.
The IAC2-Certified Mold Inspector shall report:
- moisture intrusion;
- water damage;
- musty odors;
- apparent mold growth;
- conditions conducive to mold growth; and
- the results of a laboratory analysis of all mold samplings taken at the building.
The Limited Mold Inspection is a fast and affordable way to confirm the existence of mold and, if possible, determine the type of mold present in a specific, defined area of the building.
CLICK HERE for a sample Inspection report