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Molds are microscopic fungi that can be found almost anywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Mold growth occurs mainly in warm, damp, and humid conditions. They reproduce by making spores that are released into the air to be transported to other places where they can germinate and grow. But mold spores can even survive dry conditions, sometimes living for years. Where can molds be found indoors? Molds can grow on wood and insulation, in carpet, and even behind walls where they can continue to grow undetected. When excessive moisture accumulates in the home, mold growth will often occur. This moisture build-up can stem from plumbing leaks, from condensation in air conditioning and heating systems, or from ground water penetration. If damp or wet drywall becomes moist and is not dried out within two days, mold can be suspected to be growing within the walls, even if it is not visible. What are the health effects of molds on people? When mold is present in large quantities, it can present a health hazard, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems in people who have sensitivities to mold. Molds produce allergens that cause hay fever-type symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and skin rashes. These allergic reactions can happen immediately upon exposure, or they can be delayed. More severe reactions may occur in people who have mold allergies, and may include fever and shortness of breath. In addition, molds can trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma and who are allergic to mold. Some people with chronic lung illnesses can develop mold infections in their lungs with prolonged exposure to mold in the home. Molds can excrete gases, and not all can be detected by smell. Some molds contain toxic chemical compounds called mycotoxins, and are therefore often referred to as toxic molds. Mycotoxins can cause very serious health problems if exposure levels are high enough. Unfortunately, no Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold have been set. Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants. It is completely up to the homeowner to check for the presence of this potentially harmful air pollutant. How does Home Air Check™ test for mold? The mold testing method most widely performed today generally only measures mold spores and not the chemical toxins they release. Since mold can grow behind walls due to small plumbing leaks or condensation buildup, it can be difficult to tell from a visual inspection if there is a problem. In addition, disturbing potential sites of mold growth when investigating for hidden mold problems could create even more problems. For example, if mold is growing behind wallpaper or drywall, removing the wallcovering or drilling into walls to detect for visible mold could lead to a massive release of spores. With Home Air Check™, hidden mold can be easily detected without disturbing or spreading any mold growth. Home Air Check monitors for Total Mold Volatile Organic Compounds (TMVOCs) present when mold is actively growing, not for single mold spores. TMVOCs cannot be detected or measured by traditional mold spore traps. The U.S. federal government has not specified limits for TMVOCs, or actively growing mold. Typically, if there is no plumbing leak, condensation, or water intrusion into the home, there will not be a mold problem. Levels below 30 ng/L indicate a low level of mold. However, levels of 30-75 ng/L indicate that actively growing mold is present at a moderate level and some occupants of the home will probably be affected. Levels between 75-150 ng/L indicate that a significant level of actively growing mold is present and most occupants will be affected. TMVOC levels above 150 ng/L indicate that a high level of mold is present and it is likely that nearly all occupants will be affected. The sensitivity of Home Air Check to mold is 50 times lower than 150 ng/L, and therefore, it can easily detect actively growing mold throughout the house — even behind walls. Please note: You should always consult a mold specialist before attempting to remove mold! Click here to learn more about the Home Air Check™ test or to order |
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