Testing for Mold In Florida
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- Mold in Petri Dish
1. MOLD – What is it?
Medical studies have found that black mold is the #1 cause of allergic symptoms. The mold Stachybotrys found in home, office and school environments has been linked to fatal pulmonary disorders.
The test kit we use indicates the presence of molds within 48 hours. Optional lab analysis is available – at an additional cost – which identifies the type of mold present. You can visit our website for more information http://www.tampahomeinspection.com or give us a call (813) 909-9516.
The Black Mold Test Kit we use utilizes patented laboratory analytical methods for accuracy and reliability.
To help detect the possibility of mold, do you notice any of the following?
Discoloration or black mold on baseboards, wallboards, or wallpaper.
Cracks in shower tile, lack of caulking, loose toilet seal, leaks under sink
Carpet and padding in direct contact with concrete slab
Poorly maintained or dirty air conditioning/heating vents and filters
Damp crawl space
Water penetration (water marks on walls, mold spots on walls)
Musty/ moldy odor
If you answered YES to any of the above questions, then you could be exposing yourself and your family to toxic black mold.
What is Mold and Where Is It Found?
Molds are microscopic organisms, found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Molds can be found on plants, foods, dry leaves, and other organic material. Also susceptible to mold growth are cellulose materials, such as, cardboard, paper, ceiling tiles, and sheet rock. Mold spores are easily detached and made airborne by vacuuming, walking on a carpet or sitting on a couch. In indoor environments, mold can grow in air conditioning ducts, carpets, pots of houseplants, etc.
How Can Mold Affect Your Health?
Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone but the following individuals are at a higher risk for adverse health effects: infants, children, elderly, immune compromised patients, pregnant women, and individuals with existing respiratory conditions. When inhaled, even in small amounts, mold can cause a wide range of health problems including respiratory problems (wheezing), nasal and sinus congestion, watery and red eyes, nose and throat irritation, skin irritation, aches and pains, fevers, asthma, emphysema and in some cases even death.
Mold Can Be Found In Many Areas Of Your Home
Attic, Living Rooms, Bathrooms, (HVAC) Ventilation System, Bedrooms,
Kitchens, Basements, Any Moist Areas, Carpets, Garage
How Can You Be Exposed To Mold?
When moldy materials become damaged or disturbed, spores (reproductive bodies similar to seeds) can be released into the air.
The following are sources of indoor moisture that may cause mold problems in your home or office: flooding, leaky roofs, humidifiers, damp basements or crawl spaces, constant plumbing leaks, overflow water from watering house plants, steam from cooking, shower/bath steam and leaks, and clothes dryers vented indoors. Testing is your first line of defense. We will conduct a mold test during our home inspection if requested. The cost (including laboratory analysis and reports) is nominal at $96.00.
