Mold Testing, Remediation, Abatement.
If you have any questions, or would like a list of our references call or email:
David Gaertner
CMI, CEI, CEC, CQS.
Environmental Inspection Certification # 77184
Contractors State License # 781268
RRP Federal License # R-I-1937-10-01154
Email: ccsdesignconstruction@yahoo.com
Office: (310) 821-2851
Fax: (310) 821-0581
What is mold?
Mold is fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Experts do not know how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to over three hundred thousand. Mold grows best in warm, damp, and humid conditions (such as bathrooms), and spread making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.
What are common indoor molds?
Some of the most common indoor molds are:
- Stachybotyrs: Also known as “toxic black mold”. It produces a gelatinous mass that dries after release; its dead spores are allergenic and toxigenic. It is a slow growing fungus that grows on building material with high cellulose content and low nitrogen content. it rarely grows outdoors and is difficult to find indoors unless it is physically disturbed.
- Cladosporium: Typically a black or dark green mold that grows slowly. It can be located both indoors and outdoors, but most commonly found on decaying plants.
- Aspergillus: Forms multicolored that are most commonly found in soil, plant debris, and house dust.
- Penicillium: A dense-brush-like green spore, which is commonly found in food, a major problem. However, it is beneficial as the drug penicillin and it is helpful in cheese in cheese production.
The moisture build up from these exposed interior pipes created condensation which raised humidity levels and caused mold growth.
A non-viable air sample revealed that mold was present. The visible damage was minimal, but removal of the wall paper revealed spores that had been germinating for quite some time.
If outside grading slopes towards a building there is potential for water to accumulate at the exterior wall or beneath the foundation of the house. If the house has a slab foundation, this can lead to elevated Moisture Vapor Emission Rates (MVER’s) that can lead to elevated humidity levels and cause mold growth under and within the flooring..
Mold growth can often be obscured by trim or baseboards. Trapped water moister caused mold growth behind this bathroom’s flooring baseboards. Even though there was no visible water damage on the exterior of the wall, removal of the baseboard revealed.
Bathrooms and showers are prime breeding sites for mold spores. Especially inside of the walls of a shower where humidity becomes trapped from regular use.
The mold problem under this kitchen sink was left unchecked and began growing on top of the sheet rock. Most of the time, mold is not this easy to detect.
Take steps to prevent mold.
The best way to avoid exposure to indoor molds is to prevent their growth in the first place. Controlling moisture is the key to preventing indoor mold growth. The relative humidity of indoor environments should be maintained at 20-40% during the cooler months, and no more than 60% during the rest of the year. If and when moisture problems occur, it is important to act quickly to prevent mold spores from germinating. If wetness or spills are dried within 24-48 hours, mold growth will likely not occur.
This water heater closet in a high rise in Marina Del Rey California had water leaking into it from the water heater above when it sprung a slow leak. because of the heat from the water heater in the closet it was leaking into, it created humidity, which caused mold spores to grow
this mold was growing so well, that their was even parts that were growing outward.
What happens if a mold test is positive?
Disclaimer.
This portion of our website is designed to only provide general information about potentially toxic mold and is not directed toward legal or medical advice of any nature. For legal advice call a lawyer, for medical advice contact a physician.