Building Specs Idaho

Sample Collection and Laboratory Testing

If microbial growth is suspected, we can sample the environment using one or more of three common mold sampling methods.

Surface sample: involves using a sterile swab or direct tape lift to collect mold from a surface for direct microscopic examination and analysis.

Bulk sample: involves physically extracting a piece of material from a surface for culturing or direct microscopic examination and analysis.

Air sample: involves trapping air in a special cassette specifically designed for direct microscopic examination and analysis.

All Services Include:

Visual assessment.
Moisture intrusion assessment (mold assessments only).
Site specific sampling protocol, supplies and Chain of Custody documentation.
Laboratory fees and analytical reports.
Third party laboratory and inspector credential verifications.
Data interpretation of laboratory reports and documentation of elevated and/or unusual mold conditions according to Health Canada, United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) references.
Third party independent analytical review by a highly qualified RespirCare Analytical Data Review Specialist with Board Awarded American Council for Accredited Certifications (ACAC) certifications.
Reference report with links to the USEPA, Health Canada or IICRC S500 and S520 recommended guidelines for self clean-up or referral to an appropriate specialist.
Expert Witness and Litigation support services (additional fees may be required).

Get in Touch Today

If you're in need of a mold inspection, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our team of friendly and knowledgeable professionals is here to answer any questions you may have and help you schedule an appointment that works for your schedule.

What is Mold?

Molds create tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive.

There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. The way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

Basic Mold Cleanup

The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles and carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
To decrease mold growth, indoor humidity should be reduced to a range between 30%-60% by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers, increasing ventilation and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
Molds can be found almost anywhere. They can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Aspergillus

There are more than 160 different species of Aspergillus, 16 of which have been documented as etiological agents of human disease. Aspergilli are probably the most common group of fungi in our environment. Many species of the genus are frequently isolated from a variety of substrata, including forage products, grains, nuts, cotton, organic debris, and water damaged organic building materials.

Due to the ubiquity of the aspergilli within the environment, man is constantly exposed to these fungi. The diseases caused by species of Aspergillus are relatively uncommon and are rarely found in individuals with normally functioning immune systems. However, due to the substantial increase in populations of individuals with active immune suppression, such as individuals with HIV, chemotherapy patients, and those on corticosteroid treatment, contamination of building substrates with fungi, particularly Aspergillus species have become an increasing concern. Aspergillosis is now the second most common fungal infection requiring hospitalization in the United States.

Penicillium

A wide number of organisms belong to this genus. Identification to species is difficult. Often found in aerosol samples. Commonly found in soil, food, cellulose, paint, grains, compost piles, carpet, wallpaper, and in interior fiberglass duct insulation.

Although this fungus is less allergy-provoking than the other molds, Penicillium is reported to be allergenic (skin), and it may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis and allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals. It can cause other infections such as keratitis, penicilliosis, and otomycosis. Some species can produce mycotoxins including

1). Ochratoxin that is damaging to the kidneys and liver and is also a suspected carcinogen; there is also evidence that it impairs the immune system.

2). Citrinin that can cause renal damage, vasodilatation, and bronchial constriction.

3). Gliotoxin which is an immunosuppressive toxin and 3). Patulin that is believed to cause hemorrhaging in the brain and lungs and is usually associated with apple and grape spoilage.

It can also cause extrinsic asthma. P. camemberti has been responsible for inducing occupational allergies among those who work with soft white cheeses on which the fungus grows. P. chrysogenum has been found on building materials, including paints, chip boards, and wallpaper. Cultivation - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 24 degrees C.

Stachybotrys

Considerable recent media attention has been focused on the fungi Stachybotrys chartarum (atra), particularly after a number of infant deaths in Cleveland from pulmonary hemosiderosis associated with extensive contamination of residences with this fungi. Research indicates that contamination of structures with Stachybotrys fungi is much more common than originally believed.

Stachybotrys thrives on water damaged cellulose rich materials in buildings such as sheetrock paper, ceiling tiles, cellulose containing insulation backing, and wallpaper. An extended saturation time and/or consistently high levels of humidity are required for this fungi to proliferate. Thus, in a majority of cases where Stachybotrys is found in buildings, the water damage that occurred often goes unnoticed or ignored by maintenance personnel that are unaware of the implications of such contamination.

In sharp contrast, single or sudden water damage events that occur where drying of water damaged material takes place more quickly tend to support the growth of more xerophilic fungi such as Penicillium and Aspergillus species.

Frequent Causes of Mold Growth

Basement flooding and water intrusion
Closeness to lake, river, or pond
Clothes dryer exhausting into walls or attic
Construction defects + poor workmanship
Crawl space
Firewood indoors
Flooding
Lot grading downward to home
High indoor humidity [60%+]
Humidifiers & vaporizers
Inadequate ventilation
Indoor plants
Overflow from tubs, showers, sinks, & toilets
Landscaping mistakes like mulch & plant glut
Leaky roof
Venting inadequacies in kitchen & bathrooms
Sewage pipe leaks
Siding water leaks
Water supply pipe leaks
Wooded setting keeps out sun
Wet clothes
Wet clothes drying indoors

Senior Certified RespirCare Associate

Visual Assessment for Moisture Damage & Suspect Mold Growth

Sample Collection and Laboratory Testing

All Services Include:

Get in Touch Today

What is Mold?

Basic Mold Cleanup

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

Aspergillus

Penicillium

Stachybotrys

Frequent Causes of Mold Growth

Senior Certified RespirCare Associate

Visual Assessment for Moisture Damage & Suspect Mold Growth

Sample Collection and Laboratory Testing

All Services Include:

Get in Touch Today

What is Mold?

Basic Mold Cleanup

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

Aspergillus

Penicillium

Stachybotrys

Frequent Causes of Mold Growth

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