Air Quality Testing & Assessment for Mold

The Importance of Air Quality Testing and Assessment for Mold.
Air quality is one of the most important factors of good health. Naturally, in climates with high levels of humidity the growth of mold is quite common within indoor environments not properly maintained.

It’s important to know mold can grow on almost any surface under specific conditions. It comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. It can be black, white, orange, green, purple, etc.

Residents in areas of South Florida like Miami, West Palm Beach, Hollywood, Coral Springs and Broward County may find their climate is not the only initiator of mold growth. Hidden pipe leaks, roof leaks, condensations, and even improperly installed building materials can be causes for mold growth.

A regular air quality inspection can provide data on underlying issues that may be slowly growing to impact your mold spore count within indoors. Data collected during air quality testing, indoor air quality testing and mold testing can help determine whether or not your air quality is within normal levels.

How is Air Quality Testing Performed?
An air quality inspection begins with a set of guidelines usually constructed from experienced industrial hygienists and safety professionals which are generally associated with the Indoor Air Quality Association and the American Industrial Hygiene Association. The method of inspection may vary but will likely encompass several similar approaches.

Ref: https://iaqa.org/
Ref: https://www.aiha.org/

After a full visual inspection, the next step is measuring compounds, gases, particulates, environmental conditions, moisture intrusion, etc. relating to the interview regarding the complaint. This may include:

. Particulate matter (PM)
. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
. Carbon monoxide (CO)
. Mold spore (genus)
. Temperature, Relative Humidity, Dew Point, Moisture Intrusion

This type of assessment should not be confused to an exterior environment pollution assessment which requires different monitoring equipment. This data collected from designated sources is measured according to U.S. EPA compliance regulations to help reduce air pollution that is hazardous to human health.
Ref: https://www.epa.gov/air-research/air-monitoring-measuring-and-emissions-research

Mold Guidelines
Mold can occur anywhere moisture is present. This includes:

. Leaky roofs
. Condensation build up on piping
. Windows
. Areas where floods have occurred

Mold grows on a variety of different materials such as ceiling tiles, wallpaper, insulation, sheetrock (drywall), paper products, cardboard, and wood products. It generally can grow with enough moisture and organic material to eat.

In the South Florida area mold enters homes and buildings through doors and windows. HVAC systems and the composition of certain types of cellulose materials used in construction can also be carriers of mold just as pets, shoes and clothing can carry mold spores indoors. Most often, mold spores are already within paper products such as drywall from its creation and generally emit odors quickly given enough moisture.
Ref: https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

The Effects of Mold
One of the reasons mold testing is so important is that mold can be a health hazard to those with compromised immune systems or respiratory conditions such as asthma.

It may also cause allergic reactions, skin irritations, coughing and sneezing. The World Health Organization provides a full technical white paper on mold that covers the other side effects to health from mold.
Ref: https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/43325/E92645.pdf

Mold Remediation
Given the fact that certain molds are harmful to human health, mold remediation should be addressed and air quality experts should be contacted to inspect the premises and provide an air quality assessment for mold.

The types of mold most dangerous include:
. Color should not be an indicator regarding danger, however, visible growth along water damaged materials may be something to address immediately especially if accompanied by a strong musty moldy odor

. Aspergillus/ Penicillium are common within our environments however may cause respiratory issues in unusual concentrations and a constant source of moisture

. Chaetomium and Stachybotrys are generally found in water damaged materials like particle board, dry wall, wood, and wallpaper. These types of mold have been known to contain specific species that can create toxins given the right conditions for growth

In order to determine the specific type of mold spores found, indoor air quality testing requires the use of microscopic instrumentation that identifies the mold and mold characteristics.

How to prevent excessive Mold exposure in South Florida
For residents of Miami, West Palm Beach, Hollywood, Coral Springs and Broward County mold remediation requires regular mold testing and air quality inspections in order to understand the scope of work and source.

Testing and inspection by a professional mold and air quality expert should be done annually, depending on a sudden water intrusion event from a leak or purchasing a new property in South Florida.

However, when there is unusually heavy rain or storm events, this can bring on an increase in mold and a need for an inspection, testing and assessment on a more frequent basis.

When Mold is a Problem, Who Do You Call?
For residents and business owners in the South and Central Florida region, Aeris Indoor Environmental Services provides the most comprehensive mold prevention, remediation, and abatement.

With a full complement of professionals on staff that includes fully licensed and trained experts, Aeris Indoor Environmental Services offers state-of-the-art mold remediation and inspection consultations.

To stay safe and healthy and to set up an inspection, testing or assessment today, visit https://aerisiaq.com/mold-indoor-air-quality-assessment/.