Northwest Oregon Certified Home Inspector

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Fungal Glossary

Ten Facts You Should Know About Mold  

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.  
    
2. 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.
    
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
    
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
    
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth 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.
    
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
    
7. 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.
    
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
    
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by 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.

Mold damages what it grows on.

and the longer it grows, the more damage it can cause.

Molds are an essential part of the natural environment. Outdoors, they break down dead organic matter. But indoors, molds are potentially toxic, and their growth should be prevented.

Let me inspect your home for mold before expensive problems develop.  
 

Let me inspect your home for mold.

There are many types of mold, and they reproduce by means of microscopic, airborne spores. Mold can start growing indoors when its spores float inside from outdoors and land on surfaces that are damp. Exposure to mold by inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions and irritation to the lungs, eyes, skin, nose and throat.

Mold that gets established can gradually destroy the things it grows on, including home furnishings and structural components. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid health problems by controlling unwanted moisture intrusion and eliminating potential mold growth. Protect your investment and your family’s health, and let me inspect your home for mold and the warning signs of mold growth.
 

Bringing Clean Air to Life®

IAC2 is the non-profit certifying body for home and building inspectors who have fulfilled certain educational and testing requirements, including those in the area of indoor air quality.

Please visit www.IAC2.org for more information.

Informational Videos:

Helpful Links:

Health Effects of Mold

EPA Mold Guide

EPA Guideline for Sampling

Mold Issues

Mold Report Sample

Mold Training Certificate

Call for A Quote 1-888-414-4107

Justice Property Inspections

Serving Portland, Beaverton, Clackamas,Woodland, Tigard, Scappoose, Gresham, Sandy

Scappoose, St. Helens, Rainier, Astoria, Seaside in Oregon, Canon Beach and Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Woodland, Kalama, Longview, and Longbeach in Washington

and all points in-between.