Mold Removal Unit

Mold Detection

Mold spores
Mold is an essential component to our ecosystem that provides decomposition of many organic substances necessary to plant, animal and human life. Mold multiplies by producing spores which circulate in the air. When the spore contacts a moist surface it clings to it and mold develops. In an indoor environment, airborne mold spores can cause health problems to the occupants. Air quality is a key factor to healthy living, and often when houses are sealed for temperature control, the lack of ventilation can cause a build up of humidity and serious air quality problems, especially if mold is present.

Where to Find Mold
Mold is a fungus that grows wherever there is moisture. Mold spores that pass through the air find places where there is moisture to cling to.

Leaky roofs, pipes, walls, or flooded areas are the breeding place for mold. Wet cellulose materials like paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles and wood products are other places toxic mold may grow.

Mold Entrances
Mold spores can enter a household through open doorways, windows, heating systems, ventilation and air conditioning units. They attach themselves to your clothing and can even be brought in by pets. When they find the right conditions they grow and contaminate the air in your home.

• Humidity is caused just by breathing! Excessive humidity in the air can cause moisture build-up and lead to mold.
• Moisture can enter a home or building by seeping through the basement floors. See more on basement moisture control.
• Showering or cooking can add to the moisture levels.
• When the temperature goes down, condensation may appear on the inside of a window.

Mold Appearance
Mold may appear cottony, velvety, granular or leathery and come in any shade or color. It will usually have a musky or earthy odour.

Hidden Mold
Mold can hide in places such as behind walls, under carpeting, under cabinets, in air ducts and any other areas that may not be easily visible.

Checking for Hidden Mold

• Carpeting that has experienced water damage or is exposed to high levels of humidity is prone to produce mold. You can detect mold growth by lifting a small section of the carpeting away from the floor.
• Get down to ground level - look under bathroom and kitchen cabinets in spaces that are not easily seen.
• Open up a wall cavity to check for mold growth.
• Air conditioners and furnaces need to be thoroughly inspected for stagnant water and serviced regularly. Furnace duct systems should also be thoroughly cleaned regularly.

Toxic Mold
Microbial and biological pathogens/agents such as mold fungi inside homes and buildings are a serious health hazard.

Stachybotrys is a type of toxic mold that typically grows in damp environments, especially on materials that are high in cellulose and low in nitrogen content. Examples of such material include:

• wallpaper,
• cardboard,
• ceiling tile,
• cellulose insulation,
• wood.

Stachybotrys mold spores are toxic because they produce a poisonous substance called mycotoxin. When these spores are inhaled they can cause many unpleasant, and even very serious, symptoms and conditions.

Who should ask for microbial air testing?
Those who suspect a mold infestation - The Mold Patrol Testing Unit should be contacted if you suspect that you may have a problem with mold in your home or building.

All home owners and potential home buyers should be interested to know what kind of indoor air quality is in place.

Offices, schools, cottages, hospitals, clinics, gyms and other indoor area should be tested for mold problems.

Precautionary Measure - Whether or not you are aware of a mold problem in your home or building, air testing can be performed as a precautionary measure. Leave the Investigating to the professionals. Disturbance of a mold infested area can lead to a release of spores into the air that can cause serious illnesses.

"Now is the time to find out, before the occupants become sick."