• TYPES
• CAUSES
• HAZARDS

HAZARDS OF MOLD & ALLERGENS

Allergies and sickness due to indoor air quality issues are increasing dramatically. More than 5% of all construction lumber manufactured each year in the United States is used to replace wood that has decayed in service. Allergies and sickness due to indoor air quality, damage to wood-frame buildings by mildew, mold, staining fungi, and decay fungi is entirely preventable. The first step in prevention is inspection and testing.

When inhaled, even in small amounts, mold or allergens can cause a wide range of health problems including:

• Respiratory problems (wheezing)
• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Watery and itchy eyes
• Nose and throat irritation
• Skin rashes or itching
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Fevers
• Aches and pains

Exposure to mold or allergens are not healthy for anyone but the following individuals are at a higher risk for adverse health effects:

• Infants and children
• Elderly
• Immune compromised patients
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with existing respiratory conditions.

There is suggestive evidence of an association between mold or allergen exposure and the development of asthma in preschool-aged children.

Why Test for Mold?

Mold, the hitchhiker, is being aggressively spread throughout the world by humans’ traveling and living patterns. We have created millions of square feet of pristine living conditions for molds and we pick up mold spores and bring them home with us every day. All houses will harbor molds and some houses are friendlier to molds than others. All houses need to be monitored for mold growth as part of the maintenance procedures for the house. When any mold or mildew is present, more will come.

Only through inspection and testing can it be determined if molds are present and if the subject property is showing signs of mold and mildew friendliness.