Mold has become a major concern for homes. Unwanted levels of mold are often associated with numerous health challenges, including autoimmune syndromes.  If you suspect that you may have a problem with mold, or would like to prevent or remove one, or just want peace of mind, we can help.

As molds grow and reproduce, spores, mycotoxins, and volatile organic compounds are released into the air. These airborne by-products can cause diseases, allergic reactions and trigger asthma.

Molds will always be present outdoors, but indoors, steps can be taken to eliminate mold growth and the health consequences that result.

Molds are universally present in the environment.

Mold spores are everywhere; both indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores only require a food source, moisture, and a little time to grow and establish colonies.

Our inspectors are certified and fully insured.  We are members of the Indoor Air Quality Association and Environmental Solutions Association.

What are Molds?

Molds are simple microscopic organisms, found virtually everywhere. Molds are musty smelling members of the fungi kingdom that feed on organic materials and thrive in moist conditions. They are part of nature’s recycling system and with bacteria are responsible for the decay and decomposition of all organic materials.  Because they lack chlorophyll, molds are unable to synthesize their own food. They release digestive enzymes that breakdown organic materials outside their bodies and then absorb the dissolved nutrients through their cell wall. Some fungi are parasitic and feed off a living host. The saprophyte group of fungi break down dead organisms and materials that contain organic substances. This causes the discoloration and deterioration of many furnishings and building materials.  These molds can also produce airborne particles and gases that can cause musty odors and can lead to illness or allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.

How do molds get indoors?

Since molds are universal, a wide variety and quantity of mold spores are present in the outdoor environment. These spores will get indoors through the natural ventilation that occurs in buildings and by riding on the surfaces of people and materials that enter the structure. Every time a door is opened spores will enter. When an exhaust fan runs, outdoor air, carrying spores, replaces the exhausted air. Even when the building was constructed millions of spores were trapped in wall cavities, under floors and in attics. Molds only require moisture and a food source to establish colonies and reproduce. Other factors such as: light, air turbulence and temperature also effect mold growth, however, the wide variety of molds that exist insure some species will establish growth virtually anywhere food and moisture are available.  In buildings a food source is always present in the form drywall, paper, wood or simply dust. Only a short period of high humidity is necessary to begin the growth of these ever present mold spores. The presence of water or high humidity is the critical variable in controlling mold growth. If there is high humidity at the surface of a growth site or standing water adjacent to a growth site for more than 48 hours, some mold colony formation will begin.  The longer the periods of dampness or high humidity, the more types of mold species will establish growth.  Dormant mold colonies will reactivate in an even shorter period of time.  The moisture required for mold growth does not have to be the result of building defects or flooding. In the winter when windows are closed and outside surfaces are cooler the occupants of a fairly tight, well insulated home will produce enough moisture through normal activities to promote mold growth. During the summer months anywhere there is green grass, the humidity levels are sufficient for mold growth. Unless steps are taken to maintain indoor humidity levels below 50 percent during the summer months and perhaps as low as 30 percent in the winter months, the best designed, flawlessly built and perfectly maintained building may be plagued with indoor mold growth.

The Health Consequences of Indoor Mold

When mold spores encounter a hospitable environment they begin to grow. Their metabolic processes produce gases that include volatile organic compounds (VOCs). For defense from other molds and bacteria, they produce substances including mycotoxins, that are toxic to humans.Penicillin was first discovered because some bacteria cultures in a laboratory became contaminated with penicillium mold and the bacteria cultures died. Spores are produced and released to insure survival of the particular mold species. These volatile organic compounds, mycotoxins and mold spores are always present outdoors, but their volume in proportion to the atmosphere is small. Indoors this ratio can be much higher, and these concentrated levels can cause illness, allergies and trigger asthma in some individuals. There is also substantial evidence that continued exposure to these bio-aerosols create heightened sensitivities to their presence and can result in an acquired allergy or environmental illness. Exposure to these mold substances normally occurs by inhalation or skin contact.

Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are poisonous substances produced by fungi and can pose a serious health hazard. The mycotoxin produced can very depending on the food source and growing conditions. The molds Paecilomyces and Scopulariopsis may produce arsine gas if growing on a substrate that contains arsenic. Aflatoxin from some Aspergillus strains is one of the most potent carcinogens known to man. Ochratoxin-A and sterigmatocystin, also from Aspergillus strains, cause kidney and liver disease. Trichothecenes produced by Fusaria, Stachybotrys, Trichoderma and some other fungi can induce vomiting, bleeding in the lung and brain, and damage bone marrow. Fusarium toxins have also be linked to hemorrhagic syndrome in humans which is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, and extensive internal bleeding.

Infections

Besides the serious effects of mycotoxins, fungi can also infect the human body. The disease Aspergillosis involves mold infection in human tissues including the lungs, bronchial tubes and sinuses. Overall various mold infections can occur in the ear, eye, mouth, sinus, skin, lung, or brain.

Allergies

Allergies are the most common health hazard connected with mold growth. An allergic reaction is a hypersensitive physical reaction to amounts of environmental factors or substances that do not affect most people. Simply stated, an allergic individual reacts to a harmless substance as if it was harmful. Allergens may be inhaled, swallowed, or come into contact with the skin. When allergens are absorbed by the body, the immune system (white blood cells) produces igE antibodies that attach to certain cells in your body. These cells then release chemicals called histamine, which trigger an allergic reaction. People who are affected by allergies have abnormally high levels of these IgE antibodies. Allergic reactions range from nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes to rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing and low blood pressure. Evidence links genetic tendencies or exposure, especially as infants and children, to allergy development. Exposure to alternaria, aspergillus and penicillium molds can also trigger asthma attacks.

Perfect H ouse will thoroughly inspect your home for water damage or moisture intrusion, as well as locate present or potential mold growth.