Mold And Mold Testing: The Basics

by | Jul 4, 2014 | Business Services

Whenever a disaster strikes involving water, people automatically think of mold. When water drips through the ceiling, the fear is that mold will grow there and poison the air we breathe. The reality is that most homes have some form of mold growing in them. Not all of them are dangerous. Not all of them require mold testing. In MA, this has certainly been the case.

What is Mold?

A Harvard study from the 1990s noted that approximately 50% of every house in Canada and the United States has mold of some sort. The same is probably true for many businesses and institutions. In actuality, it is not the presence of mold that is at issue. The concern arises from the amount of mold within a structure and the type of mold that is present.

Mold is a small and even, at times, microscopic fungi that can grow rapidly in the right conditions. At times they are visible; at other times it is hard to see them. These are simple organisms. They are from a large family in which many are not harmful at all. Yet, like many families, there is always a toxic member or two. In this case it is black mold.

Black Mold

Black mold is known by several names. It is:

  • Toxic black mold
  • Toxic mold
  • Household mold

Whatever its name, it will grow wherever there are sufficient amount of two substances: moisture and oxygen. If these two elements are present, black mold will grow on many structures. These may include:

  • Carpets
  • Certain foods
  • Clothing
  • Insulation
  • Sheetrock materials
  • Wet building materials
  • Wood

Since molds are not often visible – in size and /or location, and many do not always emit a strong enough smell, it becomes essential to ask a professional to come to your business or residence to do mold testing.

Mold Testing

Mold testing is the way to determine whether mold is present in your home. Mold testing will also determine the types and amounts. It is the most effective way to discover the presence of mold and its locations. The process needs to be a slow one.

A visual inspection is the initial step. It can then be followed by more elaborate means such as moisture and temperature readings to locate the exact “homes” of the mold. A good inspector will not jump to conclusions quickly. He or she is well aware of the need to be thorough and to seek out all the potential hiding places and breeding grounds including attics, wall cavities, beneath the carpet and behind the wallpaper.

Mold testing in MA, as in any other state or country for that matter, is a process that needs to be performed slowly and thoroughly by an expert. He or she must be experienced in what to look for, the signs that indicate the presence of toxic black mold. As a home or business owner, you should only consider an inspector who is thoroughly versed and licensed.

When it comes to Mold Testing in MA, you need someone or a company that knows exactly what to do. They need to be both knowledgeable and experienced. AirCare, a division of SynergyOne Solutions, can provide you with the expertise you need. Learn more about the company and its services, at.

 

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