Mold Damage Evaluation/Inspection & Consulting
It is important to have an IICRC certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (Mold & Sewage Damage) evaluate your home or business for mold, because the technician is trained to identify the extent of the damage and determine the extent of damage by the condition of mold within the area. A certified technician will use various equipment to search for hidden mold, that is not visible. A certified technician can also identify any potential health hazards caused by mold growth.
Consider there are estimated to be around 100,000 to 300,000 different species of mold worldwide, though only a portion of these have been fully identified and studied. Mold is a type of fungus that comes in a wide variety of forms and can thrive in numerous environments. Some species are common and familiar, like Aspergillus or Penicillium, while others are more obscure.
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The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) Condition: for the purpose of this Standard, Condition 1,2, and 3 are defined for indoor environments relative to mold.
Condition 1 (normal fungal ecology): an indoor environment that may have settled spores, fungal fragments or traces of actual growth whose identity, location and quantity are reflective of a normal fungal ecology for a similar indoor environment.
Condition 2 (settled spores): an indoor environment which is primarily contaminated with settled spores that were dispersed directly or indirectly from a Condition 3 area, and which may have traces of actual growth.
Condition 3 (actual growth): an indoor environment contaminated with the presence of actual mold growth and associated spores. Actual growth includes growth that is active or dormant, visible or hidden.
Mold particles, including spores, can vary significantly in size. Most mold spores range from 2-100 microns (um) in diameter. Here's a breakdown of common sizes:
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Smaller mold spores: 2-10 microns (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium).
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Larger mold spores: 10-100 microns (e.g., Stachybotrys, Cladosporium).
For context, a human hair is approximately 50-70 microns thick, so mold spores are often microscopic and can easily become airborne. If you're concerned about mold, air purifiers with HEPA filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them effective against most mold spores.
Why Test for Mold?
Mold is considered a hidden issue and areas of concerned.
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Wall cavities
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Behind wallpaper
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Behind painted surfaces
Smoking indoors can contribute to mold growth in several ways:​
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Smoking produces water vapor, which increase humidity levels in a home and create a favorable environment for mold to grow.
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Smoking leaves behind a residue that can accumulate on surfaces and provide a food source for mold.
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Smoking indoors can decrease ventilation and air circulation, which can lead to stagnant air and moisture buildup.
These factors can all contribute to the growth of mold in a home and create a potential health hazard for the occupants.​