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Glendening Consulting
has been certified by
ESA to conduct mold
specific inspection and
testing. Don't settle
for anything less than
a certified professional.
Visit the ESA web site
for more information.
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Ten things you should
know about mold:
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Potential health effects
and symptoms associated
with mold exposures
include allergic reactions,
asthma, and other
respiratory complaints.
There is no practical way
to eliminate all mold and
mold spores in the indoor
environment; the way to
control indoor mold growth
is to control moisture.
If mold is a problem in your
home or school, you must
clean up the mold and
eliminate sources of
moisture.
Fix the source of the water
problem or leak to prevent
mold growth.
Reduce indoor humidity to
50% to decrease mold
growth by: venting
bathrooms, dryers, and
other moisture-generating
sources to the outside;
using air conditioners and
de-humidifiers; increasing
ventilation; and using
exhaust fans whenever
cooking, dishwashing, and
cleaning.
Clean and dry any damp or
wet building materials and
furnishings within 24-48
hours to prevent mold
growth.
Clean mold off hard
surfaces with anti fungal
agent and dry completely.
Absorbent materials such
as dry wall and ceiling
tiles that are moldy, may
need to be replaced.
Prevent condensation:
Reduce the potential for
condensation on cold
surfaces (i.e., windows,
piping, exterior walls, roof,
or floors) by adding
insulation.
In areas where there is a
perpetual moisture
problem, do not install
carpeting (i.e., by drinking
fountains, by classroom
sinks, or on concrete floors
with leaks or frequent
condensation).
Molds can be found almost
anywhere; they can grow
on virtually any substance,
providing moisture is
present. There are molds
that can grow on wood,
paper, carpet, and foods.
Source EPA
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Call us if you need a first or second opinion.
We are trained consultants who provide
honest and sensible advice to our clients.
Certified Mold Inspections
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Copyright 2004~2006 GLENDENING CONSULTING LLC all rights reserved
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Certified Inspection Services
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Excessive interior mold growth can be a dangerous situation if not
detected and eliminated. With the explosion of recent news articles
about worst case scenarios of mold growth in buildings, many people are
receiving incomplete information about this important matter. Mold
growth is caused by sustained moisture infiltration within a building.
Without moisture you cannot have significant mold growth. Poor
ventilation, tight construction methods and chronic leaks are culprits to
indoor mold growth. Each building or home will have a unique mold
profile due to parameters such as the natural environment the building
resides, construction materials, age and usage of the building.
When in a growth state, mold produces spores which can flow through
the air looking for suitable materials to settle on, grow and reproduce.
Some mold strains produce spores that contain mycotoxins, a chemical
substance that molds create as secondary metabolites, created as a
defense mechanism against other organisms. Mycotoxins are nearly all
cytotoxic (producing a toxic effect on cells) disrupting various cellular
structures such as membranes, and interfering with vital cellular
processes such as protein, RNA and DNA synthesis. Spores, when
inhaled, can begin to colonize throughout the body including the
sinuses, brain, lung and stomach. To make things worst, almost all
mycotoxins have an immunosuppressive effect which essentially inhibits
the immune systems natural defense mechanism.
We estimate that 35% - 40% of the homes and buildings we inspect have
one or more areas of mold growth. Many homes have mold growth on
the attic sheathing which is typically Cladosporium, a known allergen.
This area of mold growth results from improper levels of roof cavity
ventilation and/or insulation causing periodic condensation. It is
important to realize that attic mold rarely infiltrates the living space of a
home or building and is typically not destructive to the structure. Attic
mold can be cleaned, however it is usually a band aid fix and not a long
term solution. The most effective way to deal with attic mold is to replace
the contaminated decking when replacing the roof surface. Installing
additional vents and improving insulation levels will solve the problem.
Toxic mold strains thrive in conditions where excessive waste water
leaks (from a toilet, shower, bathtub, sink, etc) have occurred on a
sustained basis. Under certain growth and environmental conditions,
toxic molds produce several different mycotoxins, including a very strong
class known as trichothecenes. Stachybotrys is one type of toxin mold
and can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals and requires
aggressive remediation procedures. Other fungi strains such as
Penicillin and Asperilligus flavus, produce alfatoxins which are
considered carcinogenic. These strains are less common but are
detected with regularity. If toxic mold strains are found growing within a
building, logical and necessary remediation solutions are required.
Please contact our office for additional consultation.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, harmful mold needs to
be in significant quantities and have a viable access to humans before
any health threats take place. There are hundreds of thousands of mold
strains, some produce toxins many do not. Mold affects each individual
differently. If physical mold is present or suspected, the only way to
determine the type and level of mold growth is to conduct sound testing.
Usually a simple reduction of the mold and elimination of the moisture
source will be adequate measures to ensure a safe environment. The
study of indoor mold growth is a new and evolving science. Structure &
Site staff have been specially trained and educated on this subject and
we continue to develop our skills in helping solve mold related problems.
Sick building syndrome is quickly becoming a major liability issue.
Periodic testing will ensure protection against health and structure risks
associated with indoor mold growth. Find additional info at this EPA site.
Common Mold Growth Areas
Toxic Mold
Not the house plants you want to grow.
Glendening Consulting performs mold testing and inspection services:
 | | Indoor air quality testing
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| | Physical mold testing
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| | On-site inspections and consultation
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| | Common sense advice on testing and remediation |
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