Mold produces allergens, irritants, and musty odors (volatile organic compounds), all of which can cause adverse health reactions. Some mold species also produce dangerous mycotoxins which can cause disease. If you are concerned that your home or workplace may have mold, call us today to discuss your specific concerns.
When should I have my home or workplace tested for mold?
- Smell musty odors.
- Observe blackish, greenish, or yellowish staining on walls, ceilings, or window casings or on contents, such as furniture or leather shoes and clothing.
- Experiencing irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, skin and/or lungs.
- Past or current roof leak, plumbing leak, flood, or other water intrusion event. Once moisture is introduced to mold spores, mold growth can occur in as little as 24 – 48 hours.
- Prolonged high indoor relative humidity, often due to broken A/C or A/C thermostat set too high or turned off.
- Pending Real Estate Transaction. Whether you are buying or leasing, it is advisable to address potential mold concerns during the due diligence time period for residential and commercial structures, especially if the structure has been unoccupied and vacant for a period of time or has a history of water intrusion.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality.
What is included in a mold inspection?
Following the standards set forth by the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO), CFL Environmental Solutions offers the following proven approach to identify the source of the moisture/mold if possible, delineate the extent of the problem, and most importantly provide recommendations (instructions) to correct the problem:
- Interview the occupants to discuss events and their concerns.
- Conduct a visual assessment, taking digital pictures and infrared images as warranted of areas of concern.
- Collect moisture readings and conduct moisture mapping as warranted.
- Record the relative humidity and temperature.
- Based on the information collected from the client/occupants and our visual assessment, CFL will determine the locations and types of samples (air, tape lift or swab) to collect.
- Send the samples to an AIHA accredited laboratory via overnight courier for microscopic examination to determine the types and concentrations of mold.
- Receive and interpret the lab results the next business day.
- Prepare a thorough report based on the visual assessment and the lab results. The report will identify the source of the mold if possible, delineate the extent of the problem, and provide recommendations (also known as instructions or protocol) for correcting the problem. Pictures of areas of concern, the lab results, and a floor plan delineating areas of concern (if warranted) will be included with the report. The completed report will be emailed to the client within 2 - 3 business days of our site visit.
If mold remediation is recommended, CFL Environmental Solutions will be happy to discuss the recommended remediation activities with the client and the client’s chosen remediation company. CFL does not hold a financial interest in any remediation company, as that would be a CONFLICT OF INTEREST. As regulated and licensed by the State of Florida, a company must operate either as a mold assessment company or a mold remediation company, not both.
After the mold remediation company has completed its work (but before payment is made to them), CFL Environmental Solutions strongly recommends that a Post Remediation Test (also called a Clearance Test) be performed to confirm that the mold remediation was successful.
General Mold Information & Additional Resources
Mold spores are everywhere in our environment and are usually dormant. However, when mold spores are exposed to moisture (from a roof or plumbing leak, condensation, or high humidity) along with an organic food source (such as indoor dust or drywall), mold will grow. Mold growth can occur within 24 to 48 hours, especially if the moisture source remains undiscovered or unaddressed.
Mold is a microscopic organism which produces mold spores (seeds) that become airborne. Mold also produces volatile organic compounds, which humans detect as musty odors. Some types of mold produce toxic compounds known as mycotoxins, which may be very harmful to susceptible individuals.
Below are links to additional resources regarding preventing mold, treating mold, and its adverse health effects:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
http://www.epa.gov/mold/
https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-frequently-asked-questions
Florida Department of Health (FDOH)
http://www.floridahealth.gov/healthy-environments/mold/index.html
Mycotoxins
https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_report.cfm?
Ionizers & Other Ozone Generating Air Cleaners
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/ozone-generators-are-sold-air-cleaners
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-are-ionizers-and-other-ozone-generating-air-cleaners
Recommended Disinfectant
https://benefect.com/ca/products/decon-30/
Air Conditioning Square Footage Range by Climate Zone
https://hvacdirect.com/sizing-air-conditioner-and-heater.html
FEMA Household Hazardous Materials - A Guide for Citizens
https://emilms.fema.gov/IS55a/index.htm
Potential Health Hazards in Air Fresheners
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5093181/#:~:text=Air%20fresheners%20and%20deodorizers%3A%2020.4,neurological%20problems%2C%20and%20others)
https://www.epa.gov/asthma/can-use-fragrances-indoors-cause-health-impacts
