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What is Mold?
Molds are a natural part of the environment as they are an abundant life form that belong to the Fungi kingdom.
Outdoors, they play a vital role in breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves, or other plant matter and recycle nutrients back into the earth.
However, mold growth should be avoided indoors as they have the potential to cause both property damage and health problems.
Common indoor molds include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria and Aspergillus.
Can Molds Cause Health Problems?
Important: Licensed medical professionals should be consulted for any health related questions or concerns.
Individuals differ in their response to mold.
Also, the amount of mold exposure may be a factor.
According to the EPA: "Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed.
Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people."
According to the EPA: "Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed.
Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people."
The CDC states:
"For some people, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash.
People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions.
Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold. For people who are sensitive to molds exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin.
Severe reactions, such as fever or shortness of breath, may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay."
Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold. For people who are sensitive to molds exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin.
Severe reactions, such as fever or shortness of breath, may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay."
Learn about our Mold Testing and Inspection Services:
What causes mold to grow indoors?
Molds require moisture and a food source in order to grow.
Mold spores are microscopic seedlike structures. Spores may spread from the outdoor air into the indoor environment and given the right conditions, they can reproduce.
Growth may begin 24 to 48 hours after the spores land on wet surfaces.
What are mycotoxins?
The CDC explains:
"Certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (mycotoxins).
However, the molds themselves are not toxic or poisonous.
Molds that produce mycotoxins, like Stachybotrys chartarum, should be considered the same as other molds that can grow in your house or workplace.
Any mold growing in buildings indicates a problem with water or moisture and should be immediately addressed."
What is Stachybotrys chartarum or often known as black mold?
According to the CDC: "Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black mold.
It can grow on material with a high cellulose content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, and paper.
Growth occurs when there is moisture from water damage, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding.
Constant moisture is required for its growth.
All molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal."
CONTACT US
Please let us know of any questions and concerns you have or contact us to schedule an inspection:
818-964-1533
tanjunmold@gmail.com
Happily serving our customers in Granada Hills, Porter Ranch, Northridge, North Hills, Reseda, Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Encino, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Malibu, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Newhall, Valencia, Canyon Country, Santa Monica, Marina Del Ray, Glendale, Pasadena, Alta Dena, Burbank, Studio City, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, West Hollywood, North Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley and the Greater Los Angeles Area.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
~ Water Damage Assessments
~ AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) Accredited Lab Testing
~ Presale Home Inspections
~ Post Remediation Clearance Testing
~ Air & Surface Sampling
~ Mold Remediation Protocols
~ Findings & Recommendations Reports
~ Environmental Testing
~ Mold Inspection Los Angeles
~ Certified Mold Testing Services
Find us on nextdoor:
MICRO Certified Mold Inspector CMI # 86294
InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) Certified Mold Inspector
Member # NACHI25081826 Certificate # 1755634505
IAC2 Certified, IAC2 Mold Certified (International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants)
Certification ID: IAC2-95070
