Accredited Laboratory- A lab that has been accredited by a recognized agency to the ISO 17025 Standard.
Aflatoxin- A Mycotoxin which is known to be one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances which is from Aspergillus flavus mold growth.
Allergen- A substance such as mold or pet hair which can cause an allergic reaction.
Ambient air- Outdoor air or representative of a general volume of indoor air.
Amplification of molds- Any indoor scenario which may increase the concentration of molds such as moisture in a wall cavity or mold growth in an HVAC system.
Anti-fungal treatment- Any mold remediation activity which removes, disinfects, or treats surfaces contaminated by mold.
Asbestos- A naturally occurring mineral fiber used in hundreds of building and insulation materials. Exposure to asbestos is a known health risk for cancer especially due to occupational contact. Asbestos is a regulated material and professional removal using engineering controls is recommended in most cases.
Asthma- A condition of respiratory sensitivity when lung tissue swells in reaction to exposure to particles which irritate the small passages of the lung tissue.
Indoor Air Quality Association- www.iaqa.org
American Indoor Air Quality Council- www.iaqcouncil.org
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency- www.epa.gov/mold/
Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification ( IICRC)- www.iicrc.org/pdf/buydocs.pdf
Does your Washington D.C. Metro area home have mold? The answer is probably. Should you worry about it? It depends. There are several thousand strains of mold in existence, and each of us encounters many of them in our daily lives. Most experts believe that except for those with asthma or other respiratory problems, these daily mold encounters are harmless. The problem arises with a particular mold called Stachybotrys.
Stachybotrys also goes by the name of "black mold" or "toxic mold." This type of mold is thought to be responsible for a decrease in memory and worsened lung capacity in the very old and the very young, but may even cause health problems in healthy median-aged individuals as well. Besides health problems, black mold also causes damage to a home's structure. For these reasons, it's a good idea to be on the lookout for black mold in your home.
Because mold reproduces in moist places, be sensitive to signs of mold especially after you have had any water damage in your home. You may see mold growth dotted on the walls, ceilings or furniture. Also, check underneath surfaces and in dark places. Even if you aren't able to see the mold, it could still be there behind walls or in the ceiling. If you become aware of a musty, dank smell or if mold-sensitive people start to complain while in your home, you should have your home inspected for black mold.
RTS Environmental Services can check the air quality in your home for evidence of mold, evacuating your home for a period of time when you won't be exposed to the cleaning chemicals and disrupted mold spores.
Even if you don't suspect mold in your home, have it inspected before you put your home up for sale. If mold is discovered during the buyer's inspection, the deal may fall through and you'll be delayed in selling your home or have to settle for far less than your home would be valued at otherwise. If your home is sold and mold is discovered shortly afterwards, you could still be responsible for the cleanup.
Early detection of black mold in your home can drastically reduce the time, effort and cost associated with mold cleanup. Have your home inspected for mold as soon as you suspect you might have it growing in your home.