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Mold Removal and Mildew Removal

Mold Inspection, Mold Identification and Mold Testing

Mold Prevention

Humidity in the Home

Asbestos

Home Air Quality

Glossary Of Terms

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.

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RTS Environmental Services Newsletter -- NOVEMBER, 2010

What should a Mold Inspection Provide?

A Good Mold Inspection should accomplish the following:

Discover the extent of the mold condition- How much mold is there, is it small scale and localized, or large scale and systemic.

Determine the reason for the mold condition- What is the underlying cause to create conditions which are conducive to mold growth. Is there water moving in from the foundation, or is the relative humidity condensing low to the wall and causing a mildew condition for example.

Characterize the conditions of the mold scenario entirely- Is the mold growth specific to building materials or is there mold on contents such as furniture in proximity as well. Is there a likely air quality issue given the occupancy and use of a home or building.

Provide Insight - You should have a clear understanding of the scenario and all of the questions which define the scenario including solutions or fixes. (In many cases mold conditions are simply a maintenance issue and can be addressed with simple cleaning or maintenance actions). If a condition is larger scale you should understand what mold remediation treatments are needed to rectify the scenario.

Building Science and Indoor Air Quality - What needs to be done to prevent a mold scenario from reoccurring. Knowing a little about the science behind water entry, moisture vapor, material types, air quality and sensitivity to mold can help prevent mold from ever becoming a problem again.

The Facts - A report which clearly states the facts in plain language which is intended to educate the consumer, and not confuse them. A report should provide comments and recommendations which support a logical conclusion.

What a Mold Inspection should not be:

A mold inspection should not be a scare tactic meant to instill fear or misleading information.

It should not be confusing or vague in explanation. Or it should not be so complicated with unnecessary and misinformation that one cannot draw conclusions.

A mold inspection should not be an invention of concern. Real problems require real solutions. Usually a real mold problem is visible and knowable. You can see it and sense it. It should not be a means to sell you something you don't need.

Please contact RTS Environmental Services at 800-722-5589 - www.rtsenvironmental.com