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Mold Removal and Mildew Removal

Mold Inspection, Mold Identification and Mold Testing

Mold Prevention

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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 Newsletter, September 2009

In previous newsletters we discussed the prevention of mold growth in your home's Heating and Air Conditioning system. Maintaining your HVAC and air duct system helps prevent mold growth from occurring. Another area of concern is mold growth in your attic spaces.

RTS Environmental Services wants to help by providing you with the facts about moisture and mold problems in the home so you can take the steps necessary to prevent a small problem from becoming a major crisis.

Mold in Your Home's Attic Spaces

In order to prevent mold from growing, well ventilated attic spaces are critical. Without proper venting (air movement and exchange) many bad things can occur, especially involving mold growth on wooden structures such as roof sheathing or truss members. The following are some of the reasons why mold may begin to grow in an attic:

  • Too much humidity from the HVAC system humidifier
  • Insufficient soffit venting (from the eaves)
  • No ridge venting (at the roof peak)
  • Inadequate gable venting (side vents)
  • Not enough insulation (poor thermal envelop)
  • Clothes dryer venting into the attic (source for high humidity)
  • No bathroom vents, so humidity builds in attic (source for high humidity)
  • Bathroom vents into attic (not above the roof line) (source for high humidity) These are important items to look for in a mold/moisture inspection involving an attic. We look for these potential problems especially as a means to prevent mold prone environments and educate you on the best approach to prevention as well.

Contact Information
RTS Environmental Services, Inc.
Tel: 1-800-722-5589
301-607-6276 Maryland Line
Fax: 301-831-6235
Email: info@rtsenvironmental.com