The state of Florida is one of mold's favorite places to live
in. Although molds can be found anywhere, mold relies on humid
environments, or moisture and a food source such as building
materials, dust, wood, paper or other organic materials. Most
mold types are likely to grow on a porous surface with high
moisture content within the first 24-48 hours.
A tremendous percentage of all the properties in the state
of Florida face some kind of moisture problem, many of those
are a result from hurricane damages causing water intrusion
in the property, many of those homes with water damages worsen
during the period with no electricity, those thousands of
homes with no power for a prolonged period of time are unable
to run their air conditioner systems and properly remove humidity.
Proper maintenance and functioning of your A/C system is crucial
for a healthy indoor environment, having your A/C unit serviced
on regular basis may prevent you from a lot headaches in regards
to mold.
When an A/C system is not functioning properly, weather is
not cooling enough or not removing humidity properly, condensation
problems may occur. Air conditioner systems are one of the
most important things to inspect during a mold inspection
since any contamination would most likely spread out among
the entire property, possibly triggering allergic reactions,
upper respiratory problems and many health hazards to those
occupants susceptible to mold exposure.
Indoor air quality assessments in Florida such as mold testing,
mold inspections and even mold remediation or removal have
become a multi million dollar industry in the past few years
due to all the media hype, newer studies on mold exposure
and recent hurricane activity. Because of this dramatic growth
in the industry a lot of companies have been taking advantage
of this demand, and the fact that no laws, regulations or
specific protocols for mold testing and or mold removal have
been passed. When choosing a mold testing company this are
the things you should look for:
•No conflict of interest (do not use a company that does both
remediation and testing)
•Look for companies that use the latest in technology such
particle counters, infrared thermal cameras, moisture meters…
•Make sure they are Certified Indoor Environmentalist or at
least Certified Mold Inspectors.
•Make sure they inspect the A/C system, attic, exterior, behind
pluming fixtures, and moisture detection among entire property.
Having a specific area tested with out investigation and environmental
testing on the rest of the property is no on your best interest
(a lot findings are not visible to the naked eye) that is
why top of line equipment must be used.
•Pick a company that uses an accredited laboratory or have
a microbiologist in staff.
•Make sure they provide a comprehensive report and lab results
interpretation for a better understanding of the results and
findings.
In conclusion mold is everywhere including indoor environments
but not all species or quantities are safe for occupants in
fact some species in large quantities could be very dangerous
to some individuals. By doing a mold inspection and mold testing
you would know what you and your loved ones are breathing
in, before it can become a bigger problem.
Martin Yerfino, Certified Indoor Environmentalist for EcoTech.
Specializing in mold testing, inspections, detection and indoor
air quality. Mold Testing
FloridaMold
Inspections Florida
