New Jersey Mold Testing

Molds and fungi are found everywhere in our environments both outside and inside. The job of mold and fungi in nature is to break down organic materials. Mold spores can easily float in air because of their very small size. The problem in our homes is when mold spores attach themselves to building materials such as drywall or wood members. Molds and fungi can be colored brown, black, white or green. The problem with mold growing in homes is that some molds can cause serious health effects in certain individuals. There are many molds in our environment but there are a few that create toxins called Mycotoxins. Fungi or mold that create Mycotoxins are sometimes labeled as toxic mold. Exposure to Mycotoxins may present a significant hazard than that of allergenic or just irritative molds.  Health effects from exposures vary from individual to individual. Some molds will effect certain people and will have little or no negative effects on others.

Mold can usually be found growing on damp and moist surfaces. When there is a large mold contamination that is when mold spores are air born and present in large numbers, they can cause respiratory symptoms such as asthma, lung infections, headaches, dizziness and other health problems in individuals. Mold allergy can also develop with prolonged exposure to mold spores.  We are exposed to molds everyday and usually without negative effect. Mold spores can cause health problems when they are inhaled in large numbers. However, in some people even exposure to a small amount of mold can cause health problems. It is known that children, the elderly and immuno compromised individuals are more susceptible to the health risks that come with mold exposures.

If there is visible mold in your home or if musty or moldy odors exist most likely there is a mold problem in your home. Look for discoloration and water staining on interior walls and surfaces. If you see mold on an interior wall there is a good possibility that there is hidden mold in the wall cavity.  There is generally more mold growth behind the walls then visible mold growth on the wall.

If you do smell musty or moldy conditions you should have your home tested for mold. A NJ mold inspector will inspect all visible and accessible areas for signs of water infiltration and mold growth.

The New Jersey mold testing professional will also be able to provide a plan of action for preventing future mold growth. Usually this is done by taking action to limit or stop water infiltration in the home. This can be from ground water and also from interior sources such as plumbing leaks.

The mold inspector will also perform mold testing. NJ Mold testing will include both air sampling and surface sampling. Air sampling will determine the type of molds in the air and the toxicity of the mold.  It is important to determine what types of mold spores are present in the household air so you can decide what remediation measures are needed to control the problem. Surface sampling will also be performed in order to determine what types of molds exists on the interior surfaces. Once the type of mold and toxicity is established, then steps can be taken to eliminate it. Sometimes mold clean up can be done by the homeowner if a mild contamination exists. Other times a professional mold remediation company needs to be called in to clean up a major mold contamination.

If you do see or smell mold have proper New Jersey mold testing performed and take the necessary action in order to protect you and your family from the health effects of mold.


Author Bio-data -:

John Martino has been a New Jersey mold inspections since 2003. John is one of the very few home inspectors who completed New Jersey's home inspector licensing program.