MOLD FUNGI TESTING AND INSPECTION IN LA, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, VENTURA

Mold (fungi) inspection and testing is very common and necessary. Our climate is such that mold problems can arise quickly, and various serious health hazards or disease hazards are possible. If you have a family, are elderly, have employees, experiencing upper respiratory problems, or suspect you have mold, then mold inspection is part of keeping yourself, employees, and loved ones in a fully healthy environment. Mold inspection for our region is a fast procedure and lab results are received soon, so that the situation and solution can be treated as fast as possible. As mold contamination can result in very serious health issues, when you suspect a mold problem it is best to call us right away. Our LA mold inspection offices are central to the region and we can schedule your mold inspection quickly.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET RESULTS?

• Mold sampling does not take very long. For most mold inspections the taking of one or two indoor mold samples and one outdoor mold sample (required) would take approximately 45 – 60 minutes.
• Mold samples are packaged and sent by Federal Express Priority to the lab along with the Mold Chain of Custody form. Once received by the lab the mold samples are analyzed the same day and the results are e-mailed to Affordable Inspection Services, Inc. for review and preparation of the written narrative report.
• Normally the Written Mold report is available the second working day following the mold inspection. In an effort to “go green” the written report prepared by Affordable Inspection Services, Inc. will be sent via email.  Upon request the Written Report can be faxed and mailed to the client. 

For additional information and to schedule an appointment for a Mold inspection, please contact Steve Roquemore (Certified Residential Mold Inspector) at 818-886-2070 or 800-761-1660 in California.

MOLD FACTS

Mold has become a major source of worry related to health in the indoor environment. Mold is classified as part of the kingdom fungi, (being neither plant nor animal but a little of both) and their role is that of decomposer, breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen trees and dead leaves. There are thousands and thousands of types (species) of molds, and mold is present everywhere. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores, which will grow anywhere there is moisture, food (organic materials such as paper, wood, cellulose, etc.) and oxygen.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF MOLD EXPOSURE

When Mold spores are inhaled or ingested the spores begin to grow. As the Mold colonies grow within your body they produce poisons called, “Mycotoxins”. These mycotoxins leach into your body. Each day that the mold is left untreated the mold colonies grow larger, leaching more mycotoxins into your body. Some people exposed to Mold may not show symptoms of Mold exposure for up to 3 months after their initial exposure to the mold. Some of the symptoms of brief mold exposure are:

• Sneezing
• Itching Skin
• Redness and skin irritation
• Watery Eyes
• Itching Eyes
• Headache
  

The following symptoms of Mold exposure have been reported generally as a result from persons being in a Mold contaminated environment for an extended period of time. Symptoms are reported to have become more severe and longer lasting directly in proportion to the length of their mold exposure time. Their reported symptoms are as follows:

• Constant Headaches
• Depression 
• Nose Bleeds
• Feelings of Constant Fatigue
• Breathing Disorders
• Coughing up Blood or Black looking Debris
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loss of Appetite
• Weight Loss
• Hair loss
• Skin Rashes
• Open Sores on the Skin
• Memory Loss "Short Term"
• Neurological & Nervous Disorders
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Swollen Glands in the Neck Area and under the Armpit
• Sudden Asthma Attacks or Breathing Disorders
• Ear Infections and Pain
• Chronic Sinus Infections
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Pain in the Joints and Muscles
  

WHY TEST FOR MOLD?

1. A Mold specialist cannot reliably identify a mold genus or mold species growing on a building surface by the naked eye, only a laboratory analysis will determine what type of mold is present. Some molds are considered non pathogenic (no known health effects), and can be easily removed with the right cleaning product.
2. Hiring a professional Mold Assessment Consultant such as Affordable Inspection Services, Inc. for pre-screening a home for mold is not expensive when compared to the cost of delayed repairs or health care that may be required if mold is not identified and properly remediated.
3. Even if the mold is dead, mold spores introduced into the air can be allergenic or toxic. Testing is the only way to determine if and what types of mold spores exist, and if toxic mold is present.
4. By hiring an independent mold professional, there is not a conflict of interest in the remediation. As an independent mold inspector, Affordable Inspection Services, Inc. will accurately represent the scope of remediation as we have no incentive to enlarge the project to make more profit as could a contractor who does their own inspections.

WHAT IF I HAVE MOLD?

Mold remediation is no longer the big scare that it was just a few years ago. Depending on the size and type of mold discovered the mold remediation can be as simple as general housekeeping or repairs that a homeowner or handyman can complete. The written report issued by Affordable Inspection Services, Inc. will provide remediation guidelines that will follow into one of these categories:

• No further actions recommended
• Improved housekeeping required using normal housekeeping methods
• Simple remediation required and guidelines will be provided that can be followed by a homeowner/handyman/maintenance person.
• Significant mold remediation recommended by a qualified mold remediation company.

WHY DO CLEARANCE TESTING?

When Mold remediation is complete, contact Affordable Inspection Services, Inc. to conduct a Mold Clearance Test.   This inspection will protect you from incomplete remediation and provide you with valuable documentation that the mold remediation has been performed properly. Some advantages of having a mold clearance are listed below;

• Verifies boundaries of the mold remediation, that the contractor remediated all accessible molds in the containment area.
• Verifies no visible cross contamination of mold debris from inside of the containment area by inspecting the integrity of the containment boundaries.
• Verifies quality of cleanliness of the mold remediation by inspecting for any remaining water stains, water damage, elevated moisture, and of course visible molds.
• Verifies air quality inside of the containment is acceptable prior to removal by taking mold samples of the air prior to authorizing removal of the containment.