Toxic Mold Testing and Removal

Problems with toxic mold have plagued homeowners for years, and home insurance companies are dropping mold from their policies to save money, often leaving homeowners guessing what to do. Is that mildew stain in my house actually toxic black mold? Should I have a mold inspection done? What companies do mold testing and black mold removal?

What Causes Mold to Grow in a Home?

Mold is vital part of nature. As long as it stays outdoors, its function is to break down organic matter such as dead trees and leaves. When mold gets inside your home, that's when it causes problems.

How Does Mold Spread?

Mold reproduces by spreading tiny spores through the air, so small they can't be seen. Mold requires moisture to grow and reproduce, so wet surfaces are a prime environment for the spores

How Can Mold Affect Your Health?

If mold finds a wet surface and begins to grow and spead its spores, it can produce substances that can cause allergic reactions and irritants, and sometimes even toxins.
If you inhale or touch the mold or mold spores, you may experience allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, breathing difficulties, red eyes and/or a skin rash. People with asthma are especially allergic to mold.

Can I Handle the Mold Remediation, or Should I Hire A Company To Do It?

According to the EPA, the rule of thumb for clean up of mold is that if you have ten square feet or less of mold damage, you can do it yourself.

Black Mold Removal...Do It Yourself, But Be Safe!

Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, then dry completely. If mold appears on absorbant surfaces, such as drywall, books, clothing, carpet or ceiling tiles, or other items made of paper or cloth, you will need to have the materials replaced. Place the items in plastic bags prior to moving them, so you don't allow the mold spores to transfer to other surfaces as they are transported. Wear goggles, gloves and a respirator to avoid contamination.

How Do I Find a Mold Remediation Company?

If you have more than ten square feet of mold, you should hire a contractor to do the cleanup, but choose a company with mold remediation experience.

The Indoor Air Quality Association can help by providing a list of trained professionals that can help, providing certifications and other company qualifications. To qualify as a Certified Mold Remediator (CMR), an individual must have five years or more work-related experience or combination of college education and work experience, attend IAQA approved training courses, and pass an examination.

The IAQA has chapters in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. They also have a chapter in the Canadian province of Ontario. You can visit the IAQA web site, iaqa.org, for more information.

Should I attempt mold removal myself? Before attempting this, consider hiring a certified mold inspector to perform testing to determine the type of mold in your home. Mold inspectors can better gauge whether the type in your home is simple mildew and something worse...including black toxic mold that will need a professional certified in mold abatement and remediation to remove it.

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