What is Mold?

Mold are microscopic organisms. In order for the to reproduce, they must produce spores. Airborne mold spores are everywhere both indoors and outdoors. Spores act like seeds, which can spread easily through the air and can form new mold. If the conditions are right, mold will grow and multiply inside your home. Mold can grow in your home if there is sufficient moisture.

Mold on the kitchen wall.

The moisture can come from numerous sources such as flooding, leaks, damp basements, etc. In your home mold can attach themselves to many things. Such as inside ceiling tiles, dry wall, carpet padding, in basements, crawl spaces, under floors, inside air conditioning ducts and heating systems to name a few. Mold growth in your home can be potentially harmful, both to the structure of your home as well as to your health.

What are the common health symptoms of mold exposure?

Mold behind the walls.
Mold has been associated with health issues, such as fatigue, nausea, headaches, respiratory and eye irritation. Other health issues related to mold could include skin rash, runny nose, throat irritation, chronic sinus infection, cough and congestion. Some individuals may be more susceptible to health problems if they have allergies, asthma or emphysema. People with suppressed immune systems can become extremely ill from exposure to mold.

How do I know if I have mold and how is it tested?

Many times mold is hidden behind structures such as walls, ceilings or duct work. Mold produces a musty odor which may be the first indication of the problem. A visual inspection is the most important step in identifying a possible mold problem. Once the sources of mold are discovered, testing devices such as moisture meters, humidity gauges, bore scopes and digital cameras confirm visual inspection and determine the source of leaks or moisture, and the conditions promoting its growth.

Before performing any remediation (removal) of mold, a detailed, written, cost effective recommendation based on our inspection and testing will be given to the customer.

Mold Remediation

• Containment: Skilled technicians isolate the area of contamination to minimize the spread of mold spores to other areas of your home or building. Technicians should be protected by wearing respirators, gloves, tyvek suits and eye protection.
• Filtration:Air from the contaminated area is pulled out by negative air machines through a series of HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters. These machines run continuously throughout the project. Mold spores, dust, and other airborne debris are removed from the air.
• Removal and Cleanup: Contaminated materials that cannot be adequately cleaned are removed in sealed plastic bags for disposal according to mold remediation standards. use of cleaning solutions and antimicrobial cleaners will be used to remove the remainder of the mold.
• Structural Repair, Replacement and Modification: If moisture is still present, no level of remediation effort will be successful. The source and cause of the moisture must be eliminated.

To prevent reoccurrence of mold growth, maintain humidity control with dehumidifier set to 50% humidity or less. Only highly skilled mold professionals such as Carbone Cleaning & Restoration can perform successful mold inspection, testing and remediation. We have performed hundreds of successful operations. We have many satisfied customers. References are available upon request.