MOLD INSPECTIONS

Mold should not be visible in an environmental healthy home or building.  
It is impossible to eliminate all molds from a building; however indoor mold growth should be
avoided.  The key to mold control is moisture control.  If a mold problem exists in your building,
the mold should be remediated immediately, and the water problem eliminated.  It is important to
dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to help prevent mold growth.

The presents of certain types of mold and mold spores in a building can result in mild to severe
health effects in humans, and can deteriorate the building materials.  Health effects include, but are
not limited to: asthma, allergy symptoms, watery eyes, sneezing, wheezing, difficulty breathing,
sinus congestion, blurry vision, sore throat, dry cough, aches and pains, skin irritation, bleeding of
the lungs, headaches, memory loss and fever.  As humans' very greatly in their chemical make up,
so does the individuals reaction to mold exposure.  For some people, a small number of mold
spores can cause ill effects.  In others it may take a longer exposure.  

Mold investigations include a visual inspection of a property for both water damage and signs of
active mold growth.  This is due to in most cases mold requires a source of moisture to grow.
Mold also requires a food source in order to grow within a structure.  Most molds thrive on
cellulose based materials including wood, sheetrock, paneling, acoustical tiles, furniture, cabinets,
etc.

An obvious source of moisture is the bathroom. Mold growth in bathtubs, showers, and toilets is
common and can usually be taken care of through regular housekeeping and maintenance.
However, if these areas are not maintained, or the plumbing fixtures leak into the wall cavities,
mold can grow within the wall and becomes established deep in the wood fibers causing structural
damage and health risks.

Mold growth under or next to a windowsill may be the result of a construction defect or a flashing
problem allowing water intrusion around the window. This can also apply to roof leaks around
roof penetrations and flashings.  If water is allowed to intrude into a wall space, the paper backing
on the sheet rock (a food source for molds) and the dark, stagnant air space create a perfect
environment for mold growth to occur. If mold growth is visible on sheet rock inside a room, there
may be a larger colony of mold growing on the other side of the sheet rock inside the wall space.
If mold growth is suspected inside a wall space, an in-wall air sample can be collected by drilling a
small hole through the wall.


Other possible sources of moisture include:
• sinks
• dishwashers
• leaking roofs and pipes
• improper venting of kitchen and bathroom exhausts
• wet basements
• fish tanks
• HVAC systems
• washing machines

Moisture can also intrude into a home through exterior walls as the result of:
• Improper grading of property and/or poor drainage patters
• Clogged roof gutters and leaders
• Lawn sprinklers spraying against the house
• Deteriorated siding
• clogged footing drains
• missing or torn moisture paper
• improving house efficiency including installation of new windows, siding, etc.


If mold growth is encountered during an inspection, it is important to determine what the specific
moisture source is. Even if the mold is properly removed by a prudent mold abatement company,
it may return if the moisture problem is not corrected.

Even a light amount of mold growth on sheet rock can be an indication of a roof or pipe leak or
moisture intrusion from the outside. While the visible mold may not seem significant, there may be
a larger problem inside the wall space

A properly constructed and maintained building that has not experienced any water damage
should generally not have a problem with mold growth.  Therefore, if mold is visible within a
structure, a professional look should be taken at the structural issues related to the building.

It is our recommendation that a mold inspection only be performed by a qualified Industrial
Hygienist or Licensed Professional Engineer.  In some cases, both professional may be required to
properly evaluate the property condition.

AMERICAN BIOLOGICAL
Technology Inc.

Post office Box 1137
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Email Address: ABT_Inc@hotmail.com
Telephone: 914 962-6261
Fax: 914 962-9l96