Mold Testing Indianapolis

Public awareness of indoor mold has risen dramatically in recent years. The factors that have contributed to the increases of indoor mold problems are: energy conservation measures, changes in building materials, the use of rapid construction techniques, failure of occupants to manage moisture intrusion, and increased indoor humidity levels. It is estimated that 50% of all homes contain some form of mold problems. 

Molds are part of the natural environment. Molds are fungi that can be found anywhere inside or outside - throughout the year. About 1,000 different species of mold can be found in the United States, with more than 100,000 known species worldwide. While outdoor molds are common and somewhat expected, indoor mold growth should be avoided at all costs. Problems can arise when mold starts eating away at materials, affecting the look, smell, and possibly affecting the structural integrity of the home.

Mold can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, and something organic to feed on. Mold tends to grow in homes with warm, moist areas like basements, crawlspaces, closets, and bathrooms. Mold can also grow in places where fresh food is stored, refrigerators, house plants, humidifiers, garbage cans, mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpet or even foam rubber pillows.

The worst place that molds can grow in your home, however, is inside wall cavities and the flooring of our homes, wherever there may be cellulose materials they can feed on, such as wood, ceiling tiles, or drywall.

Mold can cause adverse effects by producing allergens. Potential health concerns are important reasons to prevent mold growth and to remediate existing problem areas. The onset of allergic reactions to mold can be either immediate or delayed. 

Allergic Illness

When mold spores are inhaled and land in the respiratory tract, the body's immune system's response to those invading cells can cause allergic illness. The immune system tries to destroy the mold as it would an agent, like a flu virus, that might cause infection. In a portion of the population, the immune system overreacts and causes the allergic response that result in symptoms such as runny nose, scratchy throat and sneezing. Most of us know this allergic illness as "hay fever" or "allergic rhinitis."

Asthma

Asthma is a lung disease in which the airways that carry oxygen to the lungs can partially close, causing breathing difficulties ranging from mild (such as a dry cough) to life-threatening (inability to breathe). More than half of asthmatics have respiratory allergies, often to mold. Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive asthmatics.

Infection

Some mold species can cause respiratory infections when the live mold spores invade the tissues of the lungs or respiratory tract. This can be dangerous for individuals with severely weakened immune systems.

 
Toxic Effects

Large doses of certain molds, whether inhaled or ingested, can result in poisoning caused by toxins, called mycotoxins, in the mold spores.

Mold testing Indianapolis. MC2 Inspections offers residential mold inspection and testing services for the entire Indianapolis metro area and surrounding areas. From Greenwood to Carmel. We are certified members of the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (IAC2) and The International Indoor Air Quality Commission (IIAQC) as certified Indoor Air Quality Professionals. Our inspectors are fully trained, certified, licensed (where applicable) and insured for your protection. We use the very latest in mold testing equipment and techniques, and adhere to nationally recognized formal protocols for mold testing.

Depending on your situation, we will take direct samples of any visual mold via tape lift or if there is no visible mold present, there is still a possibility of it existing somewhere hidden. 50% of all mold found in homes is hidden behind drywall, underneath carpeting or pad, in the duct work etc. In this case we will take air samples using the Micro 5 cassette to determine if higher than acceptable levels of mold spores exist in the air that you are breathing. We will drop off the samples for analysis the same day. The results are typically available within 48 hours after the lab receives our samples. Based off of the lab analysis we may be able to narrow down the source possibility and offer suggestions on how to remediate the problem.

If you have any concern at all about the possibility of mold being in your home or the home you are about to purchase, put your mind at ease and call us today.