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Home : Blogs : Mold Consulting and Environmental Testing Services : Mold Consulting and Testing Blog

South Florida has several factors that lead to mold growth, especially the tropical climate. Mold Detection Services of South Florida's Testing, Consulting and Inspection Experts explain mold and how it grows in ways everyone can understand.

What Is Mold? Mold Detection Services 866.654.6653 or 305.571.2280

Here in South Florida, we have several factors that lead to mold growth in our tropical environment. Molds, commonly called mildews (sometimes referred to as "black mold") are a subset of fungi that produce fluffy or powdery growth on surfaces. Molds grow on any porous and semi-porous surface, which include but are not limited to: concrete, wallpaper, metal, cloth, carpet, leather, wood, sheet rock, baseboards and insulation (including growth on human foods) when moist conditions exist.

Molds reproduce by making spores that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Inside a non-viable air testing cassette (Zefon 5 or Air-O-Cell) is a glass slide that collects the spores for lab analysis.

Mold spores flow through indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on.

Molds usually grow in damp places, behind walls, under floors, above ceiling tiles, and behind shower walls. Water is the key because without it, molds cannot grow, much less spread. When water is left to sit for even 24 hours, mold infestation begins. If water continues to sit and areas become completely saturated, the ideal environment is created for toxic molds to grow, such as Stachybotrys.

Allergic Reactions People Can Have To Mold Spores:

Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, and difficulty in breathing

Nasal and sinus congestion

Eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity

Dry, hacking cough

Sore throat

Nose and throat irritation

Shortness of breath

Skin irritation

Central nervous system problems

Constant headaches

Memory problems

Mood changes

Aches and pains

Possible fever

What Causes Mold? Call: 866.654.MOLD(6653)

Molds may grow at high levels indoors in a home or building, if the right environmental conditions exist. Factors that influence mold growth include: moisture sources, improperly ventilated bathrooms, high humidity levels, broken pipes and washing machine hoses, floods, leaking roofs, leaking exterior siding products, and leaking windows and doors.

Stachybotrys chartarum is a fungus that has become notorious as a mycotoxin producer that can cause animal and human mycotoxicosis. Indeed, over the past 15 years in North America, evidence has accumulated implicating this fungus as a serious problem in homes and buildings and one of the causes of the "sick building syndrome."

Be aware of any noxious odors. When a mold colony is growing, it can give off distinctive odors that are the by-product of its metabolism.

What Is Air Sampling ? - Indoor Air Quality Testing Information

Indoor Air Samples are usually performed in order to test for nonviable (dead) mold spores. Testing for nonviable mold is done by microscopic examination of the sample to identify fungal and non-fungal particles that may be allergenic to individuals. Other particles such as: fiberglass, insect fragments, rusts, dirt and more are also detected during non-viable testing. This is the quickest way to test for airborne mold spores and other harmful particles.

Testing for viable (living) mold is done by placing the sample onto agar culture medium that supports the growth of the organism(s) in question and allows identification of the species and level of contamination. This takes more time and is more costly.

When colonization occurs one mold has overtaken your entire home. Colonization is the formation of compact population groups of the same type of mold species.

What Is Bulk Sampling: Bulk samples include, but are not limited to, chunks of carpet, insulation, and wallboards. Bulk samples are collected from visibly moldy surfaces by scraping or cutting materials with a clean tool and placing the sample into a petri dish for testing.

What Is Surface Sampling: Surface samples are collected by wiping a measured area with a sterile swab or by lifting a sample with bio tape. The surface sample is cultured and then placed into a petri dish. Surface samples are collected by wiping a measured area with a sterile swab or by lifting a sample with bio tape. The surface sample is cultured and then placed into a petri dish. The petri dish is inspected by a lab technician under a microscope so that the fungi can be removed and identified by species.

BACTERIAL TESTING SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE Same Day Test Results Available- Standard is 24 - 48 hours

Call: 866.654.MOLD(6653) or 305.571.2280

Mold Detection Services of South Florida

Certified Mold Inspection and Testing Experts!

Miami Dade County Florida (305) Mold

Fort Lauderdale Broward County (954) Mold

Boca Raton Palm Beach County (561) Mold

Florida Keys and Key West Mold Services

Posted by Mold Consulting and Environmental Testing Services on 08/12/2007 02:30 PM

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south florida has several factors that lead to mold growth, especially the tropical climate mold detection services of south floridas

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Mold Detection Services of South Florida is Fully Insured and Certified to perform Mold Testing, Inspection and Consulting. Miami Dade, Ft Lauderdale Broward and Boca Raton Palm Beaches