What is a mold inspection? What is inspected? What is not?

A Mold Inspection is similar to a Home Inspection in that it is a visual inspection only of readily accessible areas. It can be conducted as part of the Home Inspection or as a separate, self-standing Inspection. The Mold Inspection is limited to visual observations of apparent conditions existing at the time of the Inspection only.

Mold is a group of living, biological organisms that can flourish and be dormant at various times. Mold can grow in easily observable locations and in areas completely inaccessible to the Inspector. Since the Inspector cannot look in inaccessible areas, some mold growth can be occurring that is not seen.

The Inspector will visually inspect the home for any signs of a mold-like substance, fungi or growth. Any visible mold-like substance can be sampled by a surface sampling technique.

Some sellers will wash a moldy surface with bleach and then repaint it in an effort to cover the mold. The bleach will remove surface mold and discoloration, but most molds grow through a component, not just on the surface. Mold can reappear on an infected surface within days or weeks of such treatments. If the Inspector suspects that such treatments have occurred, or if mold growth is suspected to be occurring behind an impervious wall covering, such as vinyl wall paper, or in an inaccessible location, then an air sample is recommended. The air sample will collect air-borne mold spores which are present even if visible mold growth is not.

The inspector will also look for areas and components showing signs of current or past moisture infiltration or wetting. Moisture will allow mold to grow or appear. However, moisture can exist without mold. Mold can form after the inspection on items that were recently wet, even if conditions did not allow the inspector to see mold at the time of inspection.

Further, the Inspector will describe items and components that are suspect of causing or allowing moisture infiltration or, if left unattended, potentially could create a problem. These descriptions, again, are limited to visual conditions apparent at the time of the inspection.

How is a surface sample taken?

Surface samples can be taken from any surface that shows visible evidence of growth of a mold like substance. Samples can be taken for using tape or swabs for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Bulk samples can also be collected from materials that do not lend themselves to easy tape lifting or swabbing, for example, a furnace air filter or carpet. The results of the qualitative and quantitative analysis are compared to those from an area that does not show visible evidence of growth (control) for significant increase in numbers of total spores, other fungal structures, and/or total count of each specific mold count.

A surface sample can also be taken with a swab for viability analysis as well as qualitative and quantitative analysis. This test takes significantly more time for laboratory analysis and usually is performed only when an occupant of the home is having a medical problem associated with a mold contamination problem. The analysis can identify the specific species of the contaminating mold to aid the medical doctors in treatment.

How is an air sample taken?

Air samples are collected using the Zefon® Bio-Pump and Air-O-Cell cassettes. Air is pulled through the cassette at 15 liters per minute for 1-10 minutes, depending on conditions, and air-borne particles are collected on a surface inside the cassette. A sample is collected outside of the home as a control for the normal levels of various air-borne particles. Samples are collected inside the home; one for each living level (or 1000 square feet of living area per living level) and one from the basement if deemed necessary. Cassettes are shipped to the laboratory for analysis. Interior results are compared to those of the control for types and counts of contaminants, similar to those for surface samples.

Air samples can also be collected for viability analysis. As with the surface samples, this test takes significantly longer to perform and usually is reserved for occupants having medical problems associated with a contamination. This analysis can also identify species of the mold if requested from the laboratory.

Can allergens other than mold be tested?

Yes. We can collect a dust sample to test for allergens from dust mites, dog or cat dander, cock roaches, mice, or rats. Samples are collected by vacuum into a special nozzle and analyzed for specific allergens by the testing laboratory. Air samples can also be analyzed for pollen, other plant and animal parts, and fiberglass fibers.

What if I do not want to pay for all of the recommended tests?

At the inspection, the Inspector will recommend a specific number of air and surface samples to collect. If you do not wish to have all of the samples tested, you simply designate on the sampling form which samples that you will pay for.

Our inspection fee includes two air samples with standard turn-around time; one outdoor sample as a control and one interior sample in the area most likely to be contaminated. All other samples are on a fee for service basis. No samples, other than the two included air samples, will be analyzed by the laboratory unless paid for prior to shipment.

You will be informed at the inspection as to the cost of any and all recommended samples. We do not recommend sample collecting that we do not feel is necessary for your information and protection. We also recognize that most home buyers have a budget and must make some financial decisions during the process.

If you change your mind and wish to have more samples collected and analyzed, we will be happy to accommodate your requests.

Can mold be cleaned up?

Yes. Mold colonizations can be cleaned up. There are two basic methods to remove a mold infestation: first is removal of the infected component, second is to wash the infected component thoroughly with soap and water.  Washing is generally used for minor, limited, or surface growth such as is typically found on shower walls in a bathroom.  Removal is usually used for extensive or interior growth such as found on drywall or lumber.  We, as a company, do not perform remediation.  We will gladly refer you to reputable companies that can perform proper clean up of the infected materials.

Resources

EPA mold – www.epa.gov/mold/ - Has a lot of information about resources and remediation.

EMLab P & K testing laboratories – www.emlab.com - This is our testing laboratory’s site. It has a very useful fungal library.

American Industrial Hygiene Assn. – www.aiha.org - Click “Mold” at the top for a variety of informational sources.

CDC mold- www.cdc.gov/mold/ - Probably the most comprehensive site for health related mold topics.