On average, humans spend 80% of our time indoors. What if the air you’re breathing is filled with toxins?
It is vital to have your breathing spaces assessed for mold so that you can protect yourself from unwanted pathogens. Long-term mold exposure can cause discomfort, chronic illness and even death. The air in your residential or commercial property could be clean, but only professional testing can guarantee it’s safe.
There are many situations that require mold inspection and/or air quality testing. Call a mold assessor like Mold Testing Sciences, Inc. if you are:
- Purchasing a home or workspace
- Have suffered water damage or suspect an existing leak
- Deciding on the best rental property for you and your family
- Experiencing prolonged or unexplained illnesses
- Noticing strange odors, or can see mold growing
Purchasing a home or work-space
Buying a property is the perfect time to call MTS for mold assessment and air quality testing. Just like hiring a home inspector, all potential buyers should recruit a trained, equipped and experienced mold inspector – you never know if you’re inheriting a mold problem! You work hard for your money, so rule out the possibility of expensive mold remediation before you buy.
Have suffered water damage or suspect an existing leak
The recipe for mold is moisture + darkness + low airflow + food. Mold “feeds” on any organic material – including paper, wood, fabric, etc. It only takes 24-48 hours for mold to grow after a water intrusion, thus it is vital that compromised structures are assessed for mold as soon as possible, in order to prevent further damage. Common causes of water damage include:
- Toilet, bathtub, or sink overflow
- Appliance malfunction (water heater, refrigerator, dishwasher, ice machine or washing machine)
- Air conditioner/HVAC unit malfunction
- Broken, loose, or leaky pipes
- Roof leak
- Flooding
- Sewer line break or backup
Water damage in Florida often goes unnoticed, but MTS can pinpoint hidden leaks and undetected water issues with moisture detection equipment and infrared imaging. When water damage is not quickly addressed by a professional, your health is at risk. As licensed Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEP), we are committed to the safety of indoor living spaces and the well-being of their occupants.
Deciding on the best rental property for you and your family
If you are comparing homes, apartments, condos, or office spaces for rent, call MTS before paying your security deposit. Remediation can take weeks or even months, so you can save time and money in the future by pursuing mold assessment today. Get peace of mind and eliminate any lurking mold issues with inspection, testing and indoor air quality analysis.
Experiencing prolonged or unexplained illnesses
Recent studies by the World Health Organization (WHO), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) show the undeniable link between mold exposure and poor health.
- WHO argues that microbial pollution leads to an “increased prevalences of respiratory symptoms, allergies and asthma as well as perturbation of the immunological system” (“Dampness and Mould” 6).
- AIHA stresses the importance of mold assessment for all commercial structures in their Position Statement on Mold and Dampness in the Built Environment.
- AAP examines the added risk of mold exposure to children, and provides a case study regarding a 7-year-old boy with a 2-year “chronic cough… low-grade fever, malaise, fatigue, and decreased appetite,” who lived in a water-damaged home (“Health Effects from Molds” 9). A month after relocating to a mold-free residence, the boy’s cough disappeared, his appetite improved, and he gained 5lbs.
Read more about mold and its effects on your health here.
Noticing strange odors, or can see mold growing
It may seem like mold inspection and testing is unnecessary if you already see or smell it. However, remediation companies may miss super-colonies of mold that are hiding in the walls, underneath carpets or pads, behind sinks, dishwashers and laundry machines, even in the ceiling or AC ducting!
Mold assessments and protocols provided by MTS also ensure that complete remediation is performed without wasting money on excessive demolition.