Mold Testing

Mold in homes and buildings are due to poor ventilation, high moisture levels, and other plumbing issues and can be a health issue to people. The severity of these health issues is dependent on the persons sensitivity to mold. Just as people have different reactions to other environmental factors the same is true with mold. Mold illness is not an allergy and is an inflammation within the body which is caused by an immune system that has been compromised. 

Mold requires moisture and a food source, i.e. paper, wood, or other materials, in order to proliferate. Since food sources are abundant in most every building the best way to control mold is with regulating the amount of moisture available. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and IICRC guidelines suggest maintaining humidity levels equal to or less than 60%, and preferably 30-50%, whenever possible, or mold growth may occur.

Moisture contents greater than these over sustained periods can support mold growth.

When mold does present a problem it should be first assessed by a licensed mold inspector who can properly identify where the source of moisture is coming from. This inspector follows the NYS -DOL guidance, Article 32, when performing the assessment and sampling of buildings. Once the assessment is complete and samples taken from areas that appear to have mold present the samples are sent to a certified lab to determine the types and amount of mold present. Although there are no set standards for mold levels we at Dickinson Environmental utilize the National Allergy Bureau’s scale (NAB Scale) as a reference

Home restoration companies, homeowners, realtors, and anyone working with building health and safety should be aware of areas in their building that may at some time have the chance to have high levels of moisture which possibly could increase the chances of mold becoming an issue.