Inspectors are required to have a prepared plan of action prior to inspection. This would include exactly what is going to be done and what contingency plans might be needed, not to mention what will be done if mold contamination is discovered. These inspectors have to wear protective clothing and use standardized equipment. Records of all activity must be kept. The inspection is influenced by guidelines set down by local government entities, including health boards.

Guidelines for workplace inspections are greatly influenced by the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). The Occupational Safety and Health Act compels employers to be provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death of serious physical harm. OSHA recommends a company have a remediation plan in place to identify conditions conducive to mold growth, and to take whatever action is necessary to correct it. This plan should also have defined steps for the safe removal of any mold from the premises. OSHA also suggests means of mold removal. These include damp wipe, High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuums, and wet vacuums. OSHA urges caution when using chemical biocides due to high levels of toxicity, and warns that fungicides meant for outdoor use ought never to be used inside a building.

OSHA is more than just an adviser, however. The agency does not mandate what remediation plan an employer needs to use, but any company that does not take reasonable action to prevent or abate a health hazard can be held in violation of the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Black mold is a health hazard and failure to deal with it can result in a violation that may, in turn, generate fines or other penalties. That’s serious, and no company wants to be placed in such a position where it is in violation of the General Duty Clause.

It’s important to understand why industry guidelines are instituted and remediation plans are drawn up in the first place. Mold causes serious damage to a building and weakens any wooden support. That black mold can create respiratory problems is an undisputed fact. Failure to identify and then eliminate such a mold infestation may create a health hazard for the occupants of any building. A final reason for the guidelines is that identification and remediation should not cause additional problems. It is of no use if the initial difficulty is corrected only to have more problems surface due to the solution that was used.

Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, has been known for contributing to the adverse effects of asthma and bronchitis. People with allergies have been known to experience breathing difficulties and fungal infections can occur, since black mold spores can be airborne and ingested through breathing. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) recognized black mold as being the cause of a large number of lung disorders. It has also caused breathing problems in infants that can be extremely dangerous. The primary agents for black mold’s threat are the mycotoxins it can create. These are toxic and can cause problems.

Yet, not all black molds are toxic. Stachybotrys chartarum can generate mycotoxins but there are numerous types of mold that have a black color and are not toxic at all. Indeed, without a lab test it is hard to determine if a black colored mold present in a building contains a health threat. However, this doesn’t mean that mold should be routinely ignored. There are other molds besides Stachybotrys chartarum that can infest a space and are very toxic. Aspergillus strains contain toxins that can be harmful to internal organs including the liver, kidney, and heart. This type of mold grows in the same environment as black mold and works its way into the wood or wallpaper of a room. This particular species of mold has also been known to harbor carcinogenic elements. Penicillium, though associated with penicillin, does contain mycotoxins. What is interesting about this particular mold is that it need not be alive to contain a toxin.

Although not all back molds are toxic, mold grows in the same conditions that more toxic fungus can spawn. In other words, this is definitely a case of where there is smoke there is fire. If there is evidence that mold may exist, a sample should be lab tested to determine the type of mold. A black mold finding definitely should cause concern and proper steps to remove it should be implemented. An obvious benefit is that if treatment is performed to remove the black mold it will probably get rid of other forms as well. A smart idea would be to follow up a newly treated area with additional lab tests to be certain that all toxic molds have been effectively eradicated.

Prevention is always the best strategy when dealing with black mold. The relative humidity (RH) should be kept below fifty five percent and all water pipes should be checked for leaks. Air conditioning and duct systems should also be examined to ensure there are no moisture build ups. The health risks caused by black mold and other fungi are easily eliminated with such diligence, thus preventing mold from spawning and permitting all residents to breathe a bit easier.

An essential feature of the protective clothing is that it reduces the chances of skin contact with mold to nil. If the mold deposits are very small, protective gear might not require more than a good pair of gloves, long sleeved shirt, and a pair of pants. If the problem is more several, however, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that an N-95 respirator be worn to avoid accidentally breathing in mold spores. It is import that the mask fit comfortably. Gloves to be worn ought to extend up to the middle of the forearm and ordinary rubber gloves may be worn if all the job requires is water and detergent. However, stronger chemicals and biocides will necessitate gloves made from rubber or neoprene. The EPA further suggests that goggles be worn to prevent mold from getting into the eyes.

Every effort must be made to make certain there is no direct contact with the mold. Once the job is complete, the clothing should be removed, again avoiding skin contact, and washed immediately. This may seem a bit much, but a person about to tackle a mold cleaning job must keep a few things in mind. The health risk is truly there; anyone with respiratory problems needs to be careful. Moreover, the mold can get onto the clothing and although not in direct contact with the skin, the spores may cling to the fabric. What can then happen is that the individual walks away from the work area and unknowingly becomes an agent of transport for mold spores to other parts of the house.

Of course, it might be better if other people were the ones wearing the protective clothing. A homeowner may want to try removing mold as a DIY project and avoid the cost of a professional mold remover. This might not be a good idea if the infestation covers entire walls or all of a room. Because the contamination in such cases is so great that mold removing professionals may have to be called in to solve the problem. These people have protective clothing as part of their gear and wear it while cleaning out entire rooms. The protective gear and clothing is a bit more sophisticated than what an amateur might wear. This is because the mold removal is more extensive and can include full face respirators and one piece coveralls that completely cover the surface of the body, and a hood to protect the head.

Care has to be taken in removing any mold. No one wants to solve a household problem by exposing themselves to health hazards, and the danger can be avoided with the right clothing. Again, the clothes must be washed or even discarded after the job is over, in order to prevent mold spores from finding a new home in the folds of a shirt or the creases of a pair of pants.

Black mold does not just multiply in basements or crawl spaces; mold can grow in bathrooms because of the amount of moisture present. The spores of black mold can be airborne and infested air ducts can easily blow the spores out into the environment. These possibilities hint that routine cleaning and inspection of ducts, though not by the pregnant woman, should be done. It also means not to assume or take anything for granted. Any room in a house that has a relative humidity of over fifty-five percent is suspect for black mold generation. Fortunately, that condition can be corrected easily with a thermostat.

Available evidence suggests that exposure to black mold may be dangerous for pregnant women. Studies indicate that a number of cases of both miscarriage and birth defects were suffered by women who had regular exposure to toxic mold spores. It is possible that exposure to this fungus may encourage asthma within the uterus, creating a lifelong condition for the child. Exposure to the toxins associated with this fungus within the womb may also be a cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While this still needs to be researched, it is possible that a newborn exposed to mycotoxins may develop respiratory problems, which can result in SIDS. Additional medical research is still needed to fully substantiate the health risks of exposure to black mold.

Despite the miscarriages and birth defects mentioned above, the Center for Disease Control has no record of studies directly conducted on pregnant women to substantiate the full effect of their exposure to mold. Nevertheless, the toxins inherent in black mold are sufficient reason to take fast action if an infestation has been identified. The mother herself may develop health problems due to extended periods of exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum. The mold has to be removed, but by no means should an expectant mother try to clean up this fungus. In fact, it may make good sense to remove the pregnant woman from the building until the mold has been completely removed and the infestation danger has passed.

It is pretty obvious that by using preventive measures, any danger from black mold can be stopped. A woman carrying a fetus to healthy term has to be as cognizant of her living and working space as she is about what to eat and drink. Pregnancy does have certain risks, but these can be substantially reduced with care and caution. While exposure to mycotoxins carries risks, this potential danger can be removed effectively, leaving the mother and child safe and sound.

For a little background, black mold and any other mold that will infest a house or building, requires moisture. A room with a relative humidity (RH) of fifty-five percent or more is ideal for mold generation. This dangerous fungus can be airborne, so an infested ventilation system can literally spit the spores throughout the atmosphere. Black mold is a hazard to both hearth and health. Contamination can weaken the wooden structure of any building and those who suffer from allergies or have respiratory problems can be adversely affected by this particular fungus. It is not something that can be ignored, and should be removed as soon as possible after initial detection.

The following is a list of the Top Ten Worst States for Mold (Including Black) as comprised by American Risk Management Resources : 1. Texas, 2. Florida, 3. Oklahoma, 4. South Carolina, 5. Nevada, 6. Arizona, 7. California, 8. South Dakota, 9. Tennessee, 10. Kansas

Incidentally, this list is based on analysis of insurance claims in the United States, which means that these are the states where the most number of insurance claims based on hazardous mold were filed. Wisconsin, with a shoreline on Lake Superior, had the lowest ranking of hazardous mold. Surprised? Looking at the list a reader may think, “Okay, I can see Texas and Florida being on the list, but why are Louisiana and South Dakota, of all places, in the Top Ten? South Dakota and Arizona are near deserts, and I thought that black mold forms in moisture… so why would a dust bowl state like Oklahoma be on it?”

The key to understanding this is to ask the question: where is the mold growing that folks are concerned about? The insurance claims were not filed on the great outdoors. We really shouldn’t be worried about mold growing on the outside, but on the inside of a building. Climate outside is not the predictor of a mold problem that some think it to be; rather, it is the weather inside of the structure and the level of humidity present. Indeed, it is moisture intrusion that contributes the most to mold in residential and commercial properties of the United States. The above are the states with the greatest incidence of moisture intrusion.

This information should not cause anyone to move or turn down a job offer in one of these states. It does mean, however, that residential and commercial property owners in the Top Ten need to be more sensitive to the possibility of black mold forming in their space. Routine inspections for mold and a company remediation program can keep mold from becoming a serious hazard. It’s pretty clear from the list above that living in an area of low rainfall or few rivers is no protection against this threat. Instead, it is constant vigilance and immediate action that keeps black mold from harming a home or commercial property.

It would be an assumption to conclude that black mold would grow most in geographical areas of high humidity. That isn’t the case at all, and a number of states identified as having the highest reported claims of mold hazard by the American Risk Management Resources are not exactly tropical (e.g. Arizona and South Dakota are on the list). Windows may find themselves covered in mold, not because of the humidity outside, but because of the humidity inside the building.

The humidity needed for the production and growth of black mold is a relative humidity rate (RH) of fifty five percent or more. That would make the windows in a bathroom highly susceptible. A fan in the bathroom can quickly dry up any moisture left after a bath can reduce the RH level as well. Moisture can, however, intrude from the outside and collect on a window’s ledge. This is particularly likely to happen if the window is directly underneath a faulty gutter or rainspout. An immediate remedy is to put a strong sealant around the edges of the window, making the window itself airtight.

Another means would be to fix the gutters, as gutters may cause moisture to seep into the house by other means if left unattended. Even though the windows are airtight, however, there is still a possibility for black mold to grow. Single glazed windows and metal window frames, known as “crying windows”, create a potential problem when the humidity inside is high and the weather outside is cold. Condensation can form and resultant dampness is a breeding area for mold. Fortunately, in most cases this condensation will evaporate once the temperature outside rises.

Moisture can collect on windows from other sources as well. It has been mentioned that a fan can dry up collected moisture, but the ventilation system in the house may itself be a serious problem. Water can collect in the ducts of a ventilation system and become a breeding ground for black mold. Once the spores have been generated, the fans of the system could then actually blow the spores out into the atmosphere and gather on the window sills to propagate there.

Preventive measures can reduce the chances of black mold forming in window areas. Metal or wood blinds ought to be kept open when the outside temperatures are low, and replacing them with porous materials that let in the sun’s rays is a good idea. Perhaps the best solution is good circulation of air from fans that have themselves been first examined for residue mold or moisture. These fans need to be run immediately after bathing for maximum effect. Routine inspection of the caulking around the windows can detect any potential moisture problems and if weep holes are a part of the window construction, these should be looked at to make sure that no debris has clogged the holes. If any moisture is noticed on the windows, it needs to be wiped off as soon as possible. De-humidifiers might also be used to keep humidity at proper levels.

In essence, routine maintenance can keep a window and its surrounding area free of mold generating moisture. It doesn’t take much time or effort, but a routine inspection of the windows can prevent a potential mold hazard from developing.

It’s fairly easy to deal with moisture after a bath or shower. Running an overhead ventilation fan for a few minutes can dry up any water clinging to the tile or wallpaper, and bring down the humidity to an acceptable level. It is, however, very important to check the fan itself for moisture or signs of black mold spores, since either could be sprayed over the room by the fan. Ceilings can be protected from mold by using a paint that has ingredients to inhibit the growth of fungus.

Windows in a bathroom have the potential for being mold breeding grounds. Condensation can occur if the humidity in the room collides with windows whose glass has been cooled by lower outside temperatures. Because of this, sills of the metal frames can be where the mold collects, and it is important to check windows for any signs of condensation. Caulking a bathroom window not only makes it airtight, but also a bit warmer and thereby reducing the chances of condensation forming.

A final area where black mold can form is in the grout between the tiles of the bathroom floor. Preventing this includes simple routine cleaning with ordinary soap to keep any mildew or mold from having a chance to get settled.  In fact, scheduled cleaning of the bathroom can prevent any mold or mildew from starting to grow, which means an ordinary household chore can really make a healthy difference. Other cleaning ideas to keep mold from forming are spraying the shower curtains with a mildew remover or a mixture of vinegar and water. If the bathroom has carpeting, it ought to be removed since this can be a perfect place for mold to develop and spread.

Bathrooms are places that people visit every day, at least once if not more. This means there can be routine contact with any mold that is in the bathroom. Black mold cleanup is not a project to put on a “To Do” list: it has to be done NOW! This dangerous fungus contains mycotoxins that can be a threat to the respiratory health of an individual. Extreme cases arise when the mold contamination is so great that it weakens the walls and even forces an evacuation of the premises. The situation should never reach a point where professional mold removers have to be called in. A bathroom is going to have periods of high humidity levels and any homeowner should know that. The room should be wiped dry after every bath and the ventilation fans turned on for a few minutes. Mold can grow quickly in the right conditions, and keeping the bathroom dry and free of lingering moisture can effectively eliminate the breeding ground.

A reputable mold removal company will demonstrate detailed knowledge of mold and how best to remove the fungus. The company should be willing to give a solid estimate of the costs and how they intend to go about removing the problem. Always ask for references, and be ready to have the premises inspected prior to actual service. The company should also give an indication of whether or not the home will have to be evacuated, depending on the degree of infestation. If that information is not readily provided, the homeowner should be ready to ask about that and other things related to what will be done.

It is very important for a homeowner to ask questions and, just as critical, know enough about mold removal to ask intelligent questions. Some advanced knowledge about mold removal can stop a pressure sales job, and also warn a homeowner about potentially unethical practices. For example, companies that do their own mold tests could be a problem because the more ethical enterprises will send the tests to independent laboratories for analysis. This is definitely not to say that all contractors involved in mold removal are dishonest. However, a consumer has the responsibility to educate himself or herself a little before getting estimates. If nothing else, it will make what is being proposed easier to understand.

There are many local mold removing companies whose services can be called on for a major project. A smart idea would be to contact the local Better Business Bureau and see if there have been any complaints about services rendered. This preventative measure can also be used in the case of larger mold removal companies that are well known. The National Association of Mold Remediators and Inspectors (NAMRI) has established uniform standards of practice, a code of ethics to be followed by those who engage in mold removal. It’s not a bad move to check to see if the particular company adheres to the NAMRI standards. The caution is warranted because of the cost inherent in using experienced mold removers.

Like it or not, using a professional mold removal company is going to cost money; there is no way around that. An owner can expect to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the removal, depending on the situation. The alternative, though, can be quite serious. Severe cases of mold infestation can result in the home or building being condemned and torn down. The homeowner or property and casualty insurance policy may cover the costs of mold removal, and the policy should be checked. Removing mold is very serious business, and a professional’s help may be exactly what is needed to get the job done right.

Before nosing around (pardon the pun) for mold, there are a few things to keep in mind. Black mold requires humidity and moisture to actively grow. It is accepted that humidity levels in a structure must be at a relative humidity (RH) level of fifty five percent or more for an infestation to develop. That can mean in a room in which the relative humidity is lower, there will probably be no sign of black mold regardless of what a person may smell. Nevertheless, possible spawning grounds include leaky pipes or damp crawl spaces. Flooding is a major cause of black mold since the water levels remain high for a considerable period of time, often soaking the wood in a house for days. Oddly enough, having lots of house plants can cause problems too. These require watering and may increase the humidity in a room. An added danger is that no one would ever expect house plants to be a source for the needed moisture, and as such, rooms with a number of plants may be ignored until the mold is highly visible.

Smelling out this fungus is an elementary means of discovery, and the investigation is assisted by the ventilation in the room. An unacceptably low level of air pressure invites breeding moisture into the space, and creates the right atmosphere for growth to occur. The odor of black mold is a musty smell. Once it is detected, a person should immediately inspect the area for evidence of mold spores. Another place, connected to the atmosphere, is the air conditioning system. Black mold can grow in the damp areas of the air conditioning unit, and may even be spreading the odor. However, when inspecting the air conditioning units, a person must be extremely careful. The spores of this fungus can be airborne, and be blown into the air by the normal functioning of air conditioning. An amateur inspector can accidentally inhale the spores while checking for them. It is a good precaution, therefore, to have an air mask ready when close inspection is being done.

The dank smell is the warning alarm, akin to the canary in the coal mine. Cleanup work to eradicate the fungus should not be delayed. The actual elimination of the spores may require professional help and should be sought if necessary. Cleaning the air ducts of the house can keep the mold from spreading room to room, and the air filters of the furnace ought to be changed. Air cleaners are relatively cheap and can reduce airborne particles, including mold spores.

Smell can be used to detect the existence of black mold, but a little preventive maintenance can keep both the smell and the spores from being a problem. Checking for damp areas, keeping the humidity levels down, and using air filters can stop this mold from being a house problem. Black mold is a dank, dirty hazard which doesn’t have to be a part of the woodwork if a person uses a little household caution.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the role that temperature plays in controlling mold. Mold needs moisture and condensation within the dwelling can make that happen. For instance, condensation can form on windows if the surface of the window or the window’s frames in a room with high humidity meets with low air temperatures from the outside. The EPA suggests the use of caulking not just to make the windows airtight, but also to keep the interior glass warmer. A humidistat can be used to determine the humidity level inside and the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers recommends that in order to control humidity, a proper balance be created between the temperature outside and the relative humidity level inside of the structure (e.g. If the outdoor temperature is approximately twenty degrees Fahrenheit, the RH inside needs to be about thirty five per cent).

If room thermostats are used, they can be coordinated with a humidistat to keep mold from developing. Corner rooms may be much colder than rooms adjoining them, and have a higher RH than those other rooms. If the RH factor is too high because of cooler temperatures, the temperature can be adjusted higher to bring the RH factor down. Conversely, if the RH is high in a room with a higher temperature, then there may be moisture in the air and there would be a need to decrease the moisture with perhaps the use of a de-humidifier (Please note that lowering the thermostat will not control humidity in the house. It can actually increase the relative indoor humidity). Air conditioners have always been used to make the air cooler in a home but its operation can enhance the proliferation of mold. The reason is that blower fans may throw back into the room moisture that has yet to be evaporated on the evaporator coil. Preventing this requires a person keep the air conditioner on AUTO and resist the temptation to have the unit set at ON.

Temperature control to keep mold from becoming a problem is very much a strategy of balancing humidity and room temperature. A digital temperature and relative humidity sensor can be purchased to monitor indoor relative humidity. The ducts of any ventilation system ought to be routinely inspected to see if there is any moisture collected and wipe off any moisture that may be there. Increasing the thermostat temperature has been recommended, and the use of ceiling fans can keep the room comfortable. All this considered, it is important to remember that adjusting the room temperature alone is not enough to prevent the growth of mold. The adjusting of room temperature has to be done in conjunction with other means of controlling the atmosphere.

Why go through all this trouble? Mold is more than just a house cleaning nuisance. Various forms of mold, including black mold and aspergillus, are recognized as health hazards and mold can weaken the wooden structure of any home. Preventing mold from growing isn’t really too complicated and mainly requires a bit of prudent maintenance. It is a definite example of an ounce of prevention being worth much more than a pound of cure.