Molds are forms of fungi that are found indoors and outdoors. In nature, molds help break down dead materials like leaves and wood and grow on soil, foods, plants, and other items. Molds produce tiny spores, which spread easily through the air. Under proper conditions, spores can germinate and produce new mold growth. Because mold spores are present in the outdoor air and soil, mold spores cannot be eliminated indoors, but mold growth can and should be controlled.

Why should I be concerned about mold? Mold can decay building materials and damage property. It can also affect the health of people exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. People may experience irritation if they inhale microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) that produce musty odors. Skin contact is not usually a health hazard but eating mold can cause illness. Generally recognized health problems include:

· allergic reactions · coughing
· wheezing/breathing difficulties · worsening of asthma symptoms
· nasal and sinus congestion · sore throat
· skin and eye irritation · upper respiratory irritations

Are some molds more hazardous than others? Under certain environmental conditions, some molds can produce chemical compounds called mycotoxins. These toxins are suspected health hazards. Scientific information about mycotoxins in the air is limited. Some molds can cause infections in the lung in anyone who is exposed while other molds infect only people who are susceptible.

How does mold grow? Mold only needs moisture and nutrients to grow and multiply. Moisture can come from water damage due to flooding, condensation, roof leaks, plumbing leaks, inadequate ventilation, high humidity, and even house plants. For a nutrient source, mold can thrive on many different building materials including wood, carpet, drywall, paper, leather, plaster, food, tile, glue, grout, insulation, and many other everyday items. Mold growing out in the open is easy to spot. But mold can also grow behind walls, under carpets, in attics, or under floors. Undetected, mold can rapidly spread, causing significant damage and potential health problems.

How do I know if mold is growing? There are several indicators of a possible mold problem in a building. They include:

· visible mold growth
· noticeable musty or moldy odors
· signs of excess moisture or water damage

This is NOT a do-it yourself project. Mold identification and remediation can be difficult and hazardous. The highest exposure to mold often occurs during the cleanup and a simple mold problem can be exacerbated by improper removal. In one case, building maintenance workers removed a mold-impregnated piece of drywall and carried it through an office area spreading spores throughout. What started off as a simple remediation project became significantly more complex and expensive. All mold problems are different and mold remediation is not a "cookie-cutter" approach. Because of the potential health problems and liability, mold remediation is best handled by experts.

Carnow, Conibear & Assoc., Ltd. Can help. Our Certified Industrial Hygienists and Board Certified Occupational Medicine physicians have years of experience in handling complex mold problems. Over the last ten years, CCA has successfully completed mold identification and remediation projects in:

· commercial office buildings
· major hotel and retail chains in Florida, Hawaii, and the Caribbean following
  hurricane damage
· schools
· industrial settings
· private residences
· hospitals

A thorough investigation is the first step. Our inspectors have many years experience identifying mold, sources of moisture, and likely locations of hidden mold. Using the latest sampling technology, CCA's Industrial Hygienists collect samples from surfaces and air for analysis by American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)-accredited laboratories. When necessary, molds are identified and categorically ranked by type (genera). Results of sampling are interpreted based on guidelines published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and others. Recommendations for eliminating the source of the water problem are provided. Potential health effects are addressed.

A detailed remediation plan follows. CCA will prepare a detailed remediation plan outlining the scope of work, methods time and controls to be used. The remediation plan may include removal of building materials such as drywall and ceiling tiles, negative air pressure containment, safety precautions for workers and building occupants, chemical treatment, and clearance sampling upon project completion. Remediation plans follow guidelines established by the EPA and others. A detailed, properly drawn remediation plan is the first step in ensuring that mold remediation is done correctly, efficiently, and safely.

Mold Remediation. CCA will provide professional mold remediation while adhering to the remediation plan. Experienced and trained professionals will effectively and safely remove mold growth.

Health consultation is available. If building occupants are displaying symptoms that may be associated with mold exposure, CCA can provide medical consultation services. Dr. Shirley Conibear is a Board Certified Occupational Medicine Physician. She has provided medical consultation concerning health effects of exposure to mold for complex mold remediation projects in schools, hotels, office buildings, and other settings. She and her staff of physicians can provide medical consultation which may consist of reviewing sample results, data, advising clean-up protocols, reviewing health effects, and making a determination that a building is "safe for re-occupancy" from a health standpoint.