There is a lot of mis-information being strewn around the industry today concerning mold and its severity. This is, in part, due to the fact that there is a large transition taking place in the mold industry today. The largest portion of incorrect information is coming directly from the insurance industry. It's important to understand that the insurance industry as a whole has spent a lot of money in an effort to stop the use of the term "toxic mold." They like to "twist" the news to their advantage. They will also use those same tactics during litigation proceedings. They will twist the truth and alter the facts and evidence in their favor to avoid the “payout”. The studied and documented truth of the matter is that several types of mold do produce mycotoxins, so the term "toxic mold" is very much appropriate.
Toxic mold can and does cause a wide variety of health effects. The health problems experienced by each individual person are different due to several factors including age, genetics, health prior to exposure, amount of exposure, extent of contamination, types of molds and mycotoxins involved, and other contaminants such as bacteria, etc.
All indoor molds present a potential health risk and should be treated with caution according to the Center for Disease Control. The (EPA) Environmental Protection Agency recommends that any indoor mold growth be addressed immediately and that all water or moisture sources be eliminated.
Some molds have been more closely associated with specific health problems. One example is Stachybotrys atra, a greenish black mold often referred to as “toxic black mold.” It grows on material with high cellulose content (e.g. drywall, wood, paper, dust). Stachybotrys becomes a problem when it emits mycotoxins (poisons) capable of producing toxic effects in humans and animals. Although there are literally thousands of spore types that are considered unhealthy or even toxic, the most common types of toxic molds that are found in homes that are documented as creating health problems are, but not limited to: Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium and Alternaria.
Statistics show that most people spend an average of 90 percent of their time indoors. We like to think our homes as healthy places to live and raise our families. But just how safe are they?
Molds and other fungi adversely affect human health mainly through three processes: allergy; infection; and toxicity. Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone. However, the following individuals are at a higher risk than others for adverse health effects; infants, children, the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, individuals with existing respiratory conditions and allergies. Airborne toxic mold spores can affect the immune system, nervous system, liver, kidneys, blood and can even cause brain damage.
Everyone is exposed to mold in the outdoor air but exposure to elevated levels of indoor molds can accelerate aggravated conditions for many people. Some molds are more hazardous than others. For some people, a small number of mold spores can cause severe health problems. For others, it may take larger numbers. Mold spores can often cause adverse reactions, much like pollen from plants and flowers. Some molds (particularly toxic molds) can trigger instant and uncontrollable vomiting in mold sensitive people.
There are many symptoms of mold exposure. The extent of symptoms mainly depends on the sensitivity of the individual person. Allergic reactions are the most common and typically include: chronic clogged throat, wheezing and difficulty breathing, nasal and sinus congestion (sinusitus), burning, watery, reddened eyes or blurry vision, sore throat, dry cough, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, nausea and skin irritations (rashes).
Other effects of elevated exposure include: nervous system problems (headaches, memory loss, moodiness), aches and pains, and fever. If you have any of these symptoms, and they are reduced or completely gone when you leave the suspect area, chances are good that you are being exposed to higher than acceptable levels of mold spores. Radon can be found all over the U.S. Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any type of building such as homes, offices, and schools and can result in a high indoor Radon level. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.
Without question, moisture intrusion is the number one problem we see every day here in Indianapolis homes. Along with moisture intrusion there is, or inevitably will be, mold. Moisture is a homes number one enemy and molds best friend. The climate here in the Midwest is extremely conducive to mold growth. Heavy rains, flooding and high humidity are just some of the many factors we deal with almost on a daily basis here in Indiana. Couple those factors with an older home that was not built with moisture prevention in mind at the time and you are bound to have problems. Even todays newer homes can have moisture problems. While construction techniques today are far better than they ever used to be, they are only as good and efficient as the laborers who practice them.
What we offer:
Whether you have a home built in the early 1900's or just closed on your brand new home, we offer an extensive mold/moisture inspection and testing package specifically designed to help protect you and your family by locating problem areas within your home as well as offer solutions on how to remediate those problems.
We are fully certified through the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (IAC2) and the International Indoor Air Quality Commission (IIAQC) as Indoor Air Quality Professionals. We use the very latest in mold inspection equipment and techniques, and adhere to nationally recognized formal protocols for mold inspection and testing procedures.
After our initial interview with you, we will do a complete extensive visual examination of the interior and exterior of the property. This does include attic, basement and crawlspace inspection. We are specifically trained in looking for any areas that could be susceptible to moisture penetration and offering suggestions on how to remedy any problem areas found. Remember, moisture is a home's number one enemy, and molds best friend.
Second we will take direct samples of any visual mold via tape lift or swab. If there is no visible mold present, there is always a possibility of it existing somewhere hidden. 50% of all mold that is found in homes is hidden behind drywall, underneath carpeting or pad, in the ductwork etc. In this case we will take air samples using the Micro5 cassette to determine if higher than acceptable levels of mold spores exist in the air that you are breathing. We drop off the samples for analysis the same day. We are proud to use EMSL laboratories located right here in Indianapolis. Based off of the lab analysis we can also narrow down the source possibility and offer suggestions on how to remediate the problem.
Mold is a very serious matter here in Indianapolis and educating yourself on its dangers is imperative. Don’t take chances on your families’ health and well being. If you have any concern at all about the possibility of mold in your home, have it tested, if not by us, by someone.
Radon Testing:
What is Radon?
Radon is a cancer causing, radioactive gas. You can’t see, smell or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That’s because when you breathe in air containing Radon, you are at risk for lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high Radon levels, your risk of getting lung cancer is substantially increased.
How do you know if you have Radon? Radon testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for Radon. If you have a Radon problem, don’t worry, it CAN be fixed. Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly. Some Radon reduction systems can reduce levels in your home by as much as 99%. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.
MC2 Home Inspections offers residential Radon testing for the entire Indianapolis metro area. Our Radon testing includes the use of a CRM (Continuous Radon Monitor) rather than the typical, less reliable charcoal canister method. The CRM provides a detailed hourly view of the Radon levels in the home, provides more accurate readings and is less likely to be tampered with during the testing period. The testing period in the home is 48 hours. We understand that time is of the essence during a Real Estate transaction; therefore we always try and schedule the Radon test in such a way where we can place the CRM in the home prior to the initial home inspection. Typically the results from the Radon test will be emailed to you within 24 hours after the Radon test is complete. The results will include a detailed view of the Radon levels in the home and will offer recommendations on whether or not mitigation is necessary.