Mold Remediation
Buildings in the South Carolina Low Country are particularly susceptible to mold. Local temperatures are ideal for destructive mold. Most of our building materials are a rich food source for it. The only thing standing between most buildings and mold growth is a source of water. Even a small water event, such as a slowly dripping pipe, can precipitate mold colonies. After the colony is established, our humidity nurtures its growth.
Studies indicate that mold can be highly detrimental to your health. Everyone is affected differently. Some individuals may not be aware of the mold presence. Meanwhile, others in the same building may be dramatically affected. Those most affected by mold growth include the young, the elderly and those with immune deficiencies. mold in the home photoThe most carcinogenic substance in the world is the spore from a species of aspergillus. (To read more about the harmful effects of mold, visit the IICRC web site at www.iicrc.org.)
Mold is also harmful to your building. Mold colonies secrete enzymes that break down the structural integrity of most building materials.
Most home owners are not equipped to safely handle mold remediation. Most home remedies are ineffective against mold growth. Many chemicals, cleaners, fogs and sprays promise to rid your home of mold. However, these products are ineffective in most situations.
Mold can only be effectively treated through source removal. Affected porous building materials, such as drywall, must be removed and discarded. Semi-porous and non-porous building materials such as wood and steel can normally be professionally cleaned. Removal must be done in a highly controlled manner. Skilled mold removal contractors use specially designed plastic barriers, air scrubbers, negative air machines and exit chambers. Workers performing mold remediation must be protected with personal protection equipment.
A poorly executed mold remediation is almost always worse than doing nothing! Inexperienced contractors who tear out mold affected materials without taking the proper precautions to contain the affected environment could be spreading mold spores throughout your entire building.
If you suspect mold growth in your home, call the experts at Rainbow Restoration® of Charleston. We are IICRC certified mold remediators (Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians) & have the expertise, equipment and knowledge to protect your home. More importantly, our conscientious technicians will take all necessary steps to safe-guard your health.
Mold Facts
- Most common building materials such as dry-wall, wood and wood composites are a food source for mold growth
- When common building materials get wet, mold growth can begin in as little as 72 hours
- Most mold colonies exist in Low Country homes not because of high humidity, but are due to inadequately dried building materials after a water damage event
- Virtually all home remedies for mold do not adequately address the health problems associated with mold
- The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IlCRC) has found that elevated mold growth can be harmful to your health
Mold Testing
Rainbow Restoration is capable of detecting mold using state of the art technology. Using calibrated equipment, air samples allow us to determine the genera and quantity of mold spores in a room.
Knowing the number of spores is important because it allows us to understand something about the quality of the air you are breathing. Like arsenic or any other harmful substance, higher contaminant quantities are associated with higher risks.
Knowing the genus of the spores gives us additional and valuable information about the source and the effects of the mold in your home or business. Any mold genus in sufficient quantity can cause health problems. Nonetheless, several mold genera have been found to be more harmful than others. Some mold species are highly carcinogenic. Some genera are closely associated with respiratory disease. Some produce high numbers of mycotoxins.
Air samples can also help us understand the source of the mold contamination. Some genera only grow outside while others only grow inside. Some genera are highly associated with water damage.
Using tape and swab samples, Rainbow Restoration is able to gather data about mold growth on a specific surface. These are excellent tools that also allow us to better understand the fungal ecology of a specific colony or competing colonies.
Mold testing helps us better understand the air quality of a building. It can assist in finding hidden mold growth. It can also help us understand which areas of the home require remediation.
Disclaimer: Rainbow Restoration does not have any physicians on staff. We employ certified mold remediation professionals. We encourage our customers to share sampling results with their physicians. Customers may also wish to consult a Certified Industrial Hygienist or an Indoor Air Quality specialist.