FAQ

Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and  outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may  begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There  are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive  moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if  the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical  way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to  control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

Your first step should be to inspect your home for any evidence of water damage, abnormal  odors, musty conditions, and any visible mold growth if anyone in the home has a  compromised immune system or experiencing any respiratory illnesses then yes. It would  be prudent to identify the mold and compare the levels in the home to a base level of the  outside air. If you know you have a mold problem, it is vital to spend the time and  resources to get rid of the mold and solve the moisture problem causing the moldy  conditions.

Mold detection can be tricky—it’s impossible to see every area where it may be present—and  requires comprehensive sampling by a certified professional. Additionally, do-it-yourself kits  can be unreliable. The best way to determine the full scope of your mold problem is through  professional testing by a certified and trained mold inspector at Mold Testing Long Island NY.

professional experienced in mold cleanup may need to be hired to address extensive  mold growth in a building. It is important to correct large mold problems as soon as  possible by first fixing the source of the moisture problem, then cleaning the surfaces, and  finally by drying the area completely. If you use outside contractors or professionals, make  sure they have experience cleaning up mold, check their references, confirm they are  licensed and insured in the State of New York, and they follow the remediation plan  outlined in the mold assessment.

The news media often refer to “black mold” or “toxic black mold.” It has usually been  associated with the mold Stachybotrys chartarum, a type of greenish-black mold commonly  associated with substantial water damage. It has been associated with more severe health  effects in some people. While there are only a few molds that are truly black, many can  appear black. Not all molds that appear to be black is Stachybotrys. According to the CDC  (Center for Disease Control), this mold is responsible for over “100 cases of lung disorders.

No. All black mold is not toxic mold, and while toxic mold can bring on the most serious health  problems, all mold can cause health issues in healthy people—especially those who suffer  from allergies. The best course of action is to test for mold by using certified inspectors who  can scientifically determine your mold hazard.

Spores from dried mold are hazardous and should be cleaned with caution. You should  never scrape or scratch at dried mold as the spores would then be released into the air and  pose an inhalation risk. A respiratory mask and eye protection are necessary, and adequate  clothing to prevent skin contact is recommended.  

If the problem is more internal such as on insulation or throughout a carpet, the only  solution is to remove and replace the items. An infected area of over 2 feet is considered a  “heavily infested” area and professional help should be consulted. Mold problems resulting  from flooding should also be managed professionally to avoid possible health risks.  

New York State Law requires that if there is more than 10 square feet of mold that the  contractor be a NYS licensed mold remediator. The homeowner may do the work  themselves without any restrictions.

Controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth.  Excess moisture can be in the form of high humidity ( water in the air) or water infiltration  ( broken water heater). Keeping susceptible areas in the home clean and dry is very  important. Ventilate or use exhaust fans (to the outdoors) to remove moisture where it 

accumulates: bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. Be sure the clothes dryer vents to  outside the house. Repair water leaks promptly, and either dry out and clean or replace any  water-damaged materials. Maintenance of the irrigation system means checking all the  sprinkler heads close to the house, ensuring they are not spraying the house. Create a  positive pitch on all four sides of the house if possible. This means diverting water away  from the house.  

Materials that stay wet for longer than 48 hours are likely to produce mold growth.  Lowering the humidity in the home also helps prevent condensation problems. To reduce  humidity during humid weather, air conditioners and dehumidifiers may be used. Proper  exterior wall insulation helps prevent condensation inside the home during cold weather  that could cause mold growth.

Small amounts of mold growth in our home(such as mildew on a shower curtain) or  workplaces are not a significant concern, but no mold should be permitted to grow and  multiply indoors. When molds are present in large quantities, they may cause health  problems for some people. Every individual has a unique tolerance to allergens. It will be  essential to identify the type of mold. Mold can damage building materials, finishes, and  home furnishings. Some molds can cause structural damage to wood.