Is Your Family’s In-Door Air Quality Safe?

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In today’s environment the issue of indoor air quality is more important than ever before for you and your family. If you are a seller of a home, or a buyer considering buying a home in Albany, Leesburg or Southwest Georgia, the presence of active mold bio-toxins or air pollutants can negatively affect the transaction. A full comprehensive mold and indoor air quality inspection is the best way to make sure that your new home has a “clean bill of health” before you commit to signing on that dotted line. If you are a home owner you want to make sure that the indoor air quality of your home is secure and safe for your family’s health and safety. This is especially true in Southern Regions of the Country – like South West Georgia – due to high humidity levels and water intrusion, which if left unchecked, can produce the “perfect storm” for potentially toxic indoor air and mold growth. So, how do you know if your home is toxic mold active and mold spores are spreading throughout your home? You need to have a professional inspection performed.

WHAT IS MOLD AND HOW DOES IT GROW AND SPREAD?

Mold is everywhere in our environment and life. Mold can grow on almost any substance when moisture is present. Molds reproduce by spores, which are carried by air currents. When spores land on a moist surface suitable for life, they begin to grow. A simple way to think about it is mold will travel similarly to dust particles, therefor anywhere dust can go mold can go. Mold is normally found outdoors and indoors at levels which do not affect most healthy individuals. However, when concentrated inside, especially in hot humid damp climates – like South West Georgia – many people become sensitive to the presence of mold spores, which can lead to health-related issues. The longer an environment is left undetected and untreated the stronger the risk of mold cross contamination into other rooms. Often cross contamination occurs through the HVAC system, which readily spreads mold spores throughout the home.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FIRST SIGNS OF MOLD & OTHER TOXINS IN INDOOR AIR?

Some of the first common signs or indicators of early exposure to mold and toxic air include:

  • Headaches, Eye Irritation, Coughing, Sneezing, Itching, Skin Redness and Skin Rashes

The longer you are exposed to mold spores and toxic air – the more advanced the symptoms become and can include:

  • Breathing Disorders, Nose Bleeds, Ear Infections, Chronic Sinusitis, Chronic Bronchitis, Pain in Muscles and Joints, Asthma, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Coughing up Blood or Black Looking Debris, Neurological Disorders, Nervous Disorders, Heart Palpitations, Blurred Vision, Swollen Glands, Weight Loss, Chronic Fatigue, Loss of Appetite, Depression, Open Skin Sores or Lesions, Fungal Nails (Hands or Feet), Sexual Dysfunction and Thyroid Conditions.

WHAT IS A MOLD & INDOOR AIR QUALITY INSPECTION?

A mold & indoor air quality inspection is a multifaceted inspection performed by a certified professional inspector who has the latest in cutting-edge technology, tools and sampling equipment to determine whether or not mold and air born toxins are present in your home. If so, you need to identify the source of water intrusion or moisture build up that is causing the mold growth. These items can identify active mold growth and potentially harmful air born spores or pollutants that might present a dangerous scenario to you and your family. This inspection visually inspects your home for any signs of mold or mold growth and if found – mold surface samples are taken to identify if the mold is active and what type of mold it is. In addition, air quality samples are also taken. These samples are sent to a certified environmental analytical laboratory to ensure accurate results.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE TEST SHOW ACTIVE MOLD GROWTH?

Once you know if the mold is active and what type of mold it is you can reasonably determine what if any remediation is necessary to eliminate the mold and prevent spreading. Not all mold remediation has to be comprehensive or extensive. It depends on the specific circumstances. In addition, knowing what has been causing the water intrusion and moisture build up and having that addressed can often help remedy the mold issue. Finally, using an anti-fungal or anti-microbial element product can effectively kill most mold and prevent it from reoccurring.

Insuring that your home is mold free is essential to ensuring that your family’s health is safe and secure. Exposure to mold and other environmental toxins – especially in today’s environment can result in extreme health issues and in long term exposure cases – even mortality. If your home has never been inspected for mold or toxic indoor air quality and you would like the peace of mind in knowing that your family’s health is safe and secure, contact Sentry Home Inspection Services today for your professional Mold & Indoor Air Quality Inspection for your peace of mind.