Mold

Cascade Environmental specializes in mold inspections, testing, remediation oversight, water intrusion investigation as well as a wide variety of other indoor-air-quality issues. We locate a problem, determine the cause and find the most effective methods to solve the issue. We provide initial investigation services including a visual inspection and moisture testing to determine the existence or potential for mold or moisture related problems existing in the building. When deemed appropriate air and/or surface sampling can be conducted to confirm the presence or absence of mold reservoirs within the interior. 

Mold contamination within buildings has been a growing concern in recent years. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common.  They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.

Mold contamination in buildings is caused by excess moisture either through inadequate ventilation and/or dehumidification or from a water intrusion event such as leaking pipes or a defective building envelope. If interior building surfaces are wet for a sufficient amount of time mold will grow. Mold growth is not always visible and is often times hidden behind wall cavities, attic spaces, crawl spaces or other inaccessible areas.

Mold Prevention:

Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips (Provided by the EPA)

• When water leaks or spills occur indoors – ACT QUICKLY. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
• Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
• Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
• Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.
• If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

Actions that will help to reduce humidity

• Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible. (Combustion appliances such as stoves and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.)
• Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
• Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.

Actions that will help prevent condensation

• Reduce the humidity.
• Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical. Use fans as needed.
• Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.
• Increase air temperature

Mold Remediation:

If it is determined that a mold problem exists in your home or work environment, it will be necessary to remediate the problem quickly and effectively. Prior to mold removal it is essential to determine and repair the cause of the excess moisture that caused the mold growth so when the mold is removed it will not return. Depending on the extent of the problem the services of a qualified mold remediation contractor may be recommended. A qualified contractor will ensure that the removal process does not contaminate other areas of the living space and that the mold is removed properly and safety.

Once the remediation of the mold has been completed, post-remediation testing can be performed to ensure the problem has been satisfactorily resolved and to provide documentation of the remediation process.

Cascade Environmental can provide references for qualified contractors and provide project oversight when requested. Cascade Environmental provides complete testing services for post remediation sampling, analysis and reporting.