MOLD INSPECTION & TESTING
and
MEDICAL MOLD ASSESSMENTS
What are signs that my house has mold?
A musty or unusual smell, discoloration or powder substance on clothes and household items or black or brown spots on walls and ceiling could all be signs of mold. Elevated moisture or humidity is also a sign. To know for sure if you have a mold problem a mold inspection by a state licensed AND experienced inspector who does not perform mold clean up (remediation) is recommended.
Ericks Environmental Consulting specializes in inspections and protocol for:
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The inspection of mold and moisture intrusion and humidity control problems
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Identifying foundation crawlspace moisture intrusion and mold problems
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Indoor humidity, indoor air quality, mold testing, testing for allergens
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We are State Certified to perform full Mold Assessments on both commercial and residential dwellings. No job is too big and no job is too small. We'll even provide a second opinion to help you find the best solution to your problem. Our inspections and solutions are tailored to your needs and concerns. Whether you own, lease or rent a property we are here to help. We will not attempt to sell you services that you do not need.
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Before you hire a company to remediate your mold problems, FL Statues state you must use an independent mold assessor.
By law in Florida (and several other states) your remediator can not perform both the assessment and the remediation.
This law was put into effect to protect, you the homeowner or building owner, from unethical business practices. As an independent assessor, Ericks Environmental Consulting will evaluate your problem, write a report explaining the protocol a remediation company needs to take and if you request, recommendations on reputable remediators.
Please don't make this mistake as it could unnecessarily cost you thousands of $$. Watch video H E R E.
How Do I Know If Mold or Black Mold Is Making Me Sick?
What Are The Symptoms of Mold Exposure?
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There is a great deal of media exposure concerning "Black Mold". The most frequent references to "Black Mold" are concerning a form of Stachybotrus, Chaetomium, Memonellia, Tricoderma and Fusarium Mold which is a common mold usually associated with wet building materials. The goal of any mold remediation project is to have zero Stachybotrus mold spores (or similar water damaged molds). If you are observing mold on surfaces of any building materials it could be making you sick. However, some molds are not very visible and any signs of water damage (especially if prolonged) can be harboring mold spores. Musty odors, on the other hand, may be an indication of poorly controlled humidity causing common mold spores (those in the outside air) to increase in number (proliferate) and cause some of the same physical symptoms. Musty or odd odors (sometimes sweet) can be an indication of the presence of mold as well as the visible signs.
A few symptoms of possible mold exposure reported by people include itchy, watery eyes, sinus congestion, sore throat, coughing, headaches and skin irritation to name a few. Generally, fungus can cause many other physiological problems in our bodies leading to disease. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND CONSULTING WITH A FULLY INFORMED FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE MEDICAL DOCTOR/PRACTICIONER to determine if mold is causing problems in your body. Inhalation exposure to elevated mold spores is certainly one of the pathways as is dermal, mucus membranes and ingestion (foods, usually).
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The only way to know for certain if there is a mold problem is by hiring a capable, licensed mold assessor to perform a thorough & detailed inspection, testing and protocol (or assessment).
How Do Molds Get in the Indoor Environment and How Do They Grow?
Mold spores occur in the indoor and outdoor environments. Mold spores may enter your house from the outside through open doorways, windows, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems with outdoor air intakes. Spores in the air outside also attach themselves to people and animals, shoes, bags, and pets convenient vehicles for carrying mold indoors.
When mold spores develop on places where there is excessive moisture, such as where leakage may have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or where there has been flooding, they will grow. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds. Other materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth. Source: www.cdc.gov
MOLD REMEDIATION CHALLENGES: ONE OF MANY https://youtu.be/Dbcmu9l-XX4?si=fjyWzlJSWJ2L8RcA
I Have Mold, What's the Next Step?
Call Cindy to discuss your specific problem or concern. If you need a mold assessment Ericks Environmental will conduct a mold inspection to determine the extent and cause of your mold problem. After the inspection we will send you a detailed protocol report on the recommended steps needed to remove the mold, either by you, the homeowner, or in cases of heavy mold by a certified mold remediator. Remember, by law, the inspection and remediation should be performed by two separate companies.