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ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS - INSPECT, TEST, REMEDY

MOLD: A COMPLETE GUIDE to TEST CLEAN PREVENT

ACCEPTABLE MOLD LEVEL
ACCURACY OF VARIOUS MOLD TEST METHODS

ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT INDOOR MOLD
ACTIVITY of MOLD in buildings
AGE of MOLD - Old is the Mold?

AIR TEST FOR MOLD: ACCURACY
AIR TEST SAMPLING CASSETTE STUDY
AIRBORNE MOLD SPORE COUNT ACCURACY
AIRBORNE PARTICLE ANALYSIS METHODS

ALLERGEN TESTS for buildings
ALLERGENS in buildings, RECOGNIZING
ALLERGY TESTS for PEOPLE
ALLERGY TEST ACCURACY

ATTORNEYS and EXPERT WITNESSES

ATTIC MOLD
  ATTIC MOLD CAUSES
  ATTIC MOLD IS A PROBLEM ?
  ATTIC MOLD - IS IT TOXIC?
  ATTIC MOLD, WHERE TO LOOK
  ATTIC MOLD, WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
  ATTIC MOLD, HARMLESS COSMETIC?
  ATTIC MOLD ROOF TEAROFF
  ATTIC MOLD ENCAPSULANTS

BASEMENT MOLD
BASEMENT MOLD WATER IMPACT
BASICS YOU NEED to FIND, TEST, REMOVE MOLD
BASKETBALL MOLD SYNDROME - BBMS
BATHROOM MOLD
BROWN HAIRY BATHROOM MOLD

BIBLIOGAPHY for ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, MOLD, IAQ
BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS
BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS in the HOME - EPA
Bisphenol-A, BPA

BLACK MOLD, HARMLESS COSMETIC
BLACK MOLD, TOXIC & ALLERGENIC

BOOK MOLD, Moldy Book Cleaning
BOOKSTORE - ENVIRONMENTAL
BUY PRODUCTS for MOLD & ALLERGY CONTROL
BUYERS GUIDE - home inspections for mold

CARPET DUST IDENTIFICATION
CARPET MOLD CONTAMINATION
CARPET PADDING ASBESTOS, MOLD, ODORS
CARPET FUNGICIDAL SPRAY
CARPET STAIN DIAGNOSIS
CARPET & other STAIN TESTS
CARPET TEST GUIDE
CARPETING & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
CARPETING, SELECTION & INSTALLATION

CHAIN OF CUSTODY - TEST SAMPLE

CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS - MOLD CLEANUP
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS TO AVOID MOLD
CRAWL SPACES

DIRT FLOOR MOLD CONTAMINATION
DO IT YOURSELF MOLD CLEANUP
DO-IT-YOURSELF MOLD CLEANUP WARNINGS
DRYWALL MOLD

DUCT SYSTEM & DUCT DEFECTS
DUST ANALYSIS for FIBERGLASS
DUST CONTAMINATION FROM HVAC?
DUST SAMPLING PROCEDURE

EFFLORESCENCE, Salts & White / Brown Deposits
ESSENTIAL STEPS IN FINDING MOLD

FEAR of MOLD - MYCOPHOBIA
Fiberboard Insulation Sheathing Mold

FIBERGLASS INSULATION MOLD
  CRAWLSPACE MOLD ADVICE
  INSPECTION of INSULATION for MOLD
  TEST CHOICES for MOLD in FIBERGLASS
  TEST PROCEDURE for MOLD in FIBERGLASS
  WHEN to TEST INSULATION for MOLD
  WHY DOES MOLD GROW in INSULATION?
FIBERGLASS PARTICLE CONTAMINATION TEST

FIELD INVESTIGATION SERVICE

FIND MOLD, ESSENTIAL STEPS
FIND MOLD in buildings, HOW TO
  CHOOSE SAMPLE POINT
  ESSENTIAL STEPS IN FINDING MOLD
  FLASHLIGHT HELPS FIND MOLD
  HIDDEN MOLD, HOW TO FIND
  LIGHT AIM FINDS MOLD
  LIGHT, flashlight to find mold
  SAMPLE POINT CHOICES FOR MOLD TEST
  SAMPLING DRYWALL
  MOLD TESTING & SAMPLING MISTAKES
  MOLD APPEARANCE - WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE

FIRE DAMAGE vs MOLD DAMAGE

FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP
FLOODS IN buildings-mold

FLOORING MATERIALS, Age, Types

FUNGICIDAL SPRAY & SEALANT USE GUIDE

GASES, EXPOSURE, TESTING
GAS MEASUREMENT TOOLS
Gas Toxicity Levels
GAS EXPOSURE EFFECTS
GAS TEST PROCEDURES

House Dust Analysis

HOUSEWRAP AIR & VAPOR BARRIERS

HIDDEN MOLD, HOW TO FIND
  CARPET MOLD CONTAMINATION
  ESSENTIAL STEPS IN FINDING MOLD
  Hard-to-See Mold, Spotting it
  Hidden Mold Behind Paneling
  Hidden Mold Between Framing & Sheathing
  Hidden Mold in Flooring & Subflooring
  Hidden Mold in Wall Cavities
  INSULATION MOLD
  LIGHT AIM FINDS MOLD
  Light colored toxic molds
  LIGHT, flashlight to find mold
  Moisture Gradients and Mold
  MOLD TESTING & SAMPLING MISTAKES
  Other Places to Look for Hidden Mold
  PHOTO GUIDE to FIND HIDDEN MOLD
  SAMPLE POINT CHOICES FOR MOLD TEST
  Wall test cuts to spot hidden mold
  WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE

HUMIDITY CONTROL & TARGETS INDOORS

INDOOR AIR HAZARDS TABLE
INDOOR AIR QUALITY & HOUSE TIGHTNESS
INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

INSULATION INSPECTION & IMPROVEMENT
INSULATION MOLD

ITCHY FABRICS

LABORATORY SERVICES
LAB PROCEDURES MICROSCOPE TECHNIQUES

Legionella Legionnaires' Disease
Legionella BACTERIA & HVAC Equipment

MEDIA BLASTING for MOLD REMOVAL
METHANE GAS SOURCES
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MILDEW in buildings ?
MILDEW ERRORS - MOLD PHOTOS
MILDEW REMOVAL & PREVENTION
MOISTURE CONTROL in buildings

MOLD ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT MOLD
MOLD ACTIVITY in buildings
MOLD AGE - Old is the Mold?

MOLD APPEARANCE - WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE
  Black Mold
  Brown Mold
  Green Mold
  Red Mold
  Yellow Mold
  White Mold
  Invisible Mold
  Meruliporia Mold Photographs
  Mildew Photographs
  Recognize Cosmetic Mold
  Recognize Harmless Black Mold
  MOLD GROWTH ON SURFACES, PHOTOS

MOLD APPEARANCE - STUFF THAT IS NOT MOLD
  HARMLESS INDOOR PARTICLES
    BASKETBALL MOLD SYNDROME - BBMS
    Black stains from soot/thermal tracking
    Black stains from animals
    Black cosmetic mold
    Efflorescence & white or brown deposits
    House dust
    Pollen
    Sprayed foam insulation
    White stuff that is not mold
    Wood sap

MOLD ATLAS & PARTICLES INDEX
MOLD by MICROSCOPE
MOLD in the PETRI DISH, PHOTOS
Mold on Books, Book Conservation

MOLD CLASSES, HAZARD LEVELS

MOLD CLEANERS - WHAT TO USE
MOLD CLEANUP COMPANIES
MOLD CLEANUP GUIDE- HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD
MOLD CLEANUP - BLEACH
MOLD CLEANUP - HEALTH RISKS
MOLD CLEANUP - LIMITATIONS
MOLD CLEANUP - MISTAKES to AVOID
MOLD CLEANUP - MEDIA BLASTING
MOLD CLEANUP - SAFETY WARNINGS
MOLD CLEANUP - WOOD FLOORING
MOLD CLEANUP - WOOD FRAMING & PLYWOOD

MOLD CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS
MOLD CLEARANCE: FOLLOWUP STEPS

MOLD CLINICAL REFERENCE TEXTS

MOLD CONSULTANTS/INSPECTORS

MOLD CONTAMINATION LEVELS
MOLD CONTAMINATION LEVELS, SPECIFIC

MOLD CULTURE PHOTOS
MOLD CULTURE TEST KIT VALIDITY
MOLD CULTURE SAMPLING METHOD

MOLD DETECTION & INSPECTION GUIDE
MOLD DOCTORS - ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE

MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE
MOLD EXPOSURE, FOOD HAZARDS
MOLD EXPOSURE RISK LEVELS
MOLD EXPOSURE STANDARDS

MOLD FAQ's
MOLD FREQUENCY in buildings
MOLD GROWTH ON SURFACES, PHOTOS
MOLD GROWTH on SURFACES, TABLE OF
MOLD GROWTH in/on BUILDING INSULATION

MOLD INFORMATION CENTER
MOLD INSPECTORS & MOLD TESTERS
MOLD INSPECTION SERVICE
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MOLD INVESTIGATION REPORTS

MOLD KILLING GUIDE
MOLD LAB REPORTS

MOLD LEVEL IN AIR, VALIDITY
MOLD LEVEL REPORTS
MOLD LEVELS IN buildings
MOLD by MICROSCOPE
MOLD ODORS, MUSTY SMELLS
MOLD on or in CARPETS
MOLD ON DIRT FLOORS

MOLD PREVENTION GUIDE

MOLD RELATED ILLNESS GUIDE
MOLD RELATED ILLNESS SYMPTOMS

MOLD RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION

MOLD SAFETY WARNINGS
MOLD SPRAYS, SEALANTS, PAINTS

MOLD STANDARDS
MOLD STANDARDS - GOVERNMENT
MOLD STANDARDS - WORLD WIDE

MOLD TOXICITY VARIATION

MOLD TEST KITS
MOLD TEST KITS for DIY MOLD TESTS
MOLD TEST PROCEDURES
MOLD TEST REASONS
MOLD TESTING METHOD VALIDITY
MOLD TESTING SERVICES

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets
MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODORS
MYCOTOXIN EFFECTS of MOLD EXPOSURE

Nanomaterials Hazards
NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE

ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE

OZONE for MOLD OR ODORS

PAINTS & COATINGS ODORS IN buildings
Particulates & Allergens Indoors
Pesticide Exposure Hazards
PET ALLERGEN REMEDIES

RENTERS & TENANTS GUIDE TO MOLD
ROBIGUS & Wheat Rust Fungus
ROT, TIMBER FRAME

SLIDE PREPARATION, MICROSCOPE

SMELL PATCH TEST to Track Down Odors

SLIDE PREPARATION, MICROSCOPE
SOUND CONTROL in buildings

STAIN & BIODETERIORATION AGENT CATALOG
STAINS on buildings - QUICK GUIDE
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING EXTERIORS
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING INTERIORS
STAINS on INDOOR SURFACES: PHOTO GUIDE
STAINS & Thermal Tracking

TECHNICAL & LAB PROCEDURES
THERMAL TRACKING Indicates Heat Loss
TRAPPED MOLD BETWEEN WOOD SURFACES

VAPOR BARRIERS & CONDENSATION in buildings
VENTILATION in buildings

WALL SIDING TRIM & FINISHES
WALL FINISHES INTERIOR

WATER BARRIERS, EXTERIOR BUILDING
WATER ENTRY in buildings
WATER ODORS, CAUSE CURE

More Information

Photograph: typical mold on attic side of ceiling drywall after a roof leaks -  © Daniel Friedman Where to Look For Mold in Attics
InspectAPedia®  -         

  • Where to look for mold in a building attic - how to find visible attic mold, hard to see mold, or hidden attic mold
  • Attic mold locations
  • Attic mold inspection
  • Attic mold tests
  • Questions & answers about exactly where to look for mold contamination in building attics and lofts or cathedral ceilings

Attic mold contamination inspection, where to look: this article explains how and where to inspect or test for mold in building attics and roof cavities.

InspectAPedia offers impartial, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest. We will block advertisements which we discover or readers inform us are associated with bad business practices, false-advertising, or junk science. Our contact info is at InspectAPedia.com/Contact.htm.

This article is part of our series: FIND MOLD in buildings, HOW TO which describes how to find mold and test for mold in buildings, including how and where to collect mold samples using adhesive tape - an easy, inexpensive, low-tech but very effective mold testing method. (See MOLD TEST KITS for DIY MOLD TESTS for details).

Readers of this article series about black, white, green and other colored mold on attic and under-roof surfaces should also be sure to read ATTIC MOLD CAUSES and also see INSULATION MOLD where we describe the risk of non-visible problematic mold hidden in building insulation.

© Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR ATTIC MOLD - Places to look for attic mold

Photograph: toxic mold on pine tongue and groove roof sheathing -  © Daniel Friedman


This brown mold on plywood roof sheathing visible in an attic is an indicator of wet or damp attic conditions. It is common to identify Cladosporium sphaerospermum or perhaps Aureobasidium pullulans in these conditions, though without a lab test we don't know what this mold is. (Click photo for larger image).


Photograph: toxic mold on pine tongue and groove roof sheathing -  © Daniel Friedman


The black staining on the plywood roof sheathing visible in this modern attic is a clear indicator of very humid or even wet attic conditions.

When you view the larger copy of this image (click photo for larger image) you may notice that insulation was pushed out into the building eaves where it blocked any intake venting. This black staining is probably mold.

Though we can't assert that this mold is harmful, we can conclude that the attic has been too wet and that roof venting is not working on this building.

Inspect attic insulation, insulation kraft paper facing, and the attic side of ceiling drywall visible in the attic floor, particularly in areas below roof leaks. It is useful to distinguish between a real roof leak or ice dam leak and more trivial drip stains from attic condensation.

Attic condensation and the resulting drip marks on the attic floor or on attic insulation, as shown here, is not itself likely to wet the attic insulation nor the surfaces below it enough to cause a big mold reservoir. However, attic condensation is evidence of wet or very humid attic conditions. Therefore I'd take a close look at the roof sheathing and framing

If attic insulation has been wet and especially if the insulation has been exposed to other moldy conditions, even if the insulation itself looks ok it may be mold contaminated.

Some types of building insulation readily harbor mold contamination even if it's not visible (such as fiberglass insulation). Other types of insulation such as cellulose, seem to resist mold growth (possibly because that material is usually treated with a fire retardant chemical which may also be fungicidal.)

Photograph: toxic mold on pine tongue and groove roof sheathing -  © Daniel Friedman


The drip spots you see on attic flooring and insulation in this photo are from attic condensation which formed on protruding roof shingle nails in the attic where it formed frost in cold weather, then melted and dripped onto the attic floor.

This indicates poor attic venting and possibly humid conditions. But there probably was not enough leakage to cause a mold infection of the insulation or drywall below.

Spot checks for visible mold in the most-likely or most-dripped-on area may be all that's needed.

Photograph: toxic mold on pine tongue and groove roof sheathing -  © Daniel Friedman

Look for mold around roof leak areas & water stains in the attic: at the eaves where shingles are more worn or where ice dam leaks may occur in freezing weather, at roof penetrations for chimneys and plumbing vents

Attic or Under-roof Condensation Drip Marks: Some "leak stains" you may see on the attic floor or on insulation are not really due to leaks from above. You may be looking at more trivial drip stains from attic condensation.

Attic condensation and the resulting drip marks on the attic floor or on attic insulation, as shown here, is not itself likely to wet the attic insulation nor the surfaces below it enough to cause a big mold reservoir. However, attic condensation is evidence of wet or very humid attic conditions.

Therefore take a close look at the roof sheathing and framing in an attic that has been moist or humid even if there have been no roof leaks.

The mold shown in the attic photographed here was identified as Aspergillus sp. on attic mold visible on pine tongue and groove roof sheathing near the building eaves. Also notice the condensation stains at the shingle nail, more evidence of a history of attic moisture which was a factor in this mold growth. (Click photo for larger image).

Questions & Answers regarding this article

Questions & answers about exactly where to look for mold contamination in building attics and lofts.

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  • InspectAPedia.com® - Daniel Friedman - Publisher & Editor.
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  • Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.

Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

ATTIC MOLD
  ATTIC MOLD CAUSES
  ATTIC MOLD IS A PROBLEM ?
  ATTIC MOLD - IS IT TOXIC?
  ATTIC MOLD, WHERE TO LOOK
  ATTIC MOLD, WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
  ATTIC MOLD, HARMLESS COSMETIC?
  ATTIC MOLD ROOF TEAROFF
  ATTIC MOLD ENCAPSULANTS

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Environmental Health & Investigation Bibliography - our technical library on indoor air quality inspection, testing, laboratory procedures, forensic microscopy, etc.
  • Adkins and Adkins Dictionary of Roman Religion discusses Robigus, the Roman god of crop protection and the legendary progenitor of wheat rust fungus.
  • Kansas State University, department of plant pathology, extension plant pathology web page on wheat rust fungus: see http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/path-ext/factSheets/Wheat/Wheat%20Leaf%20Rust.asp
  • "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home", U.S. Environmental Protection Agency US EPA - includes basic advice for building owners, occupants, and mold cleanup operations. See http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.htm
  • US EPA - Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Building [ copy on file as /sickhouse/EPA_Mold_Remediation_in_Schools.pdf ] - US EPA
  • US EPA - Una Breva Guia a Moho - Hongo [on file as /sickhouse/EPA_Moho_Guia_sp.pdf - - en Espanol

Mold Contamination Testing, Cleanup, Prevention: references & products

  • GO TO the MOLD and INDOOR ENVIRONMENT INFORMATION CENTER for in-depth advice on avoiding testing for or cleaning up mold and other indoor environmental hazards, odors, gases, contaminantsThe Mold Information Center: What to Do About Mold in buildings, When and How to Inspect for Mold, Clean Up Mold, or Avoid Mold Problems
  • Aerobiology, Building Science, Microscopy, & Laboratory References, an extensive technical bibliography
  • Allergens: what they look like in buildings
  • Associations: Sick House, Sick Building, SBS - Air Quality, Government, Private Associations and Information Resources
  • Atlas of Clinical Fungi, 2nd Ed., GS deHoog, J Guarro, J Gene, & MJ Figueras, Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, 2000, ISBN 90-70351-43-9 (you can buy this book at Amazon)
  • Atlas of Mold Related Illness: Index of Symptoms and health, physical, neurological, psychological, and other complaint which people suspect may be mold or building-related.
  • Atlas of Indoor Mold, Online Clinical Mold Atlas, Toxins, Pathogens, Allergens and Other Indoor Particles - Medical Health Effects of Mold (separate online document)
  • Black Mold that is Harmless Photos of recognizable, usually harmless black mold on wood, bluestain, ceratocystis, ophistoma
  • Building Floods: quick steps after a building flood or plumbing leak can prevent costly mold contamination
  • Classes of Mold: what types of cosmetic, allergenic, or toxic mold are a problem? Can mold be cleaned-up successfully?
  • Clinical Mold References - Detailed bibliography of mold reference texts
  • "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home", U.S. Environmental Protection Agency US EPA - includes basic advice for building owners, occupants, and mold cleanup operations. See http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.htm
  • "Disease Prevention Program for Certain Vegetable Crops," David B. Langston, Jr., Extension Plant Pathologist - Vegetables, University of Georgia (PDF document) original source: www.reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/209797.html
  • "Disease Prevention in Home Vegetable Gardens," Patricia Donald, Department of Plant Microbiology and Pathology, Lewis Jett
    Department of Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension - extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6202
  • "Management of Powdery Mildew, Leveillula taurica, in Greenhouse Peppers," Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, British Columbia - Original source: www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/peppermildew.htm
  • Environmental Health & Investigation Bibliography - our own technical library on indoor air quality inspection, testing, laboratory procedures, forensic microscopy, etc.
  • Fiberglass: Mold in Fiberglass Insulation© 2005 comments about a field study in process, & more about health hazards from fiberglass insulation - DJF
  • Fifth Kingdom, Bryce Kendrick, ISBN13: 9781585100224, is available from the InspectAPedia online bookstore - we recommend the CD-ROM version of this book. This 3rd/edition is a compact but comprehensive encyclopedia of all things mycological. Every aspect of the fungi, from aflatoxin to zppspores, with an accessible blend of verve and wit. The 24 chapters are filled with up-to-date information of classification, yeast, lichens, spore dispersal, allergies, ecology, genetics, plant pathology, predatory fungi, biological control, mutualistic symbioses with animals and plants, fungi as food, food spoilage and mycotoxins.
  • Fungi, Identifying Filamentous, A Clinical Laboratory Handbook, Guy St-Germain, Richard Summerbell, Star Publishing, 1996, ISBN 0-89863-177-7 (English) (buy at Amazon)
  • Looking for Mold Procedure: what mold is often found where in buildings - simple technical presentation
  • Meruliporia: the house eating fungus or "poria"
  • Mold Action Guide: Step-by-Step Instructions, What to do about mold, mildew, and other indoor allergens
  • MOLD APPEARANCE - WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE Photos of what mold looks like in buildings
  • MOLD APPEARANCE - STUFF THAT IS NOT MOLD Photos of NOT-mold material that is sometimes mistaken for mold
  • MOLD ATLAS & PARTICLES INDEX, Pathogens, Allergens and Other Indoor Particles - Medical Health Effects of Mold (separate online document)
  • MOLD BY MICROSCOPE Mold under the microscope - photo identification of the most common indoor molds found in buildings
  • Mold FAQs Answers to Most Questions about Indoor Mold, Mold Related Illness, Mold Cleanup, Mold Prevention
  • US EPA: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Building [ copy on file as /sickhouse/EPA_Mold_Remediation_in_Schools.pdf ] - US EPA
  • Mold spores in the Home - a Photo ID Library for detection and identification of mold allergens
  • Mold Test Kits - How to Collect and Send Your Own Mold Sample to our mold testing lab or to any mold lab you wish
  • Most Common Indoor Molds Found in buildings, A Table of
  • Mycology, Fundamentals of Diagnostic, Fran Fisher, Norma B. Cook, W.B. Saunders Co. 1998, ISBN 0-7216-5006-6 (buy this book at Amazon)
  • Ozone Warnings - Use of Ozone as a "mold" remedy is ineffective and may be dangerous.
  • Rot concerns in buildings-some building mold such as Meruliporia incrassata "Poria" risks serious rot and hidden structural damage
  • US EPA: Una Breva Guia a Moho - Hongo [on file as /sickhouse/EPA_Moho_Guia_sp.pdf - - en Espanol

OTHER IAQ ISSUES: How To Find and Address Other Indoor Air or Indoor Environment Contaminants Besides Mold

Mold or allergens may not be the only or even the main indoor environmental contaminant. Don't let media attention to mold cause so much enviro-scare fear that other, possibly more urgent hazards go un-addressed.

  • Fiberglass building insulation and HVAC duct work insulation hazards
  • Sewage and Septic backup contamination in buildings: inspection, testing, remediation, & references to expert sources
  • Other environmental risks: Asbestos, carbon monoxide, electromagnetic fields, environmental illness, fiberglass, MCS - multiple chemical sensitivity, toxic gases, etc
  • Indoor Gas Sampling Plan for Residential buildings lists a number of toxic indoor gases which we test for, depending on the building complaint and building conditions
  • Ozone Warnings - Use of Ozone as a "mold" remedy is ineffective and may be dangerous.
  • Pet control - if you can't say goodbye to your bird, cat, dog, guinea pig, hamster, tropical fish, then limit the areas they occupy and limit the airflow from that area to sleeping or other areas of the building, use allergenic bedding, eliminate wall-to-wall carpeting, improve housecleaning including use of a HEPA-rated vacuum cleaner. For more details see our article Dog, Cat, and Other Animal Dander - Information for Asthmatics and Indoor Air Quality
  • Rodents, Mice, Squirrel Control - I find high levels of mouse and rodent dander, fecal dust, and urine-contaminated dust in some buildings, and high levels of these materials in building insulation in those locations. If you have a mouse problem, particularly if mice and their waste (fecals or urine) are contaminating the building HVAC or building insulation, may need both steps to clean up or remove infected materials and steps to stop an ongoing rodent problem. If squirrels are a problem, the cleanup needs to include closing off entry openings into the building. Get some help from a licensed pest control expert.
  • ...
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