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ENERGY SAVINGS in BUILDINGS
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS - INSPECT, TEST, REMEDY

MOLD: A COMPLETE GUIDE to TEST CLEAN PREVENT
ACCEPTABLE MOLD LEVEL

ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT INDOOR MOLD
ACTIVITY of MOLD in BUILDINGS
AGE of MOLD - Old is the Mold?
AIR LEAK DETECTION TOOLS
AIR LEAK SEALING PROCEDURE

AIR POLLUTANTS, COMMON INDOOR
AIR SEALING STRATEGIES
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
ANIMAL ENTRY POINTS in BUILDINGS

ASBESTOS CLEANUP COMPANIES
ASBESTOS ROOFING / SIDING DUST
ASBESTOS FLOORING HAZARD REDUCTION
ASBESTOS-FREE INSULATION MATERIALS
ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION IN BUILDINGS
ASBESTOS ROOFING / SIDING DUST
ATTORNEYS and EXPERT WITNESSES
ATTIC MOLD

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

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

BLACK MOLD, HARMLESS COSMETIC
BLACK MOLD, TOXIC & ALLERGENIC

BLEACHING MOLD, Advice about
BLOWER DOORS & AIR INFILTRATION
BLOWER FAN CONTINUOUS OPERATION
BLOWER FAN OPERATION & TESTING

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
BUYERS GUIDE - home inspections for mold
CARBON MONOXIDE - CO
CARPET DUST IDENTIFICATION
CARPET MOLD CONTAMINATION
CARPET PADDING ASBESTOS, MOLD, ODORS
CARPET STAIN DIAGNOSIS
CARPET & other STAIN TESTS
CARPET TEST GUIDE
CARPETING & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
CARPETING, SELECTION & INSTALLATION
CAT DANDER in BUILDINGS
Cell phone Radiation Hazards
CHAIN OF CUSTODY - TEST SAMPLE
CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR
CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS
CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS - MOLD CLEANUP
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS TO AVOID MOLD
CRAWLSPACE MOLD
DIRT FLOOR MOLD CONTAMINATION
DO IT YOURSELF MOLD CLEANUP
DO-IT-YOURSELF MOLD CLEANUP WARNINGS
DRYWALL MOLD
DUST ANALYSIS for FIBERGLASS
DUST SAMPLING PROCEDURE

EFFLORESCENCE, Salts & White / Brown Deposits
EMF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS & HUMAN EXPOSURE
EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS
ENERGY SAVINGS in BUILDINGS
FEAR of MOLD - MYCOPHOBIA
Fiberboard Insulation Sheathing Mold
Fiberglass Enviro-Scare
FIBERGLASS HAZARDS
FIBERGLASS INSULATION
FIBERGLASS INSULATION MOLD
FIBERGLASS PARTICLE CONTAMINATION TEST
FIELD INVESTIGATION SERVICE
FIND MOLD, ESSENTIAL STEPS
  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

FIRE DAMAGE vs MOLD DAMAGE
FLOODS & MOLD CLEAN/PREVENT
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP
FLOODS IN BUILDINGS-mold
FLOOR, CERAMIC TILE
FLOOR, CONCRETE SLAB CHOICES
FLOOR, CONCRETE SLAB POURED FINISH
FLOOR DAMAGE DIAGNOSIS
FLOOR, ENGINEERED WOOD & LAMINATES
FLOOR FRAMING & SUBFLOOR for TILE
FLOOR, KITCHEN & BATH OPTIONS
FLOOR, LAMINATE PLASTIC
FLOOR RADIANT HEAT Mistakes to Avoid
FLOOR & SUBFLOOR MOLD, HIDDEN
FLOOR TYPES & DEFECTS
FLOOR TILE ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION
FLOOR TILE HISTORY & INGREDIENTS
FORMALDEHYDE HAZARDS
FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING
FRENCH DRAINS
FREEZE-PROOF A BUILDING
FUNGICIDAL SPRAY & SEALANT USE GUIDE
GAS MEASUREMENT TOOLS
Gas Toxicity Levels
GAS EXPOSURE EFFECTS
GAS TEST PROCEDURES

House Dust Analysis
HEATING OIL EXPOSURE HAZARDS, LIMITS
HEATING SYSTEM ODORS
House Dust Analysis
HOUSEWRAP AIR & VAPOR BARRIERS
HIDDEN MOLD, HOW TO FIND
  Hidden Mold Behind Paneling
  Hidden Mold Between Framing & Sheathing
  Hidden Mold in Flooring & Subflooring
  Hidden Mold in Wall Cavities
  LIGHT AIM FINDS MOLD
  Light colored toxic molds
  LIGHT, flashlight to find mold
  Moisture Gradients and Mold
  Other Places to Look for Hidden Mold
  Recognizing Cosmetic Mold
  Spotting Hard-to-See Mold
  Wall test cuts to spot hidden mold
HUMIDITY CONTROL & TARGETS INDOORS

IAQ ISSUES, OTHER
INDOOR AIR HAZARDS TABLE
Indoor Air Pollution Book Online CPSC
INDOOR AIR QUALITY & HOUSE TIGHTNESS
INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
INDOOR AIR QUALITY METHODS COMPARED

INSULATION INSPECTION & IMPROVEMENT
INSULATION MOLD
ITCHY FABRICS

LABORATORY SERVICES
LAB PROCEDURES MICROSCOPE TECHNIQUES
LEAD POISONING HAZARDS GUIDE
LEAD CONTAMINATION in WATER, HOW to TEST
LEAD EXPOSURE HAZARDS INDOORS
LEAD HAZARDS & FEAR: Enviro-Scare
LEAD IN DRINKING WATER, HOW to REDUCE
LEAD PIPES in BUILDINGS
LEAD PAINT REMOVAL ALTERNATIVES
LEAD in ROOFING, EFFECTS
LEAD TEST KIT for HOME USE
LEAD WATER PIPING HAZARDS & REMEDIES
LEED GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION
LEED Building Designation & IAQ
Legionella Legionnaires' Disease
Legionella BACTERIA & HVAC Equipment
MEDIA BLASTING for MOLD REMOVAL

MILDEW in BUILDINGS ?
MILDEW ERRORS - MOLD PHOTOS
MILDEW REMOVAL & PREVENTION

MOISTURE CONTROL in BUILDINGS

MOLD: A COMPLETE GUIDE to TEST CLEAN PREVENT
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 CLINICAL REFERENCE TEXTS
MOLD CONSULTANTS/INSPECTORS
MOLD CONTAMINATION LEVELS
MOLD CONTAMINATION LEVELS, SPECIFIC
MOLD CULTURE PHOTOS
MOLD CULTURE TEST KIT VALIDITY
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
MOLD INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE TIPS
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 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 METHODS, ACCURACY
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
ODOR DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST
ODORLESS CHEMICALS / GASES: CHECK FOR?
ODORS, PLUMBING SYSTEM
ODORS, SEPTIC or SEWER
ODORS, SULPHUR SMELL SOURCES
ODORS, URINE REMOVAL
ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE
ODORS IN WATER
OIL HEAT ODORS
OIL TANK LEAK ODORS
OZONE for MOLD OR ODORS
PAINTS & COATINGS ODORS IN BUILDINGS
Particulates & Allergens Indoors
Pesticide Exposure Hazards
PET ALLERGEN REMEDIES
PLASTIC CONTAINERS, TANKS, TYPES
PLASTIC HEATER VENT
PLASTIC ODORS-SCREENS, SIDING
PLUMBING SYSTEM ODORS
RADON HAZARD TESTS & MITIGATION
RENTERS & TENANTS GUIDE TO MOLD
ROBIGUS & Wheat Rust Fungus
ROT, TIMBER FRAME
SIDING, ASBESTOS CEMENT SHINGLES
SIDING VINYL
  VINYL SIDING INSPECTION & REPAIR
  VINYL SIDING INSTALLATION
  VINYL Siding or PLASTIC Window ODORS in Buildings
  VINYL CHLORIDE HEALTH INFO
SLIDE PREPARATION, MICROSCOPE
SEPTIC METHANE GAS
SEPTIC SYSTEM ODORS
SLIDE PREPARATION, MICROSCOPE
SMELL PATCH TEST to Track Down Odors
SEWAGE BACKUP TEST & CLEANUP
SEWER GAS ODORS
SEWER GAS ODORS in COLD WEATHER
SEWAGE BACKUP, WHAT TO DO
SEWAGE BACKUP TEST & CLEANUP
SEWAGE BACKUP PREVENTION
SOUND CONTROL in BUILDINGS
SIDING, Sheathing Identification - Photo Guide
SIDING, ALUMINUM
SIDING, ASBESTOS CEMENT SHINGLES
SIDING ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES on WALLS
SIDING ASPHALT SHINGLE or SHEET
SIDING DAMAGE by SPLASHBACK
SIDING EIFS & STUCCO
SIDING, FIBER CEMENT
SIDING HARDBOARD
SIDING STEEL
SIDING VINYL
  VINYL SIDING INSPECTION & REPAIR
  VINYL SIDING INSTALLATION
  VINYL Siding or PLASTIC Window ODORS in Buildings
  VINYL CHLORIDE HEALTH INFO
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
TECHNICAL & LAB PROCEDURES
THERMAL TRACKING Indicates Heat Loss
TRAPPED MOLD BETWEEN WOOD SURFACES
VENTILATION in BUILDINGS
VINYL Siding or PLASTIC Window ODORS in Buildings
VINYL CHLORIDE HEALTH INFO

WALL SIDING TRIM & FINISHES
WALL FINISHES INTERIOR

WATER BARRIERS, EXTERIOR BUILDING
WATER ENTRY in BUILDINGS
WATER ODORS, CAUSE CURE
World Trade Center Collapse Dust Photos

More Information

Moldy subfloor and joists may suggest additional hidden trapped mold contamination -  © Daniel Friedman SUBFLOOR MOLD - What to Do About Trapped Mold Contamination in Building Flooring Layers
InspectAPedia®  -         

  • Procedures to test for mold between floor finish flooring subfloor surfaces
  • Mold suspected between layers of subfloor and finished flooring
  • OPM: use of other people's money to reduce the consultant's risk?
  • Where may mold be hidden in buildings
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 discusses the decision to use test cuts or demolition to search for problematic mold reservoirs between building finish flooring and the subfloor, giving examples of when such investigation is warranted and when it is not.

Cleaning mold from wood framing, or wood building sheathing and similar wood surfaces is discussed at MOLD CLEANUP - WOOD FRAMING & PLYWOOD. Also see MOLD CLEANUP - WOOD FLOORING where we describe removing mold from wood flooring surfaces. Readers should also see the general advice at MOLD CLEANUP GUIDE- HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD and finally, see Wood Floor Damage. Also see TRAPPED MOLD BETWEEN WOOD SURFACES for a discussion of the immobility of mold between wood framing and other surfaces, and see MOLD GROWTH on SURFACES for an index of what mold genera/species are frequently found on various building surfaces and materials.

Our page top photograph shows heavy mold contamination on floor joists and on the visible under-surface of subflooring? What about mold that may be present between the subfloor and the finish flooring above? Is that a problem that justifies demolition of the subfloor?

© 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.

A Photo Guide to Inspecting Multiple Layers of Flooring & Subfloors or Wall Studs & Sheathing to Inspect for & Remove Hidden Mold

Test cuts for mold between flooring layers (C) Daniel Friedman Test cuts for mold between flooring layers (C) Daniel Friedman

Our two photographs just above demonstrate a procedure we use to inspect for evidence of high levels of mold trapped between layers of flooring and subflooring in a building.

No invasive mold inspection: If inspection of the finish flooring from the room side (above) shows no evidence of water damage to the flooring itself, the probability that a large amount of water entered the space between flooring layers and thus that there is a significant mold reservoir located there is low and further investigation including subfloor test cuts are probably not justified.

Invasive inspection is justified: Where a history of extensive building leaks, water damage, floor damage, and visible mold suggest to the inspector that further investigation is appropriate, inspecting from the area below the suspected floor, select the highest-risk most-likely moldy location by tracing the water leak path, stains, and or visible mold in the building. (Photograph, above left).

  1. Using a hole saw (see more photos below), cut up through the subflooring to expose the under-side of the finish flooring above, in the area of highest risk.
  2. Inspect for mold, studying all of the surfaces exposed by the test cut: the originally-exposed underside of the subflooring where the cut was made, the upper (previously hidden) side of the subflooring now visible on the upper side of the round plug cut out using the hole saw, both sides of kraft paper or building felt used between the subfloor and finish floor, and finally the exposed underside of the finish flooring (photograph, above right).
  3. If mold is visible in this worst-case area, and presuming that tests indicate that the mold is not simply a cosmetic species, additional test cuts to determine the extent or size of the mold reservoir might be justified.

When cutting a test opening to explore a wood floor installed on sleepers over a concrete slab, we use two diameters of hole saws (see photos in the next section.)

  1. First we cut a larger-diameter round hole (say 2.5") through the finish flooring using our hole saw's larger cutting blade. We remove and save the wooden plug created by this step.
  2. Second we cut a smaller-diameter round hole (say 2") through the subflooring to expose the cavity below.
  3. We examine the exposed and inner or hidden surfaces of each plug which is cut, as well as any rosin paper or other material that may be installed between layers of flooring.
  4. Finally, using a flashlight and often a borescope as well, we explore the floor cavity itself for evidence of visible mold, organic mold-friendly debris, insect activity, or evidence of leaks or flooding.

Removing finish flooring, leaving subflooring in place: in cases where the finish flooring was water damaged from building leaks, the flooring will need to be removed as it is nearly impossible to flatten and secure buckled wood flooring in place. Removing the finish flooring exposes the upper side of the building subfloor for inspection. Of course the under-side of the building subfloor can usually also be inspected from below. If the subflooring is plywood and has become water damaged such that it has delaminated, those areas need to be removed and replaced. If the subflooring is intact and sound, it can be left in place, followed by cleaning or mold removal from all exposed surfaces and if appropriate, treatment with a fungicidal sealant.

Leaving subflooring and flooring in place: In cases where there is no other justification for removing the finish flooring (such as water damaged, buckled finish flooring), even if small areas of mold are suspected or detected between the finish floor and subfloor, or between the subfloor and the upper side of floor joists, the combination of limited size of the mold reservoir, the low probability of air and particle movement from between flooring layers into the occupied space, the effects of building dryout, cleaning, and sealing of potential openings and pathways, in most cases will add up to justification for leaving these materials in place.

Photograph of inspecting for hidden mold with a larger test cut.

Wall, floor, or subfloor test cuts for mold

The photo at right shows us cutting a round hole in a wall to expose the wall cavity. We cut high enough above the floor to avoid the sill plate and to give access to the wall cavity itself. We cut close to but not on top of a wall stud, so that when examining the wall cavity we can examine for hidden mold.

Details of using wall test cuts to inspect for hidden mold in wall cavities can be read at Wall test cuts to spot hidden mold.

 

How to Make (or not make) Random Test Cuts to Check for Mold in Building Cavities

Random wall test openings: We have little confidence in and are reluctant to simply make random test cuts in buildings. Since water can take peculiar paths through hidden openings, such as wall plate holes drilled for pipes or electrical wiring or between single pairs of studs or ceiling or floor joists, cutting a hole that does not reveal a problem is no assurance at all that no hidden mold problems exist.

When to Make Strip Cuts to Look for Hidden Mold in Building Ceilings or Walls

When there is an ongoing building complaint that makes us suspect hidden leaks or mold, if we strongly suspect a hidden mold problem but have not found its precise location, on occasion it is justified to make a "strip cut" across multiple wall studs or ceiling joists, exposing multiple wall cavities.

What makes a lot of sense sense is to study the building carefully to decide on the building points at most risk of having been wet from leaks due to construction details or other site observations. That's where one would make a test cut.

We frequently add text and photos to this series of articles. (See "What MOld Looks Like" and "Stuff that is Not Mold" links at page left). Readers should also review Mold in Fiberglass Insulation in Buildings at our The Mold Information Center - What to Do About Mold in Buildings

Small amounts of mold can be removed simply by cleaning or removing infected materials, something most homeowners can handle -- but see the Warning Notice at the end of this article. Some mold species can make you sick.

OPM: Some Consultants Spend Other People's Money to Reduce Risk For the Consultants, not for the Clients

Extensive demolition for mold cleanup (C) Daniel FriedmanWith this as many topics, even smart people but with no actual field test data to support a view, construct mental models of what they think is happening (yet without a single fact nor shred of evidence) and give aggressive cleanup advice accordingly.

This approach is especially dangerous when the advice suffers what we call the "OPM" problem: that is, Ms. X, the consultant give advice that is safest for her (because the client cannot possibly complain in the future that her advice was not aggressive enough), because the safest (for her) advice does not cost her a dime - the client is the one who pays for the sometimes extreme measures that are suggested.

Consultants who offer OPM-based advice simply playing it safe and they are not earning their fee.

Our photograph (above left) shows extensive demolition performed to remove problem mold on floor framing and subflooring in an older home. In this case the combination of multiple layers of moldy subflooring and flooring combined with a cost comparison of alternative approaches indicated that it was actually less costly to remove the subfloor and clean the joists than to leave the subfloor in place. In other buildings and circumstances it is reasonable and more economical to leave the subflooring in place.

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ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS - INSPECT, TEST, REMEDY

MOLD: A COMPLETE GUIDE to TEST CLEAN PREVENT

ACCEPTABLE MOLD LEVEL

ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT INDOOR MOLD
ACTIVITY of MOLD in BUILDINGS
AIRBORNE MOLD SPORE COUNT ACCURACY
AIRBORNE PARTICLE ANALYSIS METHODS
ALLERGEN TESTS for BUILDINGS
ALLERGENS in BUILDINGS, RECOGNIZING
ALLERGY TESTS for PEOPLE
ALLERGY TEST ACCURACY
ANIMAL ALLERGENS / PET DANDER
ANIMAL ENTRY POINTS in BUILDINGS

ASBESTOS CLEANUP COMPANIES
ASBESTOS ROOFING / SIDING DUST
ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION IN BUILDINGS
ATTIC MOLD

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
BIOGAS PRODUCTION & USE

BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS
BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS in the HOME - EPA

BLACK MOLD, HARMLESS COSMETIC
BLACK MOLD, TOXIC & ALLERGENIC

BLEACHING MOLD, Advice about
Bisphenol-A, BPA

BOOK MOLD, Moldy Book Cleaning
BOOKSTORE - ENVIRONMENTAL
BUYERS GUIDE - home inspections for mold

CARPET DUST IDENTIFICATION
CARPET MOLD CONTAMINATION
CARPET STAIN DIAGNOSIS
CARPET & other STAIN TESTS
CARPET TEST GUIDE
CARPETING & INDOOR AIR QUALITY

CAT DANDER
CRAWLSPACE MOLD

DO IT YOURSELF MOLD CLEANUP
DRYWALL MOLD
DUST ANALYSIS for FIBERGLASS
DUST SAMPLING PROCEDURE

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

FEAR of MOLD - MYCOPHOBIA
Fiberboard Insulation Sheathing Mold

FIBERGLASS INSULATION MOLD
FIBERGLASS PARTICLE CONTAMINATION TEST

FIELD INVESTIGATION SERVICE

FIND MOLD, ESSENTIAL STEPS
FIND MOLD in BUILDINGS, HOW TO

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
MOLD: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO MOLD

MOLD INFORMATION CENTER
ACCEPTABLE MOLD LEVEL

ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT INDOOR MOLD
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
HIDDEN MOLD, HOW TO FIND
  Hidden Mold Behind Paneling
  Hidden Mold Between Framing & Sheathing
  Hidden Mold in Flooring & Subflooring
  Hidden Mold in Wall Cavities
  LIGHT AIM FINDS MOLD
  Light colored toxic molds
  LIGHT, flashlight to find mold
  Moisture Gradients and Mold
  Other Places to Look for Hidden Mold
  Recognizing Cosmetic Mold
  Spotting Hard-to-See Mold
  Wall test cuts to spot hidden mold
GAS MEASUREMENT TOOLS
Gas Toxicity Levels
GAS EXPOSURE EFFECTS
GAS TEST PROCEDURES

House Dust Analysis

HUMIDITY LEVEL TARGET
INDOOR AIR QUALITY & HOUSE TIGHTNESS
INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
INDOOR AIR QUALITY METHODS COMPARED
INSULATION MOLD
ITCHY FABRICS

LAB PROCEDURES MICROSCOPE TECHNIQUES
LEED GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION
LEED Building Designation & IAQ

MILDEW in BUILDINGS ?
MILDEW ERRORS - MOLD PHOTOS
MILDEW REMOVAL & PREVENTION

MOISTURE CONTROL in BUILDINGS

MOLD: A COMPLETE GUIDE to TEST CLEAN PREVENT
MOLD ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT MOLD
MOLD ACTIVITY in BUILDINGS
MOLD AGE - Old is the Mold?

MOLD APPEARANCE - WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE
MOLD APPEARANCE - STUFF THAT IS NOT MOLD
MOLD CLASSES, HAZARD LEVELS

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

MOLD CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS
MOLD CULTURES
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 FREQUENCY in BUILDINGS
MOLD GROWTH ON SURFACES, PHOTOS
MOLD GROWTH on SURFACES, TABLE OF
MOLD INSPECTORS & MOLD TESTERS

MOLD TEST KITS
MOLD TEST KITS for DIY MOLD TESTS
MOLD TESTING SERVICES
MOLD TEST METHODS, ACCURACY
MOLD TEST PROCEDURES
MOLD TEST REASONS
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 - POST-REMEDIATION INSPECTION

MOLD KILLING GUIDE
MOLD LAB REPORTS
MOLD LEVEL REPORTS
MOLD LEVELS IN BUILDINGS
MOLD by MICROSCOPE

MOLD ODORS, MUSTY SMELLS
MOLD PREVENTION GUIDE
MOLD RELATED ILLNESS
MOLD SAFETY WARNINGS
MOLD SPRAYS, SEALANTS, PAINTS

MOLD TEST KITS
MOLD TEST KITS for DIY MOLD TESTS
MOLD TESTING SERVICES
MOLD TEST METHODS, ACCURACY
MOLD TEST PROCEDURES
MOLD TEST REASONS

MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODORS
MYCOTOXIN EFFECTS of MOLD EXPOSURE

Nanomaterials Hazards
NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE

ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE
ODOR DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST

RENTERS & TENANTS GUIDE TO MOLD
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING INTERIORS

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

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 US EPA
  • US EPA - Una Breva Guia a Moho - Hongo - en Espanol

Allergies, Allergens, Allergy Testing in Buildings - References & Products

  • Air Conditioning System Blower Fans & Filters Cascading for Optimum Indoor Air Quality
  • Allergen Tests in Buildings advice about how to test, what to look for, in evaluating the level of dog, cat, or other animal allergens in a building
  • "IgG Food Allergy Testing by ELISA/EIA, What do they really tell us?" Sheryl B. Miller, MT (ASCP), PhD, Clinical Laboratory Director, Bastyr University Natural Health Clinic - ELISA testing accuracy: Here is an example of Miller's critique of ELISA http://www.betterhealthusa.com/public/282.cfm - Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients
    The critique included in that article raises compelling questions about IgG testing assays, which prompts our interest in actually screening for the presence of high levels of particles that could carry allergens - dog dander or cat dander in the case at hand.
    http://www.tldp.com/issue/174/IgG%20Food%20Allergy.html contains similar criticism in another venue but interestingly by the same author, Sheryl Miller. Sheryl Miller, MT (ASCP), PhD, is an Immunologist and Associate Professor of Basic and Medical Sciences at Bastyr University in Bothell, Washington. She is also the Laboratory Director of the Bastyr Natural Health Clinic Laboratory.
  • Allergens: Testing for the level of exposure to animal allergens is discussed at http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/animalallergy/diagnosis.shtml (lab animal exposure study is interesting because it involves a higher exposure level in some cases
  • Allergens: WebMD discusses allergy tests for humans at webmd.com/allergies/allergy-tests
  • Animal Allergens: Dog, Cat, and Other Animal Dander - Cleanup & Prevention Information for Asthmatics and regarding Indoor Air Quality.
  • Atlas of Mold Related Illness Symptoms & Complaints - long list of both documented, studied mold related illness, and complaints ascribed to mold contamination or allergens in buildings
  • Cat Dander: how to inspect and test a building for past or current presence of cats, cat hair, cat dander, and cat allergens
  • Clinical Atlas of Mold Toxicity - An Online Description of Toxic, Pathogenic, Allergenic Fungi, Fungal Diseases
  • Fiberglass Insulation Contains Mold© 2005 comments about a field study in process, & more about health hazards from fiberglass insulation
  • Humidity: What indoor humidity should we maintain in order to avoid a mold problem?
  • Mold Action Guide detailed guide on finding, removing, and preventing indoor mold contamination
  • Odors, Odor Detection, Smells, & Gases how to find and identify sources of noxious or toxic odors and gases
  • Other environmental risks, Our much longer list: Asbestos, carbon monoxide, electromagnetic fields, etc.
  • Ozone: The Use of Ozone Indoors for Control of Odors and Mold Removal in Buildings: A Summary of Hazards and False Claims.
  • Pollen Allergens: identification, plant pollen and indoor air quality
  • Products to Reduce Mold & Allergy Problems to reduce indoor mold or allergen levels: air cleaners, air purifiers, dust mite covers, vacuum cleaners, crawl space vents
  • Recognizing Allergens: What various indoor allergens look like - identification photos to help identify pollen, dust mites, animal dander, toxic or allergenic mold - Common Mold and other Allergens, Irritants, Remedies & Advice
  • Rodent control issues, including dander, fecal, and urine contamination of Buildings and Building insulation are discussed at our
  • Sewage and Septic backup contamination in Buildings: inspection, testing, remediation, & references to expert sources
  • Action Guide: What to do about mold, mildew, and other indoor allergens
  • ...

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 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 - 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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