Does The Health Department Check For Mold

Identifying Mold In Your Home

• Appearance or dark spots or clusters. Look for spots or clustered growths, especially in warm, moist rooms.
• Musty smell. You may be able to identify mold by a musty smell.
• Allergies or asthma. If you experience asthma attacks or allergy symptoms in your home, that may also indicate theres mold.
• Potential causes. Look for causes of mold growth, like a leak, water damage, lack of ventilation, or old food, papers, or wood.

What About Mold In Large Buildings

EPA has a number of resources available, you can start with the Indoor Air Quality Building Evaluation and Assessment Model . I-BEAM updates and expands EPA’s existing Building Air Quality guidance and is designed to be comprehensive state-of-the-art guidance for managing IAQ in commercial buildings. This guidance was designed to be used by building professionals and others interested in indoor air quality in commercial buildings. I-BEAM contains text, animation/visual, and interactive/calculation components that can be used to perform a number of diverse tasks. See .

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Shelby County Health Departments Responsibilities

• Shelby County Health Department CAN provide general mold information.
• Shelby County Health Department CAN provide contact numbers / referrals to other agencies that may help in resolving a mold problem.
• Shelby County Health Department CANNOT provide physician examinations relating to mold exposure.
• Shelby County Health Department CANNOT conduct inspections, clean-up / removals for mold problems, or help with any legal issues in public or private residences.

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Breath Fresher Cleaner Air With Indoor Air Quality Services

While other companies may just cover up odors, moisture, or mold, our indoor air quality services get to the root of the problem, so it doesnt return. In general, heres how we do it:

• Scientific testing to determine the source and extent of the odor, mold, or moisture issue
• Based on the results, we will formulate a specific, personalized plan for your home, including a quote for mold remediation if appropriate. We will discuss the situation with you and explain our recommended strategy so that you understand what will be done. We prepare a custom treatment plan to address your situation with an affordable estimate for remediation

• Our licensed and/or certified technicians utilize a multifaceted approach to restore a buildings indoor environment to a state of normal fungal ecology. While specific protocols may vary from project to project, the underlying basis follows guidelines from the ANSI/IICRC S520 and EPA. Using our proprietary EPA registered product, we can restore and preserve more building materials than conventional remediators. Our approach is direct, fast-acting and highly effective. Your home or office will be restored to a fresher and more breathable space because we never use harsh chemicals!
• Recommend an optional post-treatment test to confirm improved air quality

Our indoor air quality services dont just cover up odors, mold, smoke, or other toxins. We remediate with treatments that denature bacteria, fungi, and other toxic substances for cleaner air.

Tips To Keep Black Mold Away Longer

• Reduce moisture levels in your home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, humidity levels in homes should not exceed 60 percent.
• Repair leaks that keep surfaces wet.
• Add a dehumidifier and use heating and air conditioners to help reduce moisture levels.
• Install moisture barriers in basements.
• Clean mold-prone areas regularly to keep black mold growth in check.

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Should I Be Concerned About Mold In My Home

Yes, if the contamination is extensive. When airborne mold spores are present in large numbers, they can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems for people. Exposure to high spore levels can cause the development of an allergy to the mold. Mold can also cause structural damage to your home. Similarly, when wood goes through a period of wetting, then drying, it can eventually warp and cause walls to crack or become structurally weak.

Are Some Molds More Hazardous Than Others

Some types of mold can produce chemical compounds although they do not always do so. Molds that are able to produce toxins are common. In some circumstances, the toxins produced by indoor mold may cause health problems. However, all indoor mold growth is potentially harmful and should be removed promptly, no matter what type of mold is present or whether it can produce toxins.

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Who We Serve With Our Commercial Air Quality Services

When you need affordable, effective, fast-acting commercial air quality services from experienced experts, you are smart to rely on Green Home Solutions. We partner with homeowners and industry professionals who appreciate our knowledge of the science of commercial air quality, in addition to our commitment to preserving the planet.

At Green Home Solutions, we are dedicated to the use of products that remediate mold, disinfect, stop odors, kill bacteria, and dry up moisture at the source.

Our commercial air quality services are affordable, effective and fast.

• We start with a thorough mold, odor, and moisture assessment, followed by a professional recommendation for next steps.
• We may recommend commercial air quality testing from a third-party scientific laboratory to determine the extent of contamination.
• We develop a custom plan to address your individual situation and resolve the issue.
• We treat the mold, moisture, or mildew at the source.
• We dont use harsh chemicals
• We are a literal breath of fresh air!

For affordable, fast, effective commercial air quality services, call your local Green Home Solution representative to schedule a no-obligation consultation!

Should I Test For Mold

Testing for molds is not recommended. Reliable sampling for mold can be expensive and unreliable, with results that may be inconclusive. Instead, you should simply assume there is a problem whenever you see mold or smell mold odors. Testing should never take the place of visual inspection and it should never use up resources that are needed to correct moisture problems and remove all visible growth.

Sometimes, mold growth is hidden and difficult to locate. In such cases, a combination of air and bulk samples may help determine the extent of contamination and where cleaning is needed. However, mold testing is rarely useful for trying to answer questions about health concerns.

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Who Can Test My Home Or Clean Fix And Remediate My Home For Mold

EPA does not have a certification program for mold inspectors or mold remediation firms. EPA does not maintain a list of mold inspectors or mold remediation firms, though some states might.

Some states and organizations may require certification, trainings, or examinations for practitioners in the indoor air quality industry. Sometimes companies that provide radon, lead or asbestos inspection services provide mold assessment services as another part of their business. Ask about qualifications, training and experience and check references for professionals you are considering.

The key to mold growth is moisture so part of assessing mold problems is looking for existing or potential moisture problems. Companies that provide water damage inspection services may help look for moisture and some may be familiar with mold problems as well.

There are no established safe levels or regulatory standards for mold, so, although testing can be done, it may be of limited use in helping to understand the problem. Mold assessment is mainly done through visual inspection of areas where there have been moisture problems or water damage.

What Can I Do To Control Other Biological Contaminants

• Keep the house clean and all surfaces dust- free to reduce dust mites, pollens and animal dander
• Regularly clean heating vents and change heating and air conditioning system filters
• Vacuum the house weekly including floors, bedding and soft furnishings. People with allergies should leave the room during vacuuming and for at least an hour after the dust settles. If someone in the house suffers from allergies, you can consider buying a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter traps very small particles that are not collected by regular vacuum cleaners. You may also consider installing a built-in vacuum cleaner that vents outside the main living area such as in the basement, crawl space or outside
• Regularly wash bedding, including pillows and mattress pads, in hot water wash temperature should be at least 55°C

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The Health Effects Of Mold

People who are sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. People allergic to mold may have difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. People with weakened immune systems and with chronic lung diseases, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. If you or your family members have health problems after exposure to mold, contact your doctor or other health care provider.

Contact Us About Mold

Report possible violations of environmental laws and regulations.

EPAs website provides information on mold, its effects on indoor air quality and health, and guidance for addressing mold issues in homes. Please read the following resources before submitting a question.

• Overall information on mold.
• Information onmold testing and sampling.

Please note:EPA does not inspect homes for mold or other general indoor air issues and cannot intervene in landlord/tenant issues. For information on state laws and policies to improve indoor air quality, please see the Environmental Law Institutes Database of State IAQ Laws. You can also find contact information for health and environmental agencies in your state on our Health and Environmental Agencies of U.S. States and Territories webpage.

If you are experiencing health effects that you think are attributable to mold or other indoor air issues in your home, please consult a medical professional. EPA cannot diagnose illnesses or their causes.

Search our Frequently Asked Questions:

• Visit our websitefor the full portfolio of Indoor Air Quality information.

If you still can’t find your answer, send us your questions or comments:

• Via postal mail or courier at the address below:

Mold:

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Dayton And Montgomery County

Dayton and Montgomery County Public Health, Nuisance Abatement 937-225-4362. The Nuisance Abatement Program investigates conditions in residential property in unincorporated areas of Montgomery County. Public health nuisance conditions are resolved through a process of public education and code enforcement.

City of Dayton Building Inspection. The Division of Building Inspection of the Citys Office of Economic Development is primarily responsible for assuring compliance with commercial and residential building construction codes. 937-333-3883.

Mold Cleanup And Prevention

Prevention

There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment, but you can prevent excessive mold growth in your home.

• Fix leaks promptly, eliminate sources of moisture, and clean up the mold
• Clean and dry or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours of a flood or leak
• Use air conditioners and/or dehumidifiers
• Inspect and repair the ventilation system
• Reduce humidity at
• Use exhaust fans to circulate indoor moisture to the outdoors and remove carpeting in areas of excess moisture
• Add insulation to reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces

NOTE: VDH does not have the capability to provide environmental testing or remediation for mold problems. Concerned citizens are advised to follow the practical advice given on this site, refer to additional resources, and if necessary, consult an environmental specialist.

Clean-up

For large areas covered with mold, it is best to seek help from a professional. The Commonwealth of Virginia does not require contractors to be licensed to inspect or remediate mold. Contractors should be able to provide a list of referrals and may also hold certifications from private industrial hygiene associations, such as the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

Small areas of mold can be cleaned up from hard surfaces with detergent and water, or a mild bleach solution.

Clean-up After a Flood

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Common Questions About Odor Control And Air Quality

A: Yes. Mold and bacterial based odors are treated by removing the source. If the mold and bacteria are eliminated, there will not be any new odor generated. Other odors are treated at the source with our odor neutralizer at the molecular level. Our product creates an irreversible bond to the malodor molecules, thereby instantly and permanently changing the particles chemical structure, so they no longer have an odorous property. The result is cleaner, fresher air. Green Home Solutions uses only planet-friendly products so that you will be able to breathe easier.

A: Yes and no. Our odor service can remove the odors in your apartment, but because the odor is emanating from the apartment below, we cannot control the source.

A: We would not recommend any product be applied to areas that contain food. However, if the food was removed, the cabinets could be treated. As with any type of cleaning product, it is always advisable that dishes, glasses, utensils, food prep surfaces and the like be washed and rinsed prior to use.

Are There Situations Where Mold Sampling May Be Considered

Mold testing may be appropriate if:

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What About Black Mold Or Stachybotrys

Recently, there has been heightened concern regarding exposure to a specific type of mold commonly referred to as black or toxic mold. Currently there is no conclusive scientific evidence linking the inhalation of black mold spores or any type of mold in the indoor environment to any illness other than the previously described allergy symptoms. The term toxic is an inaccurate description of this mold. There are many common molds that are black in color.

If you see mold growing in your home, the most important thing to remember is not to panic. You do not have to leave your home or belongings behind or destroy everything in the house. Instead, seek the help of someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with mold. Contact your local public health agency or state health department for more information on mold.

Are There Professionals That Perform Mold Cleanup

Yes. You can find professionals who perform mold cleanup by looking under Fire and Water Damage Restoration in the Yellow Pages of a telephone book. You also may search for professionals on the Internet. The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification and the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration allow consumers to perform a search for their members online. The results of a typical search will include names of professionals, geographic location, and a telephone number.

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Limitations Of Mold Testing

There are many testing methods that can detect molds. They can be used to find mold particles suspended in air, in settled dust, or growing on surfaces of building materials and furnishings. Some methods can identify a portion of the types of live molds in a sampled environment, but these may also miss or undercount those are not live or wont grow well on the nutrients used to incubate the sample. Other methods are better able to characterize the total amount of molds in a sample , but not very good for identifying the specific types of molds. Even tests that are done well only give a partial estimate of the amount and types of molds actually collected in a sample or in the sampled environment.

Despite these limitations, there are situations where mold testing by skilled investigators may be valuable for example, to justify remediation expenses or to document that cleanup has met expectations. In some cases, tests can also provide clues that may help find hidden mold, but the growth still has to be found by looking for it so that it can be removed. Experienced investigators should evaluate whether testing is warranted and if they are ethical, they should advise against testing whenever the problem can be corrected without it. Testing may be useful as part of an investigation, but it is never a substitute for a thorough visual inspection.

What Are Some Common Asthma Triggers

Triggers are things that can cause asthma symptoms, an episode or attack or make asthma worse. People with asthma may have just one trigger, or they may find that several things act as triggers.

Common asthma triggers are:

Be sure to work with your doctor to identify your — or your child’s triggers.

Then take steps to control these triggers.

Learn more about these triggers and others at the EPA Asthma Home Page.

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Should I Use Bleach To Clean Up Mold

Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment may indicate its use . In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area a background level of mold spores will remain – these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.

Please note: Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed.

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