What are the health risks associated with mold exposure?

Studies have shown that people who are atopic (sensitive), already suffer from allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems and occupy damp or moldy buildings are at an increased risk of health problems such as inflammatory and toxic responses to mold spores, metabolites and other components. The most common health problem is an allergic reaction. Other problems are respiratory and/or immune system responses including respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, exacerbation of asthma, and rarely hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic alveolitis, chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic fungal sinusitis. Severe reactions are rare but possible. A person’s reaction to mold depends on their sensitivity and other health conditions, the amount of mold present, length of exposure and the type of mold or mold products. Some molds also produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. The term “toxic mold” refers to molds that produce mycotoxins, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, not to all molds.

How we handle the presence of mold:

Elite Restoration & Construction Services resolves mold presence by following the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning, Restoration Certification) standard for successful applied microbial remediation. When encountering the presence of mold in complex areas of a property e.g. kitchens, bathrooms, and multiple rooms, we first consult with a board-certified Indoor Environmental hygienist firm to perform a mold pre-test. Once we receive the test results, we follow the remediation protocol provided by the environmental expert. In more straightforward situations where obvious mold presence exists e.g. isolated locations, light presence of mold behind baseboards, walls or ceilings, we can strategize our very own Elite mold remediation plan without the performing an initial mold pre-test. Once the mold remediation is completed, the environmental hygienist company will perform a final clearance test to ensure the mold remediation was 100% successful.