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Mold and Moisture Assessment Equipment Solutions

Mold health issues are potentially harmful and have shown adverse health effects. These health effects stem not only from molds but also other microbial agents and biotoxins associated with dampness, mold, water-damaged building, bacteria, and other exotoxins.

Molds and many related microbial agents are present in the biosphere. Mold spores are a common component of household and workplace dust. While most molds are not hazardous to humans, a few are known to be reactions to molds that can vary between individuals. From relatively minor allergic reactions through to severe multi-system inflammatory effects, and even neurological problems and death.

The effects in the aftermath of hurricanes and major floods create excessive exposure to mold-contaminated materials and can cause adverse health effects. Mold spores and associated toxins can cause harm primarily via inhalation, ingestion, and contact.

Hidden Mold
Mold is detectable by smell and signs of water damage on walls or ceilings and can grow in places invisible to the human eye. It may be found behind wallpaper or paneling, on the inside of dropped ceilings, the back of drywall, or the underside of carpets or carpet padding. Piping in a wall may also be a source of mold since it may leak causing moisture and condensation. 

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can produce mold growth. The air conditioning system creates a difference in temperature, encouraging condensation. The high rate of dusty air movement through an HVAC system may furnish food for mold.  

Assessment
An observation inspection should be conducted before any sampling is performed. Sampling should be performed by a trained professional with specific experience in mold-sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpretation of findings.

Air Samplers, Moisture Meters, and Air Velocity Meters
Air is the most common form of sampling to assess mold levels. Pine Environmental has many air sampling and moisture meters that determine moisture levels and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as the ones below.

 

Thermal Cameras
Thermographic cameras create an image using infrared (IR) radiation, like a camera that forms an image using visible light. These cameras are another non-destructive inspection tool. They allow users to see problem areas not visible to the eye and are used in building inspections, moisture detection, and energy auditing. Pine Environmental carries a variety of Thermal Imaging Cameras.

Borescopes
Borescopes are flexible tubes with a camera at the end to illuminate potential mold problems inside walls, ceilings, and crawl spaces. Pine Environmental carries a variety of Borescopes.

Industrial Hygiene, Emergency Equipment, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
During mold remediation, Pine Environmental carries many of the Industrial Hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies needed.

The first step in solving a mold problem is to remove the moisture source. The effective way to clean mold is to use detergents marketed for mold cleanup include an EPA-approved antifungal agent. 

The goals of remediation are to remove (or clean) contaminated materials, preventing fungi (and fungi-contaminated dust) from entering an occupied area while workers performing the abatement.