Mold Testing in Homes and Buildings

Water damage to a property can be caused by everything from a natural flooding event or indoor plumbing leak to a sewer backup. If it occurs, water inside a property can damage or destroy building materials, furnishing and belongings, and in some circumstances, can even lead to structural damage.

 

Depending on the source of water, it may contain bacteria, mold, viruses and chemical contaminants. Even water damage due to clean water can result in the growth of mold indoors in less than 48 hours. Mold is a known allergen, respiratory irritant and asthma trigger. Some molds produce toxins, known as mycotoxins, and some can cause infections in people, especially anyone with a weakened or suppressed immune system.

 

Residential and commercial property owners in flood prone areas may be limited in what they can do to prevent a natural flood; however, there are precautions that can be taken to prevent water damage from sources already inside the property. They include the following:

 

• Regularly check washing machine hoses and be sure to replace them if there are any signs of cracking or bulging.
• Inspect ice maker connections for signs of damage and replace when necessary.
• The water heater should be regularly inspected for signs of leaks and corrosion. Drip pans installed below the water heater that drain to the outside can prevent costly damage. Check the life expectancy of the water heater and consider replacing it at the end of its useful life.
• If the property has an air conditioner, be sure the drain lines are not clogged.
• Check under sinks, garbage disposals and around tubs and showers for any signs of leaks.
• Inspect around drinking fountains and toilets and check the toilet’s internal components for any signs of leaks, wear or damage.
• Check basements and crawl spaces for signs of leaks, moisture and elevated humidity levels.
• Inspect any exposed plumbing for signs of condensation, corrosion and leaks.
• Consider having the property’s sewer line inspected for any signs of failure and existing blockages to prevent a sewer backup.

 

“Mold won’t grow unless there is moisture due to a leak, flooding or elevated humidity,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Preventing water damage and responding to moisture issues quickly can prevent mold from becoming an indoor air quality issue and health concern for building occupants.”

 

EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers testing solutions to identify mold and other indoor contaminants, including a consumer-friendly test kit that can be found at www.EMSLTestKits.com. EMSL’s Products Division provides moisture meters to help identify areas within a property that may have existing moisture problems. EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about common interior sources of water damage that can lead to mold growth that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/amCCFegjIcs.

 

To learn more about this other indoor air quality, occupational, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.