You work at a medical clinic, and three rooms in the back of the office have a musty, moldy smell. The office unit is located in an area where a dirt slope comes up against the building, often bringing water to the building. If the wall doesn’t have a waterproof coating and drainage, the water will pass through the porous concrete and into the building. The cove base on the wall is coming off, and there seem to be some black spots around the glue. The building maintenance is alerted and hires a mold inspector to look into the matter. The mold inspector performs his duty and collects air and surface samples, and his report shows the presence of a high number of mold spores, and the black substance behind the cove base is indeed mold.
Now that you know there is a lot of mold growing in the back rooms, you need to follow the recommendations of the mold inspector and hire a remediation professional to address the issue. Mold will grow in the building with enough moisture, water, humidity, and food. It grows in damp, dark places and where there is water activity. Mold not only causes health problems in individuals with allergies but can also cause aesthetic problems such as stains and odors. Since the purpose of mold is to eat and digest material that it settles on, it is a threat to a building’s structural integrity.
If mold growth is low or medium, keep the spaces well-ventilated by opening windows for at least four hours per day and using dehumidifiers. It would help if you also had a building checked every 18-24 months for indoor air quality and mold, as the building conditions change over time.
If you suspect mold at your office, ask for a mold air quality test and inspection by a certified mold inspector, industrial hygienist, or IAQ professional. A mold inspector with an InterNACHI certification will be well-qualified to perform the inspection and provide a helpful report. Be careful to hire a different professional to do the remediation, as it is a conflict of interest.
Mold testing near me
Go you INTERNACHI.org to find a list of professionals in your area; you can also search online and check reviews. Ask the inspector what the scope of work will be and if they will provide recommendations in their final report. Also, ask the inspector if the inspection will be limited to a specific building area or if it will be a complete inspection. If you suspect mold, get the issue investigated and addressed immediately.
5 Microns Inc. offers mold inspection and testing by certified mold inspectors. We also perform IAQ testing, asbestos, radon, mold, lead, drinking water, and lab testing services. We are open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Booking an appointment is accessible through our online booking system; you can choose the date and time that suits you best, and we will provide a free estimate. Please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns regarding mold.
