Mold can be found almost anywhere; it can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are over 20,000 different types of mold that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, insulation, and building materials. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors. However, mold growth can be controlled by controlling the moisture.

When mold spores land on wet or damp materials they begin growing and digesting whatever they are on in order to survive. Molds gradually destroy the things they grow upon. All mold has the potential to cause health effects. Mold produces allergens and toxins that can cause symptoms such as hay fever, asthma attacks, respiratory problems, irritation of the eyes, skin, nose and throat, as well as serious sinus infections and headaches. If mold is present, caution should be used to prevent mold and mold spores from being dispersed throughout the air where they can be inhaled.

Quality Air Testing will perform visual inspections inside and outside of the home to help locate possible moisture problems using moisture meters, relative humidity indicators, and optical scopes to look inside air ducts and walls.

Air samples can be taken to identify what types of mold are present in the home. Although you may not see the mold, if there have been water leaks or moisture problems, mold may be growing behind walls or under the floors. Tape lifts or swab samples can also be taken to identify molds if they are visible and can be reached.

Pricing for air, tape and swab samples vary depending upon how many samples are taken. With air samples you must take at least two samples, one outside and one inside.

Controlling the water or source of moisture should be your first concern. Once these issues have been repaired, any visible growth should be cleaned and removed by a professional.

For more information about mold visit the EPA Website.

Radon? Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of Uranium in soil, rock and water. Air pressure inside your home is usually lower than pressure in the soil around and under your homes foundation. Because of this difference in pressure, your home acts like a vacuum, drawing radon in through foundation cracks and openings. Since you cannot see, smell, or taste radon, testing is the only way to determine if you have elevated levels.

Why should you test for radon? Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States. It is estimated that radon causes between 5,000 and 20,000 deaths a year. Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have an elevated radon level above 4 pCi/L. All types of homes, new and old, have been found to have elevated radon levels.

How to test for radon? Radon is measured inside of homes and buildings by using a radon monitor. Radon is measured in picocuries per Liter (pCi/L), and the EPA action level for radon is 4 pCi/L.

Radon testing protocols very slightly for homeowners testing and for testing during a real estate transaction. However, the testing minimum is 48 hours and "closed house conditions" must be maintained for accurate test results.

Reducing the levels in your home. The Surgeon General and EPA recommend radon mitigation for a home or building that has elevated radon levels above 4 pCi/L. Depending upon your foundation type, such as a basement or crawl space, a radon mitigation system can be installed to lower your yearly average to below 4 pCi/L for an average cost of $900.00 to $1,300.00.