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Fall is Mold season and we have an guest blogger, Ed Williamson, a certified mold professional,
to discuss the importance of indoor air quality as it relates to our health. Ed Williamson is an expert in home and environmental mold assessment and mold remediation.
by Ed Williamson of All Mold Service
I would like to just talk about an often overlooked component to good health which would be indoor air quality as it pertains to mold (fungi). These days people are more conscious of diet (how food relates to health) and personal hygiene but often overlook the impact of poor indoor air quality.
Indoors vs. Outdoors, where do you spend your time?
You always hear about outdoor air quality, you hear pollen counts, air pollution, but really we spend more time indoors as a rule than outdoors. Homes now have been built to be efficient in energy, meaning designed to keep warm and cool air either in or out depending on the climate. This same efficiency has also contributed to creating an environment that when the conditions are right mold can occur and cause challenges in the form of allergies and other health related concerns, and many times a person is not even aware that mold is occurring.
One of the things I hear over and over when I am called in to do a mold assessment is, “I put bleach on it so why am I still experiencing allergies?” When mold grows millions of microscopic spores are released into the air, these spores become airborne and can remain dormant for years or given the right conditions - such as high humidity or moisture – can result in a new mold condition. According to Dr. Barbara Solomon, an allergy specialist in helping patients who suffer from environmental allergens, “you should have a professional mold test and remediate your home of any molds. If you’re not sure whether or not you have mold allergy, consider allergy testing.”
The best way to test for mold is to have a Professional Mold Assessor do a Testing
This is accomplished by taking either air or surface samples, having the samples analyzed by and accredited Lab and developing a plan to remediate or change the environment to reduce or eliminate mold. A good mold assessor will typically hold an accreditation recognized nationally and be licensed in states that require it. They will carry the proper Insurance and be knowledgeable in both testing as well as finding the source of mold (fungi). They should also be able to provide references and credentials if asked.
He or she can be thought of as a detective and will ask lots of questions which will help determine the cause, condition or presence of mold. This can be accomplished without using scare tactics or hype. The professional should be able to speak in terms that are easily understandable. All fees and costs should be provided in advance.
Ed Williamson, Certified and Accredited Mold professional
www.allmoldservice.com
Ed Williamson is a licensed mold assessor in the state of Florida and holds his certification through ACAC, he does mold assessments in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Florida. He is the owner of All Mold Service and belongs to the Indoor Air Quality Association, member Orlando chapter, as well as Micro. He holds other certifications in Mold Remediation and has completed training in Infection control risk assessment.
