What is mold & why does it matter?

What is a mold investigation?

Is a mold investigation necessary?

Won’t it break the real estate deal?

When quality and accuracy are critical.INFO@EMLABPK.COM | WWW.EMLABPK.COM

AddItIONAL REsOuRCEs

California Indoor Air Quality Programhttp://www.cal-iaq.org

Centers for disease Control & Preventionhttp://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold

EMLab P&Khttp://www.emlabpk.com

National Library of Medicine: PubMedhttp://www.pubmed.org

NY state dept. of Healthhttp://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds

Mold is part of the natural environment. In nature mold

plays an important part by breaking down dead organic

matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. However, mold

growth is less common indoors. Mold reproduces by

producing tiny spores. the spores are invisible to the naked

eye and travel through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may

begin growing indoors when a source of water is present

(usEPA). Mold growth on surfaces may commonly appear

as black, gray green or olive discoloration and more rarely

white, yellow or other colors.

If indoor mold contamination is extensive it can cause very high

and persistent airborne spore exposures. Persons exposed to high

spore levels can become sensitized and develop allergies or other

health problems. Mold growth may damage clothes, shoes and

furnishings, such as carpets, sofas and cabinets. In time, unchecked

mold growth can cause significant damage to the structural

elements in your home (CA dept. of Health services).

What is mold & Why does it matter? Analytical services:

Fungi

Asbestos

Bacteria

Allergens

Radon

FtIR

sEM-EdX

Mold

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is a mold investigation necessary?

Yes, real estate deals are often broken by fear and worry. A mold

inspection facilitates an honest assessment and evaluation of the

property. Consequently, it enables both the buyer and the seller to

close a real estate transaction with less uncertainty and fear. It can

provide confidence, smooth the transaction and help both parties feel

good about the sale.

Won’t it break the real estate deal?

No, real estate deals are often broken by fear and worry.

An honest, open and accurate mold investigation alleviates fear

and worry so that a fair and satisfactory transaction may occur for

all parties.

If mold is found, this may mean that there was a source of moisture

that enabled this growth. In this case, water problems should be

repaired. After repairs have been made, all mold growth should be

remediated by a professional.

Both the buyer and sellercan benefit from a mold inspection.

www.emlabpk.comWhen quality and accuracy are critical.

What is a mold investigation?

A good mold investigation begins with a thorough visual inspection

of the home. this visual inspection should include the attic, crawl

space, HVAC system, any stains, discoloration or any other area

where signs of moisture intrusion are present. Areas around items

such as dishwashers and other appliances that may be sources of

moisture should also be investigated. taking samples of the air

and/or surfaces are sometimes helpful to provide a better

assessment. For example, surface samples of a discolored surface

may determine if there is mold growth or not. Air samples help

identify whether there is hidden mold growth or sources within

walls that lead to human exposure in the home. The use of qualified,

experienced investigators and laboratory analysis lead to accurate,

cost effective, useful conclusions and recommendations.

[ ]The buyer has greater confidence that there are no hidden

problems that will result in expensive repairs, adversely affect their

health and/or decrease the value of their new home.

the seller can show that their home has no hidden moisture

problems and that this is an open and honest transaction.