Although there currently are no other regulations covering mold exposure, excessive inhalation of mold
spores is considered unhealthy by virtually every medical authority and government agency that has
studied exposure (including the California Department of Public Health, and EPA). Failure at creating
regulations is primarily due to technical difficulties in creating a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for a
contaminant that has hundreds of different species commonly found indoors with varying degrees of health
effects.
spores is considered unhealthy by virtually every medical authority and government agency that has
studied exposure (including the California Department of Public Health, and EPA). Failure at creating
regulations is primarily due to technical difficulties in creating a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for a
contaminant that has hundreds of different species commonly found indoors with varying degrees of health
effects.
To survive, mold requires moisture, oxygen, and organic material to feed on (wood, paper, dust, carpeting,
etc.). The presence of mold indicates that there is a moisture problem somewhere indoors which could
include roof leaks, foundation leaks, window condensation, pipe leaks, and excess humidity caused by
poor ventilation. In order to permanently remove mold, the moisture problem must be identified and
corrected. To a lesser extent dust control will also help keep mold away in some circumstances.
etc.). The presence of mold indicates that there is a moisture problem somewhere indoors which could
include roof leaks, foundation leaks, window condensation, pipe leaks, and excess humidity caused by
poor ventilation. In order to permanently remove mold, the moisture problem must be identified and
corrected. To a lesser extent dust control will also help keep mold away in some circumstances.
Identifying Moisture Problems
Indoor moisture problems can be categorized as
obvious or unobvious. Obvious moisture problems
such as flooding or a leaky drain pipe under the sink
do not require a professional investigation but may
require professional remediation.
obvious or unobvious. Obvious moisture problems
such as flooding or a leaky drain pipe under the sink
do not require a professional investigation but may
require professional remediation.
Mold Sampling
Types of samples include air samples, surface samples, and bulk samples
(chunks of carpet, insulation, wallboard, etc.). The analysis should follow
analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene
Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional guidelines.
(chunks of carpet, insulation, wallboard, etc.). The analysis should follow
analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene
Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional guidelines.
Toxic Mold
All molds have the potential to cause health
effects, most commonly by triggering allergic
reactions. Some species of mold including
Aspergillus and Stachybotrys varieties can
cause much more severe health problems.
These molds produce toxic substances
called mycotoxins. Exposure pathways for
mycotoxins can include inhalation, ingestion,
or skin contact. Fortunately, these types of
mold are not commonly found indoors.
effects, most commonly by triggering allergic
reactions. Some species of mold including
Aspergillus and Stachybotrys varieties can
cause much more severe health problems.
These molds produce toxic substances
called mycotoxins. Exposure pathways for
mycotoxins can include inhalation, ingestion,
or skin contact. Fortunately, these types of
mold are not commonly found indoors.
Unobvious moisture problems such as poor
ventilation, pipe leak inside a wall, and roof and
foundation leaks often necessitate a professional
investigation by a company such as San Diego
Testing. In such cases the occupants may notice a
mold odor without seeing the actual mold.
ventilation, pipe leak inside a wall, and roof and
foundation leaks often necessitate a professional
investigation by a company such as San Diego
Testing. In such cases the occupants may notice a
mold odor without seeing the actual mold.
mold hidden inside wall
In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary - fix the moisture problem,
remove the mold, and the project is done. However, in specific instances, such as cases where litigation is
involved, the source(s) of the mold contamination is unclear, or health concerns are a problem, sampling
may be useful as part of a site evaluation. Sampling may also be useful in order to determine if an area has
been adequately cleaned or remediated and many remediation companies and property owners want
clearance sampling to verify that the work has been adequately completed.
remove the mold, and the project is done. However, in specific instances, such as cases where litigation is
involved, the source(s) of the mold contamination is unclear, or health concerns are a problem, sampling
may be useful as part of a site evaluation. Sampling may also be useful in order to determine if an area has
been adequately cleaned or remediated and many remediation companies and property owners want
clearance sampling to verify that the work has been adequately completed.
- Lead paint testing (inspections)
Services Offered
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after abatement
- HUD lead inspections and
hazard assessments
- Consulting services for property
managers and abatement
professionals
- Mold investigations and
related services
- Lead clearance testing
- Free phone consultations on all
lead, asbestos, and mold matters
aspergillus and stachybotrys spores
toxic mold removal under full containment
Mold in Residential and Commercial Structures
air sample pump
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858.688.2868
Lead-Asbestos-Mold Experts in San Diego
California State Housing Law prohibits visible or otherwise demonstrable mold growth in leased (rented)
buildings used for human habitation (housing). Exemptions include mold caused by inappropriate
housekeeping practices or improper use of ventilation, and mold that is minor and found on surfaces that
can accumulate moisture as part of their proper and intended use.
buildings used for human habitation (housing). Exemptions include mold caused by inappropriate
housekeeping practices or improper use of ventilation, and mold that is minor and found on surfaces that
can accumulate moisture as part of their proper and intended use.
Certifications | Insurance
Professional Liability Insurance:
$2,000,000 aggregate policy
$2,000,000 aggregate policy
California DOSH Certified Asbestos
Consultant #06-3922
Consultant #06-3922
California DPH Certified Lead Inspector/
Assessor/Project Monitor #17780
Assessor/Project Monitor #17780
Call or email for pricing or with
any questions:
any questions:
858.688.2868