Home > Common Questions



What is Mold?
Molds are microscopic organisms that occur naturally in our environment. They are necessary, outdoors, to break down organic matter such as dead leaves and trees. This non-living organic material is essentially food for the molds. Some molds are useful to man and used in the processing of antibiotics and food products. Some molds are toxic and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.

How Does Mold Grow?
Molds reproduce by means of tiny particles or spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and are light enough to float and travel on air currents. If mold spores settle on a moist surface, they will begin to grow. Mold always needs moisture, a food source and the correct temperature to grow.

How Do I Know When Mold is Growing in My Indoor Environment?
The following “Red Flags” may be evidence of indoor mold growth:
1. Visible mold–mold appears in many colors - white, orange, pink, blue, green, black or brown.
2. Musty odor
3. Visible water damage
4. Poorly maintained HVAC System
5. Construction defects.

Are All Molds Harmful to My Health?
The mold species found outdoors will commonly be found indoors. They are not a problem unless they begin to amplify or grow. Of the approximately 100,000 species of molds, only a few are irritants to humans. There are three categories of mold irritants:

1. Allergenic – Common allergic reactions to mold are hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose,      red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis).
2. Pathogenic- Pathogenic means “disease causing.” These molds can cause reactions in sensitive people, with      suppressed or undeveloped immune systems such as infants or the elderly.
3. Toxic- These molds produce Mycotoxins, or poisons. Although rare, overexposure to toxic molds can cause      severe problems such as nosebleeds, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and permanent lung damage.

What Should I Do If Mold is Present in My Indoor Environment?
If present, any mold is a potential health risk and should be removed. Mold testing is used to determine which type of mold is present and which remediation guidelines should be followed.

How Do I Remove Mold From My Indoor Environment?
Before any mold remediation project is initiated, it important to remove the source of water or mold growth will recur. Often this requires the services of a plumber to repair leaking pipes, repair of roofing or waterproofing the basement.

Areas less than 10 square feet or less such as ceiling tiles or small areas on walls can be cleaned by regular maintenance staff if training in proper clean up methods is provided. Personal protection such as gloves, eye protection and respirators must be worn. The area cleaned should be unoccupied and infants or immune suppressed people should be vacated from adjacent areas.

Areas over 30 square feet require a professional trained in handling hazardous materials. Plastic sheeting called containment is used to prevent contamination of adjacent areas. The extent of contamination determines the degree of containment used. A variety of methods such as sanding, scraping or removal of structure can be used to remove the mold. Anti microbial solutions, dehumidifiers and air scrubbing devices are frequently utilized.

Why Choose Air Cleaning Systems as Your Mold Remediator?
Air Cleaning Systems’ Certified Mold Remediators (CMR’s) are professionals trained to conduct remediation projects safely and thoroughly according to project specifications and in compliance with relevant government regulations and industry standards. Microbial Remediators have thorough knowledge and verified field experience in containment engineering, safety and emergency procedures, remediation equipment operation, cleaning, removal and restoration procedures, and project documentation