Last Updated on February 24, 2015
A mold inspection in Mississauga involves a thorough ocular examination of obvious and possible mold locations. This holds true in moist areas such as drain pans, leaks in duct works, carpets, bathroom and kitchen tiles, ceilings and even paper. HVAC system is also a breeding place for molds. More often than not, the development of mold is left unnoticed since they are very small and seldom seen by the naked eye. However, its growth is highly predictable as long as there is moisture, organic nutrients, a surface to grow on and poor lighting.
Observing these four factors for mold growth, certain maintenance facilities have equipped themselves with proper mold testing equipment and elimination materials depending on the type of inspection to be done. The types of mold testing are air quality mold testing, invasive mold inspection and surface mold testing. All of these can be hazardous to the health of both the inspector and the homeowner as molds account for a high percentage of asthma and other allergic reactions.
Mold inspectors and homeowners have their personal responsibility to protect themselves and their families during inspections because the chemicals to be used and procedure to be done can serve as a threat to one’s health. With all these effects in mind, it pays to get yourself protected. Here are some tips to remember before doing any mold inspection routine or before a mold handyman begins his task:
Do not allow family members with illnesses to come near the inspection area
Anyone with respiratory illness like that of asthma or those who have compromised their immune systems should not be allowed to do the inspection or go near the inspection site. Mold is a fungus that can irritate a person’s respiratory system and may likely to trigger an asthmatic attack or allergy. Children must not be allowed to stay in the area to be inspected as their resistance is still low.
Never touch surfaces with your bare hands
Avoid touching moldy areas with bare hands. Make sure you wear protective gear for your hands like rubber gloves made from natural rubber or neoprene. You should also wear clothing that can easily be discarded after the procedure because mold spores can adhere to one’s clothes. This is done to prevent the spread of molds to other areas.
Wear protective gear during inspection
Dealing with molds is no joke. In fact, it can affect any person and any part of his body. It is therefore important to have a protective gear during the process of inspection. It is best to wear goggles if you want to get rid of possibilities of eye irritation. Look for goggles that have ventilation holes on them. To eliminate tendencies of breathing in mold spores, on the other hand, you must purchase an N95 mask or a high efficiency particulate air mask.
Take a break whenever possible
Do not prolong your stay in the area. It can lead you to inhaling the mold spores and may even worsen your susceptibility to conditions brought about by the exposure. It would be best to take frequent breaks in a location where fresh air is available. Give yourself some space during the entire process.
Exercise caution when doing the clean up after the mold inspection
If you plan to do the clean up after the mold inspection, the same safety tips can be followed. Added to it are opening the windows and turning an exhaust fan towards a window to allow air out of the room. Double bagging materials before removing them from a contaminated area will also be considered a wise move on your part. It is a practical idea to have a full bath after doing mold inspection/clean up.
Hire expert mold inspectors
If hiring someone to do the job is an option, a well-trained handyman should be called in. Ask for referrals. Do not cut corners in scouting for one because this might cause more problems which will require more expenses later on. Make sure that you only go for an expert who cares more about your wellbeing and how they can get rid of molds rather than caring for the price you will pay them after they have accomplished their task.
Hiring expert mold inspectors will be the wisest choice you will ever make in the entire process of protecting yourself during mold inspection. This is because these professionals know what they are doing and are also equipped with the right set of tools that will always help them accomplish their job accordingly. Even after inspection, they can do all other things required from them including mold remediation and mold removal.
Remember that inspection alone does not solve your mold concern. A rigorous step-by-step procedure must be followed to decrease if not totally eliminate the presence of molds in your structure. With this, we encourage you to hire us. We can help you from the mold inspection part to the mold removal. Give us a call and we will come running to your doorsteps to save you.