New York City Mold Testing
Do I Need A Mold Test in NYC?
New York City is the largest metropolitan area in the United States. Its five boroughs boast a population of more than 8 million residents, and it is home to the most diverse culture found in America. Located on the coast of the Atlantic the average rainfall for New York City is between 30 and 60 inches, with it peaking at more than 70 inches per year. This moisture can seep into your basement, walls, roof, and attic to create a perfect space for mold growth. If left to grow mold can deteriorate multiple components inside of any building. If your home has suffered any form of water damage, or you have seen mold growing on your walls, floors, or ceilings then you should get it inspected for mold.
Some molds are harmless to most humans so long as they are below a certain threshold; in fact, mold spores are naturally occurring in the environment. It is when mold levels reach a certain point they become a health hazard for most people causing allergic reactions and respiratory distress. Recent studies have shown that exposure to mold can even cause asthma. If you see or smell mold in your house then you should get a professional mold inspection of the premises to ensure that you address all instances of growth.
The Means of Inspecting Mold in your Home
A mold inspection consists of having a professional inspector search all areas of the dwelling. It is important to remember that any area of a dwelling has the potential for sustaining mold growth.. Beyond looking for visible contaminations the inspector will use air sampling to test the ambient levels of mold within the building—comparing them to the ambient levels outside—to determine the degree of contamination. The inspector will also take samples of any suspect mold. These samples will be sent to a third-party lab, where the type of mold and the amount will be assessed. Upon completion of the lab’s independent assessment the inspector will interpret the results as they relate to the building in question.
Based upon the results, the inspector will then determine the best course of action based on the investigation. In many instances this involves removal of affected building components, a thorough cleaning of the HVAC system, temporary or permanent installation of dehumidifiers, and various other forms of mold remediation and recommendations to prevent water and moisture intrusion in the future that will help you prevent its reoccurrence. The inspector will walk you through each step to ensure that you understand how to best protect yourself and your home from mold.
If your building has been subjected to water damage or moisture in any form, or you feel that it is at high risk for mold, call us at 800.392.6468 to have your home or commercial property inspected by one of our certified microbial investigators.
