Mold, Asbestos, and Water Damage Evaluation

MOLD:

Molds are tiny spores that float through the air continually.  When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin to grow.

Molds can grow almost anywhere, among them, on wood, paper, carpet, foods, etc.  When excessive moisture accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur.  In order to control mold growth, one must control moisture.

 Things To Know About Mold

  • Mold can be hazardous to health. Symptoms associated with mold exposures include, allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
  • There is no practical way to eliminate all molds in the indoor environment. 
  • If mold is a problem, you must clean up the mold and eliminate the source of moisture.
  • Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%).  By venting: bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside by using air conditioners, de-humidifiers, exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning will decrease mold growth.
  • Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24 - 48 hours.
  • Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent and dry completely.
  • Leaky plumbing and other sources of water should be repaired and eliminated.
  • Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles and carpet) that become moldy have to be replaced.
  • Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e. windows and piping).
  • In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting

For more detailed information go to 'Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation' website - www.cmhc.ca -    in the search box, type 'mold'.

ASBESTOS:

Asbestos is a mineral which is mined for its useful properties like, thermal insulation, fire proofing and other buiding materials, such as, cement wallboards, vinyl floor tiles, pipe and ducts wrappings etc.

Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers, that may become airborne when asbestos containing materials are damaged or disturbed. When these aiborne fibers are inhailed into the lungs, they can cause significant heajth problems.

For detailed info, go to: www.cmhc.ca and U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency. www.epa.gov

 


VERMICULITE

Vermiculiteis a naturaly occuring mineral that has the unusual property of expanding into worm-like shaped pieces when heated. The expanded vermiculite is lightweight and fire resistant, which is used in numerous products, including attic insulation.

Much of the world's supply of vermiulite came from a mine in Montana.U.S. before it was closed in 1990. Because this mine had a natural deposit of asbestos, the vermiculite collected from the mine was contaminnated. Therefore some vermiculite insulated atiics may contain asbestos fibers.

Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble-like, pour in product and is usualy light brown or gold in color, with a metalic sheen. It is difficult to determin if an attic insulated with vermiculite is contaminated or not, unless checked by a specialist.Therefore to be safe, it's better not to disturb it. Any disturbance has the potential to release fibers into the air. Entering the attic should be limited. no storage of boxes in the attic. No attempt should be done by an untrained person to remove it.

For more info: the Ohaio Department of Health at (614) 466-0061 or e-mail:  ASBESTOS@gw.odh.state.oh.us

RADON

Radon is a radioactive gas which exists naturally in the soil, rock and water. It forms by breakdown of uranium in the soil and naturally escapes into the air, and when it accumolates in high levels inside a home, it is a concern to health.The known risk associated with exposure to radon, is increasd risk of developing lung cancer.

Radon can enter a home through any openings, where the house contacts the soil, such as exposed soil in a basement or crawlspace, cracks in foundations, cracks in floors and openings around pipes entering the house.

For a detailed info , go to : www.cmhc.ca , in 'search' box type: 'radon'.

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