Commercial Mold Inspection -- What They Look For

When a public building is suspected of having leaks or mildew, a commercial mold inspection may need to be accomplished. Commercial facility owners or managers will want to know whether there is, in fact, any evidence of the mold and if so what type. Inspectors will figure out how this substance began to grow in the first place and correct it. If mold's discovered, a cleanup plan will need to be set up in order to protect the building and inhabitants. When this problem is discovered in a public space, its resolution is even more complicated because all exposed individuals will need to be notified so they can obtain medical intervention, if necessary.

Types of Mold

There are various types of molds and some are more dangerous than others. While this substance, which is actually fungi, is good for decomposing parts of nature, it can be detrimental when it begins to multiply indoors. Outdoors, this fungus breaks down dead plants such as fallen leaves, tree limbs that have crashed off the trunk of a tree and other decaying natural materials. It reproduces via spores and can multiply rapidly. Some molds are black, others green or white. When these materials end up inside of a building, they can eat away structural components and furniture. Inspectors will take samplings of the substances and perform tests to discover exactly what sort it is.

Dangers to Health

Some types of these fungi are more destructive to human health than others. Some of the health ills include asthma, chronic breathing problems, bronchitis, allergies, pneumonia, cancer and irritations to skin, eyes, throat and lungs. There are varieties of toxic products called mycotoxins that are created by moldy situations. One example is one called Aflatoxin B1 and it has become one of the more researched types because of its link to cancer. This toxin can be inhaled, touched or swallowed on foods. Damp buildings are inspected for these toxic substances.

Cleanup Plan

If a commercial mold inspection turns up evidence of this problem, a cleanup plan will have to be devised. How it will be handled will partially depend on how large of a space is affected. For areas larger than ten feet by ten feet, the government mandates specially designated remedies. A professional remediator should be brought into the situation in order to follow the appropriate EPA guidelines for remediation. Not only will the interior and exterior of the building be investigated but the ductwork for the HVAC system, as well. If there was water damage in the building, there will need to be remediation for that, too.

When it comes to having a commercial mold inspection, it's important to hire a pro who is well acquainted with the EPA guidelines for proper cleanup. Special cleansers, tools, protective garments, gloves and eyewear will need to be worn in order to protect the inspector. If a commercial building is found to have an infestation, fast action will need to be taken to protect all concerned.