Risk of Mold | Los Angeles

Plumbing repairs and maintenance help prevent water damage and mold problems

Tightening the faucet and re-caulking the fixtures can help save thousands of dollars.  . Is your building at risk now?

1.  Active Leaks – risk of mold increases
2. Historic Leaks – risk of mold present

How does a mold inspector find plumbing leaks in your home?

By using a moisture meter or thermal infrared camera. As an important indicator, a mold inspector will use moisture content to determine if your building is at risk now.

Home/ Building Owners:

A quick weekly inspection can be conducted to determine if preventative plumbing repairs in your home need to be completed to prevent mold from growing inside your home.

Health effects | Risks of Mold

Studies have shown that people who are atopic (sensitive), already suffer from allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems^[3] and occupy damp or moldy buildings are at an increased risk of health problems such as inflammatory and toxic responses to mold spores, metabolites and other components.^[4] The most common health problem is an allergic reaction. Other problems are respiratory and/or immune system responses including respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, exacerbation of asthma, and rarely hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic alveolitis, chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic fungal sinusitis. Severe reactions are rare but possible. A person’s reaction to mold depends on their sensitivity and other health conditions, the amount of mold present, length of exposure and the type of mold or mold products.

Some molds also produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. The term “toxic mold” refers to molds that produce mycotoxins, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, not to all molds.^[5] Exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and in some cases death.^[6] Prolonged exposure, e.g., daily workplace exposure, can be particularly harmful.

The five most common genera of indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria and Trichoderma.

Damp environments which allow mold to grow can also produce bacteria and help release volatile organic compounds.