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Author: Martine Davis

Nashville Mold Inspection

Nashville Mold Inspection Guide: Discover the Alarming Signs You Can’t Ignore

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Mold Inspection, Nashville, TN.

Mold can be more than just a nuisance—it can seriously impact your home’s structure and your family’s health. Whether you’re noticing musty odors, unexplained allergy symptoms, or signs of water damage, a professional Nashville mold inspection is your first line of defense.

At Indoor Environmental Testing, we provide thorough, unbiased mold inspections throughout the Nashville area to help you identify issues early and take control of your indoor environment.

Why Mold Inspections Matter in Nashville

Nashville’s climate is warm and humid for much of the year—conditions that are ideal for mold growth. Add in frequent rain, aging infrastructure, and occasional storm damage, and you have a perfect storm for moisture-related problems.

Common reasons local residents book a Nashville mold inspection include:

  • Recent water leaks or flooding
  • New or ongoing respiratory symptoms
  • Visible discoloration or spotting on walls, ceilings, or floors
  • Real estate transactions requiring pre-purchase inspection
  • Peace of mind after remediation or repairs

What to Expect From a Professional Mold Inspection

Our inspections begin with a visual assessment, but we don’t stop there. We use moisture meters, infrared cameras, and air sampling equipment (when needed) to uncover what the eye can’t see.

What sets us apart:

  • We do not offer remediation services—so our findings are 100% objective.
  • We provide easy-to-understand reports with actionable recommendations.
  • We inspect for mold growth, hidden moisture sources, and potential contamination zones.

If you’ve been searching for an honest and science-driven Nashville mold inspection, you’ve come to the right place.

When to Schedule a Mold Inspection

Not sure if it’s the right time to call? Here are a few red flags that suggest a mold problem might be hiding in plain sight:

  • Musty or earthy smells, especially after rain or humidity
  • Recent plumbing issues or appliance leaks
  • Recurring headaches, fatigue, or allergy-like symptoms indoors
  • Past mold remediation without recent follow-up testing
  • Water stains or warped building materials

Serving Greater Nashville With Integrity

From Germantown to Green Hills, and from East Nashville to Brentwood and beyond, we help homeowners and property managers across the metro area get clear answers and peace of mind. Our team brings years of experience in indoor environmental testing in Nashville, using state-of-the-art tools and protocols.

Schedule Your Nashville Mold Inspection Today

Don’t let mold go undetected. Schedule a professional Nashville mold inspection today and get the answers you need to protect your health and your home.

Learn more about our indoor environmental testing in Nashville

Nashville EMF Testing

Hidden Dangers? Why Nashville EMF Testing Is Gaining Urgent Attention

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in EMFs & Electro-Pollution, Nashville, TN, RF (microwave) Radiation.

In today’s tech-saturated world, we’re surrounded by wireless signals, electronic devices, and high-voltage equipment—all of which emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While some exposure is unavoidable, elevated or chronic EMF levels in homes and workplaces are raising serious health concerns. That’s why Nashville EMF testing has become an increasingly important service for safety-conscious residents and businesses.

At Indoor Environmental Testing, we provide professional, unbiased EMF assessments using high-precision equipment and clear, science-backed reporting. If you’ve ever wondered whether EMF exposure could be affecting your health or comfort, we’re here to help you find out.

What Are EMFs—And Why Should You Care?

Electromagnetic fields are invisible waves of energy produced by:

  • Power lines and circuit breakers
  • Wi-Fi routers and smart home devices
  • Cell towers and 5G infrastructure
  • Computers, TVs, and game consoles
  • Microwaves, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices

While EMFs are part of modern life, research has linked high levels of exposure to sleep disturbances, headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and more. For people with EMF hypersensitivity, even low levels can be deeply disruptive.

Who Should Consider Nashville EMF Testing?

Our clients seek Nashville EMF testing for many different reasons, including:

  • Unexplained sleep problems, anxiety, or fatigue
  • Recent home upgrades involving smart tech or solar panels
  • Proximity to cell towers, substations, or high-tension power lines
  • New baby or pregnancy concerns
  • Chronic health issues with no clear source
  • Peace of mind before purchasing or leasing a new property

In commercial settings, EMF exposure may also affect sensitive equipment or create workplace discomfort that goes unnoticed until it becomes a pattern.

What Happens During an EMF Assessment?

Our EMF evaluations include:

  • Magnetic field testing (low-frequency EMFs from wiring, transformers, etc.)
  • Electric field measurements (from appliances, outlets, or lighting systems)
  • Radiofrequency (RF) exposure (from wireless routers, cell towers, smart meters)
  • Mapping of EMF “hot spots” throughout your property
  • Clear explanations of what’s normal, what’s not, and what can be mitigated

We use industry-leading meters and record data across a full spectrum of EMF frequencies—something smartphone apps and DIY meters simply cannot match.

We Test—We Don’t Sell Fear

Indoor Environmental Testing is a testing-only company. That means we don’t sell shielding products, remediation services, or gadgets. Our job is to help you understand your exposure, so you can make informed decisions—not to upsell you on expensive solutions you may not need.

And as part of our broader approach to healthy buildings, we offer full-spectrum indoor environmental testing in Nashville to assess mold, VOCs, allergens, and more.
Serving Homes, Schools, and Workplaces Across Nashville

We provide EMF testing in Nashville and surrounding communities, including Franklin, Brentwood, East Nashville, and Bellevue. Whether you’re concerned about a child’s bedroom near the breaker panel or want to ensure your office space is safe and balanced, we tailor each assessment to your environment.

Ready for Real Answers? Schedule Your EMF Testing Today

If you’re concerned about invisible energy sources affecting your home or workplace, don’t guess—get clarity. Our Nashville EMF testing services are designed to uncover hidden exposures and give you practical insights, not hype.

Learn more about our indoor environmental testing in Nashville and contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Mold in Rentals: What Are Your Rights as a Tenant?

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Indoor Environmental Testing, Mold Illness Mold Sickness, Mold Inspection, Mold Prevention.

Mold in a rental home is a serious issue that can pose health risks and damage property. If you’re a tenant dealing with mold, it’s essential to understand your rights and the steps you can take to ensure your living environment is safe and healthy. Remember: a safe home is a right, not a privilege.

Here, we’ll explore the professional, scientific, and legal aspects surrounding tenant rights concerning mold.

Steps to Identify Mold and Its Health Risks

Mold can thrive in damp, humid conditions, often found in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Signs of mold growth include:

– A musty odor
– Visible mold patches (often appearing as black, green, or white spots)
– Water stains on walls or ceilings, delamination on wood, bubbling paint, cracks in drywall, discoloration of paint
– Signs of water damage like leaks, water seepage, decay on wood material

Mold exposure can lead to various health issues, especially for individuals with respiratory problems or compromised immune systems. Symptoms may include allergic reactions, headaches, skin irritation, and respiratory difficulties. Some mold can affect the  neurological system and cause brain fog, dizziness, tremors,  migraines/headaches, etc. These symptoms are similar to microwave radiation poisoning from wi-fi, wireless printers, cordless phones, etc. so make sure you keep these appliances at a distance.

What are your legal rights as a tenant?

In many jurisdictions, tenants have specific rights when it comes to hazardous living conditions, including mold. Here are some general legal protections you should be aware of:

1. Implied Warranty of Habitability: Most states require rental properties to meet certain health and safety standards. This means that if a property is uninhabitable due to mold, you may have grounds to request repairs or even terminate your lease. Always do this in writing!

2. Duty to Notify: Tenants are typically required to inform their landlord of any problems with mold or water damage as soon as they are discovered. Documenting your communication—through emails or written notices—can be vital if legal action or mediation becomes necessary later.

3. Right to Withhold Rent: In some cases, if a landlord fails to take action after being notified of a mold issue, tenants may have the right to withhold rent until the problem is resolved. However, this action comes with risks and should be pursued with caution and preferably with legal advice first because the landlord can start eviction proceedings for non-payment.

4. Retaliation Protections: If you report mold issues, your landlord cannot retaliate against you by raising rent, evicting you, or refusing to renew your lease. If you feel you are being retaliated against, document each incident carefully.

Taking Action Against Mold

1. Document Everything: Keep records of mold sightings, health issues, and communication with your landlord. Photos, emails, and written notices are invaluable.

2. Request Repairs: Formally request your landlord to address the mold issue. This should be done in writing and detail the potential health impacts. How the landlord reacts to your request will tell you how to proceed. If they respond in a responsible and professional manner, they will hire a mold professional to investigate. Let them know you would like a copy of the inspection report. 

TIP: Beware of Mold Inspections that consists of simple air sampling in the middle of a room or “tape lifts” from general surfaces. Hidden molds inside ducts, in carpeting or inside wall cavities are rarely detectable with this methodology.

3. Seek Professional Help: If the landlord or Management Company doesn’t respond appropriately, or if you are not able to sufficiently document the mold problem, consider hiring a professional mold inspection company like Indoor Environmental Testing to provide an objective assessment and help bolster your case if you need to pursue further action. This step would likely be necessary if you plan to pursue legal action so confirm that the inspection company offer litigation support. The advantage here is that you will receive the inspection reports with the inspector’s findings.

If a mold problem is found, ask for reimbursement for your expenses related to the mold. Request that the mold problem be addressed according to the recommendation outlined in the inspection report.

The biggest and most common mistake landlords make at this point is to have their maintenance staff handle the remediation. This is a high risk step for all because improper handling of mold contaminated materials can cause cross contamination to the HVAC system and severe damage to the tenant’s furnishing and belongings. If this happens, cover all your belongings and furniture with plastic and have a mold professional test them when the remediation has been completed to verify that your things were not contaminated.

4. Legal Consultation: If your landlord does not respond appropriately, seek legal advice. A lawyer specializing in tenant rights can guide you on how to proceed, whether that involves mediation or filing a lawsuit.

Conclusion

Mold in your rental apartment, condo, town home or house is more than just an annoyance; it’s a potential health hazard that demands immediate attention. Understanding your rights as a tenant is crucial in addressing this issue effectively. By documenting your situation, communicating with your landlord in writing, and taking appropriate action, you can work towards ensuring a safe and healthy living environment. Always consider consulting a legal professional if you’re unsure about your rights or the best course of action.

For further assistance or to discuss your situation, feel free to reach out. Let’s ensure your living space stays safe and healthy! For a mold inspection, contact us at 1.800-692.4783 (serving Madison, WI, Knoxville and Nashville, TN)

Here are some possible contacts for legal advice.

Nashville:

  • Ann Peldo Cargile: Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP.
  • Connie Chadwick
  • Robert E. Lee Davies, Jr.: Puryear, Newman & Morton
  • Freeman & Fuson
  • Davis Law Firm

Madison:

  • Linda Monroe, Monroe Law Office
  • Community Justice, Inc (CommunityJusticeInc.org)
  • Steven C. Wheeler, Wheeler Equal Rights Law
  • Damon Etawlyah & Marin Smith, Small Axe Cooperative (Sliding Scale Available) 

Knoxville:

In Tennessee, contact

  • Tennessee Consumer Affairs Division for mediation services
  • Tennessee Fair Housing

In Madison, WI, contact The Tenant Resource Center Rental Rights Hotline 608-257-0006
Toll-Free: 877-238-RENT (7368)

For reliable information about mold, visit these websites:

  • https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home
  • https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/clean-up.html

Mold Health Effects: 5 Tips to Stay Safe

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Mold Prevention, Uncategorized.

Mold—a word that might make you shudder, and for good reason. Often lurking in hidden corners or damp spaces, mold is more than just an unsightly inconvenience. It can pose serious health risks, especially to certain vulnerable groups. In this blog, we’ll explore how mold affects health, who is most at risk, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What is Mold and Where Does it Grow?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, humid environments. Found both indoors and outdoors, it spreads through airborne spores. Common indoor sources include leaky pipes, poorly ventilated bathrooms, and basements with moisture issues.

Fun fact: Did you know that mold spores are nearly everywhere, but they only grow into colonies when given the right conditions? Unfortunately, those “right conditions” often overlap with our living spaces!

The Health Risks of Mold Exposure

Mold exposure can lead to a range of health problems, depending on the type of mold, the level of exposure, and an individual’s susceptibility. Here’s a breakdown of common effects:

Respiratory Issues: Mold spores can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, sneezing, and throat irritation.

Allergic Reactions: Many people are allergic to mold, which can trigger symptoms like itchy eyes, a runny nose, or skin rashes.

Asthma Complications: For those with asthma, mold can exacerbate symptoms or even trigger attacks.

Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure to toxic molds, like *Stachybotrys chartarum* (commonly known as “black mold”), has been linked to more severe issues like memory problems, fatigue, or lung inflammation.

Children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to mold’s effects.

Signs of Mold in Your Home

Mold doesn’t always announce itself with a musty smell or visible patches. Other signs include:

– Persistent water stains or peeling paint.

– Increased humidity or condensation on windows.

– Health issues among family members that improve when they’re away from home.

Preventing and Addressing Mold

To keep mold at bay, try these tips:

1. Control Humidity: Aim for indoor humidity levels below 60%, ideally between 30-50%.

2. Fix Leaks Promptly: Whether it’s a dripping faucet or a roof leak, address moisture sources quickly.

3. Ventilation is Key: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and ensure proper airflow throughout your home.

4. Regular Inspections: Check damp areas like basements, under sinks and behind toilets sinks for early signs of mold.

Thermal imaging device

5. Professional Help: If mold infestation is significant, consult a mold expert. A few hundred dollars for a mold inspection can end up saving thousands of dollars in damage

Conclusion

Mold is more than just a household nuisance; it’s a genuine health concern that warrants attention. By understanding its risks and taking proactive measures, you can create a safer and healthier environment. Remember, the battle against mold starts with awareness. Share this blog with friends and family—they might thank you for it!

For more information about Mold’s Health Effects, visit the CDC web page about mold

Should you buy a house with a crawl space?

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Air Quality Testing, Mold Prevention, Uncategorized.

When buying a house with a crawl space, potential extra costs include: crawl space encapsulation (to prevent moisture and pests), repairs for existing moisture damage like wood rot, additional insulation, pest control treatments, and potential structural repairs related to water damage; all of which can significantly add to the purchase price of the home.

Moisture is the plague of crawl spaces everywhere and is a big deal because it can impact finances and physical health. So what are the consequences of moisture in a crawlspace?

#1: Energy Costs

Vented dirt crawl spaces are costly since they create damp conditions upstairs, which requires more energy to heat. Damp air also puts more strain on an HVAC system.

Taking care of humidity problems in a crawlspace can save 15-25% depending on the size of the house, whether ducts are located in the crawl, how many stories the house has, etc.

Simply caulking around windows doesn’t fix the problem.

#2: Pests

A moist and moldy crawl space attracts pests. Rodents, insects, snakes and more can make their way into the home; some die in the crawlspace. As they decay, they create offensive odors that rise into the occupied space.

High humidity conditions in the living space invite dust mites and their droppings. These droppings exacerbate symptoms for allergy and asthma sufferers.

A moist crawlspace also favors termites due to the abundance of wet wood and since homeowners rarely visit their crawlspace, they don’t know that the home is being eaten away from the inside.

#3: Mold

Moisture settles on exposed surfaces, including joists, beams, fiberglass insulation, and drywall. As long as moisture is present, mold grows and spreads. If you’ve ever visited an older home and smelled a musty odor, mold probably was the culprit and 9 times out of 10, that musty odor comes from a basement or crawl.

Photo courtesy of Santa Fe Dehumidifiers

Mold in the crawl (or basement) has a direct impact on people living in the home. Because of the “stack effect,” air moves from below-grade spaces into the upper levels of the house. Warm air travels upward and escapes through cracks, windows, vents, and other openings. As the air rises, it carries allergens, spores, soil gases like radon, mold gases, dust, and harmful elements that infiltrate the living space. This often causes asthma, allergies, and respiratory problems for occupants.

#4: Rot

Moisture leads to mold and mold leads to rot. Rot eats away at wooden joists, beams, and drywall. It causes structural issues, like spongy floors, doors and windows that don’t close properly, buckling or sagging floors.

The options are to fix the moisture problem or replace floors and repair the foundation. 

Controlling humidity and water intrusion are essential. To accomplish that, an encapsulation system, dehumidifier and sump pump are usually recommended.

The Solution

Crawlspace encapsulation by a crawlspace expert will insulate damp earth and keep the area airtight, dry and energy efficient. A vapor barrier is installed on the walls and floors of the crawl, preventing water vapor and humidity from reaching vulnerable surfaces like joists and subfloor. The liner is mold and mildew resistant and usually comes with a 25-year warranty. This liner creates an inhospitable environment for pests and prevents summer heat and winter cold from invading.

Then a large dehumidifier is installed. These are usually efficient, low-maintenance systems that come with a 5-year warranty and are designed for usage in below-grade spaces. Ideally, the contractor will install a crawl space door composed of inorganic materials (foam board or plastic) not susceptible to rot and rust. It’s crucial to create an airtight seal between the crawl and outside air.

If necessary, your contractor may also recommend a drainage matting system to be installed underneath the liner to direct water to a perimeter drain and sump pump system to keep water from pooling and creating long-term damage.

The adage “you pay now or pay later” certainly applies to crawl spaces!

For more information about crawlspaces visit https://www.fema.gov/about/glossary/crawlspace and

https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/basement_crawlspace

WHY MYCOTOXINS NEVER DIE

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Indeed, mycotoxins don’t die, because …
Mycotoxins were never living organisms to begin with.
Mycotoxins are chemical substances deliberately produced by hazardous molds, mostly with the objective of inflicting damage. Why do molds produce mycotoxins?
Well molds have a great sense of survival and they will do whatever is necessary to safeguard their space, their food source and their existence.
Why do molds enter a defensive state and produce mycotoxins?
  1. Defense Mechanism — In response to threats from other microbes, mold synthesizes mycotoxins to keep the competition away. Consider it their declaration of territorial ownership.
  1. Competition for Resources – Mycotoxins keep other mold species and bacteria away to safeguard their food (dust) and habitat (damp or wet surface).
  1. Environmental Stressors: Variations in temperature, humidity, or nutrient availability may prompt mold to excrete mycotoxins as a survival mechanism.
It is crucial to acknowledge that mycotoxins may persist in your environment even after you’ve removed the mold from your house. This is why we recommend a detailed cleaning or “Bio Cleaning” after remediation. Mycotoxins are chemically very stable and will endure long after the mold has disappeared.
Mycotoxins burden the liver and kidneys, undermining your ability to eliminate toxins. This can cause a variety of symptoms even after the mold is gone. This underscores the significance of mycotoxin testing. Eliminating the sources of mold constitutes merely the initial element of the cleanup process. The second phase involves eliminating the byproducts disseminated by those sources within your residence (bacteria, beta glucans, mites, etc.).
For more information on testing your home for mold and mycotoxins, contact our office at 800-MY-AIR-TEST.
Above illustration courtesy of Mosaic Diagnostics, formerly Great Plains Laboratories

Brain Fog: Studies confirm mold causes brain inflammation

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Mold Illness Mold Sickness.

“Brain fog” is a general term used to describe cognitive symptoms such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and mental fatigue. While the exact mechanisms by which mold and its mycotoxins cause brain fog are not fully understood, it is believed that exposure to these toxins can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, including the brain. Furthermore, mycotoxins like trichothecenes can disrupt neurotransmitter function and interfere with communication between nerve cells in the brain. This disruption can lead to cognitive impairment.

For a long time now, mycotoxins were believed to be THE cause of various adverse effects on human health, including neurological symptoms. When neuroscientist Cheryl Harding set out to prove it with her study of mold exposure on the brain of mice, what she discovered was unexpected: Even when mycotoxins were removed and mice were exposed to spores only, neurological symptoms still occurred! This challenges what scientists have believed for decades: that  mycotoxins were the culprit.

Harding exposed mice 3 times a week for 6 weeks to Stachybotrys (aka “Toxic Black Mold”) OR to Stachybotrys spores with the toxins removed. Both sets of mice experienced brain inflammation, damage to brain cells, and worsening of memory. Some of the subjects exhibited behavior indicative of anxiety and overall sickness.

When the brain tissue was later examined, Harding noted a type of inflammation called innate immune activation and this was present in BOTH treatment groups, proof that even without the toxins, this mold was able to injure the immune system which then spread inflammation to the brain.

The memory part of the brain tissue also showed an increase in the brain immune cell that releases cytokines into the Central Nervous System (CNS) which, according to Harding, explained the mice “sickness behavior” of fatigue, pain and social withdrawal. 1

The results of another study published in 2020 showed that symptoms of the central or peripheral nervous system were more common among participants of the study who were exposed to mold vs. control participants who were not exposed, that is 81 vs 11% . Fatigue was reported in 77 vs. 24%  and “brain fog” was prevalent in 62 vs 11% of the study participants.2

It’s important to note that while this evidence suggests a definite link between mold exposure and cognitive symptoms like brain fog, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved and to establish a definitive causal relationships.

If you suspect that mold exposure is affecting your health, it’s advisable to consult with a mold-literate healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management. A list of mold-literate docs is available on the IET website.

Harding CF, Pytte CL, Page KG, Ryberg KJ, Normand E, Remigio GJ, DeStefano RA, Morris DB, Voronina J, Lopez A, Stalbow LA, Williams EP, Abreu N. Mold inhalation causes innate immune activation, neural, cognitive and emotional dysfunction. Brain Behav Immu

2 Saija Hyvönen, Jouni Lohi, Tamara Tuuminen, Moist and Mold Exposure is Associated With High Prevalence of Neurological Symptoms and MCS in a Finnish Hospital Workers Cohort, Safety and Health at Work, Volume 11, Issue 2, 2020, Pages 173-177, ISSN 2093-7

How many of these mold myths do you believe?

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Air Quality Testing, Mold Illness Mold Sickness, Mold Inspection.

Myth #1 If I had mold in my house I would see it

Molds prefer to grow in dark places with little air flow like behind the wall, underneath cabinetry, underneath hardwood floors, inside the furnace, etc. It’s impossible to see mold in these places.

Myth #2 If I had mold in my house I would smell it.

The musty smell we associate with mold is produced when molds are actively feeding and digesting. During that phase. they produce a gas called Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds or MVOCs. Some MVOCs are not perceptible so they could easily be missed. Once the area dries, molds stop feeding and no longer produce the gas so there is no smell however, the mold is still there, drying up and becoming more volatile, more likely to become airborne and travel in air spaces.

Myth #3 Ozone kills mold

Ozone has its place, for example to disinfect kitchen surfaces or remove odors once the source is gone. However, studies have shown that it’s never 100% effective on mold and mycotoxins. The goal with mold is removal not “killing”. Mycotoxins are not an organism they are a chemical, no need to kill chemicals but they should be removed.

Myth #4 The EPA says there is no need to test so I don’t need a mold inspection.

The EPA is referring to testing visible mold, of course everyone knows mold should be removed, no need to test.  But if you clean up only the mold you can see, there is a very high chance that you’ll miss some. For example, your dishwasher leaked and you cleaned the area underneath and in front of it but testing may show mold is also growing underneath your kitchen cabinets on both sides, underneath the flooring, in the wall behind the dishwasher and in the basement ceiling below.  It all depends on where the water travelled and a mold inspector who tests cavities is your best bet.

Myth #5 Mold is everywhere so finding mold in someone’s house is not a big deal

Yes there are common, harmless mold everywhere. What a mold professional does is look for water-damage molds that are toxigenic and allergenic, which means molds capable of producing toxic substances or allergens/inflammatory compounds. A mold professional is trained to recognize the difference.

Myth #6 I’m sick but nobody else is, so it’s probably not mold

Approximately 25% of the population has a genetic deficiency in the HLA-DR gene on chromosome 6. Missing HLA genes or a deficiency in function of these genes makes those individuals at risk when exposed to mold. This is why in a household of 4, only 1 or 2 may be sick. In addition, more than 40% of the population is sensitive to mold in some form but many don’t know it. Who would think that trouble sleeping, nightmares, urinary issues, memory loss, irritability and anger could be related to mold exposure??! Also, individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Lyme Disease, Mast Cell Activation or PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are very sensitive to mold and can have severe reactions when exposed to mold, immediate or delayed. For example, one of our clients said that his child (diagnosed with PANDAS) would start screaming for no reason when entering his playroom in the basement which was later found to be infested with Stachybotrys and Chaetomium molds. 

Myth #7 If I buy a newer house or build a house, I won’t have a mold problem

In more than 20 years of inspecting well over 5,000 homes for mold, I only found a handful of them that didn’t have a mold issue somewhere. We have found mold in brand new apartments, condos, multi-million dollar homes, etc. Flooding happens during construction, rain happens during construction, plumbing errors happen during construction…We even find mold in walls of newly renovated bathrooms and kitchens because the renovation crew never noticed they were disturbing toxic mold and they just swept debris in the wall cavity before installing the new drywall!

Myth #8 Air samples will tell me if I have mold in my walls

Unfortunately it’s not that simple. Again, 20+ years of testing and tens of thousands of air samples have shown repeatedly that an air sample taken in a room will not detect mold behind the wall. The wall cavity itself has to be tested.

Myth #9 Fogging gets rid of mold

Fogging has become “a thing” lately. It’s much cheaper than typical mold removal and seems like a magic pill. Problem is, it doesn’t remove mold. Fogging will cause airborne particles to get wet and heavy so they will fall and land on surfaces where they can be wiped off but mold growth is not removed by fogging. Even if the fog could reach inside walls, it would only reach the top layer of mold. Extensive field testing has shown no reduction of mold counts and no direct effect on mold inside wall cavities, under vanities, inside the furnace, etc.

Myth #10 Once a house is infested with mold, you have to throw away everything

There are plenty of stories on social media of people who felt they had to leave everything behind after a water incident. There are many reasons for this. In some cases, the testing was incomplete and didn’t find ALL the mold, in some remediation was inadequate and left too many mold fragments or mycotoxins behind, in others, the person didn’t clean the house enough after remediation. There are a few cases where the person was poisoned so severely by mold that they may never be symptoms free in the home but these cases are very rare. With proper remediation and post remediation cleaning, a house can be perfectly safe and most folks do fine in their house afterwards. Some items may need to be discarded if mold grew on them or if the surface was porous and affected. Testing of furnishings is key to find out what to keep and what to discard. 

I Had My House Tested For Mold By A Professional. No Mold Was Found, but I Can Smell it!

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Mold Inspection, Uncategorized.

If you continue to smell mold in your home even after professional testing showed negative results, you’re not crazy, and you’re not alone. There are different types of mold testing available to home owners, and some are better than others at finding hidden mold growth.Unfortunately, many current mold-testing methods are simply limited and often miss the mark. The most common types of testing employed by professionals today involve using “spore traps” or “tape lifts.” These types of tests focus on mold spores only. They ignore other substances produced by molds that can make you feel awful such as mycotoxins, microbial VOCs, beta-glucans, and often bacteria and their toxins (endotoxins).

Other common testing techniques focus on ambient air rather than where mold usually hides, such as inside walls, ceiling cavities, HVAC systems, under basement stairs, in closets, and in carpeting and insulation. We’ve even found it in C-Pap machines, in refrigerator ice maker dispensers and drip pans, and in mattresses.

What if a window leak is causing water to drip inside a wall cavity, and mold is growing on the back of the drywall, studs, and fiberglass insulation? Will the mold spores come out of the wall and float in the air to be captured by an air test? This is unlikely but, depending on airflow currents inside walls, the other compounds produced by molds might. Like the VOCs that produce the unmistakable musty odor. Oftentimes, the ambient air in the room tested “normal,” but when you sniff the electrical outlets in that room, you can smell the mustiness.

This is an example where wall-cavity testing (often called a wall check) is in order. Twenty-plus years of testing and tens of thousands of air samples have shown me repeatedly that an air sample taken in a room will not detect mold behind the wall. The wall cavity itself has to be tested.

Some professionals argue that wall cavity testing is unreliable because some walls that tested high on mold tests looked fine when they were opened. Often that’s because the spores are in the fiberglass insulation. The mold causes a musty odor, but you can’t see the mold because it’s hiding in the fiberglass insulation on the back of the drywall. Sometimes it is underneath the bottom plate (bottom stud), and there is no way to inspect that stud’s underside.

The same applies to carpeting, especially in basements, where carpeting is installed on concrete. Mold in carpeting is rarely visible and will not show up in an air test. Concrete slabs emit moisture, which over time, may cause mold growth in the carpet. At Indoor Environmental Testing Inc, our process begins with scanning walls and ceilings with an infrared camera, and conducting a walk-through of the home with special attention to areas around plumbing or water appliances (dishwasher, fridge ice maker, showers, vanities, laundry, etc.).

Using our specialized equipment, we scan walls and suspected areas for damp spots, temperature differentials, and particle counts, which may indicate potential mold growth. A visual and olfactory observation are also used to detect problem areas during the survey.

Finally, we use sampling equipment to collect samples of air or dust throughout the indoor environment. If a carpeted area is identified as a source, we will take samples of the carpet dust. When the IR camera indicates a suspicious spot, we may sample the air inside a wall cavity (this requires drilling a small 1⁄4” hole in the bottom of the wall, behind or right above the baseboard).

All samples taken from the indoor environment are sent to the lab for microscopic evaluations (2-3 days) or cultured at the lab and analyzed with a microscope to identify mold species (7-10 days).

If you are concerned about hidden mold growth in your home and especially if your intuition and nose tell you there is still some lurking — don’t give up. Consider doing your own testing through Indoor Environmental Testing Inc. You deserve a healthy, peaceful home.

Martine Davis is CEO of Indoor Environmental Testing, Inc and has been testing homes as a certified Building Biologist for over twenty years. She has dedicated her life to helping others get to the bottom of their indoor environmental issues, especially those who are suffering from health complications due to mold toxicity, air pollution, and electro-magnetic radiation.

 

 

FREE EMF Educational Seminar

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Uncategorized.

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