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Mold Beta-Glucan Testing: Detecting Hidden Fungal Contamination in Buildings

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on Mold Beta-Glucan Testing: Detecting Hidden Fungal Contamination in Buildings

When investigating mold contamination in buildings, many inspectors rely on spore trap air samples. While spore testing can provide useful information, it often misses an important part of mold exposure: microscopic fungal fragments.

Research over the past two decades shows that fungal fragments can be far more numerous than intact spores, and these particles often contain β-glucans, a key biomarker of fungal material.

Because of this, mold beta-glucan testing is increasingly used in indoor air quality (IAQ) investigations to detect hidden fungal contamination that traditional spore counts may overlook.

What Are Beta-Glucans?

β-glucans are structural polysaccharides found in fungal cell walls. They are present in:

  • Mold spores
  • Fungal hyphae (the branching structures that form mold colonies)
  • Fungal fragments and microscopic debris

When mold grows on building materials or when moldy materials degrade, these particles become airborne or settle into household dust.

Because β-glucans are part of the fungal cell wall, they serve as a marker of total fungal biomass.

Why Mold Beta-Glucan Testing Matters

Traditional mold testing methods measure only intact spores. However, multiple studies have shown that spores represent only a portion of airborne fungal particles.

Research by aerosol scientists Dr. Tiina Reponen, Dr. S. A. Grinshpun, and colleagues demonstrated that fungal fragments can be released during mold growth and mechanical disturbance.

In controlled aerosolization experiments, researchers found that fungal fragments could outnumber spores by hundreds of times (Górny et al., 2002).

These fragments often measure less than 1 micron, allowing them to penetrate deep into the lungs.

Scientific Evidence Behind Beta-Glucan Testing

Several major studies have established the importance of fungal fragments and β-glucans in indoor environments.

Fungal Fragments as Indoor Air Biocontaminants

Górny RL, Reponen T, Grinshpun SA, Willeke K.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology (2002)

This landmark study demonstrated that fungal fragments are released along with spores and may occur at concentrations hundreds of times higher than spores.

Citation:
Górny RL, Reponen T, Willeke K, Schmechel D, Robine E, Boissier M, Grinshpun SA. 2002. Fungal fragments as indoor air biocontaminants. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 68(7):3522-3531.

Fungal Fragments in Moldy Houses

Reponen T., Adhikari A., et al.
Atmospheric Environment (2007)

This field study measured airborne fungal fragments in mold-affected homes and confirmed the presence of submicron fungal particles in indoor air.

Citation:
Adhikari A, Reponen T, Grinshpun SA, Martuzevicius D, LeMasters G. 2007. Fungal fragments in moldy houses. Atmospheric Environment.

Beta-Glucans and Respiratory Health

Rylander R.
Indoor Air (1997; 2010 reviews)

Dr. Ragnar Rylander conducted pioneering work on β-glucans as inflammatory agents, demonstrating their role in respiratory irritation and immune activation.

Citation:
Rylander R. 1997. Airborne β-glucan and respiratory disease. Indoor Air.

Together, these studies established that fungal fragments containing β-glucans are a major component of indoor mold exposure.

According to the EPA “Allergic reactions to mold are common and can be immediate or delayed. Repeated or single exposure to mold, mold spores, or mold fragments may cause non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive to mold, and repeated exposure has the potential to increase sensitivity”.

 

Spores vs Fungal Fragments

Traditional mold tests primarily measure spores, but buildings also contain many microscopic fragments.

Because fragments are often much smaller than spores, they remain airborne longer and can travel throughout buildings.

What Mold Beta-Glucan Testing Detects

β-glucan testing measures total fungal biomass, including:

  • Spores
  • Hyphal fragments
  • Degraded fungal debris
  • Microscopic fungal dust

This makes it useful for detecting hidden mold problems.

Common scenarios where beta-glucan testing helps include:

Hidden Mold in Wall Cavities

Mold growing inside walls may release fragments even when spores are not detected.

Post-Remediation Evaluation

Beta-glucans can identify residual fungal dust remaining after remediation.

Buildings with Symptoms but Low Spore Counts

Occupants may react to fragments rather than spores.

Laboratories Offering Mold Beta-Glucan Testing

Several environmental laboratories offer β-glucan analysis for indoor air quality investigations.

EMSL Analytical

Large international environmental laboratory.

Typical price:
$80 – $150 per sample

Services include:

  • Dust beta-glucan analysis
  • Air filter analysis
  • Environmental microbiology testing

Eurofins EMLab P&K

One of the largest mold testing labs in North America.

Typical price:
$100 – $180 per sample

They provide a full range of IAQ services including:

  • mold spore analysis
  • fungal biomass markers
  • building investigations

Mycometrics

Specialized microbial testing laboratory focusing on fungal contamination.

Typical price:
$120 – $200 per sample

Offers assays for fungal biomass markers including β-glucans and ergosterol.

Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab)

Environmental testing laboratory providing advanced IAQ analyses.

Typical price:
$100 – $200 per sample

Limitations of Beta-Glucan Testing

While beta-glucan testing is useful, it does have limitations:

  • It does not identify specific mold species
  • It cannot determine whether contamination is active or historical
  • Small amounts may originate from non-fungal organic materials

Because of these limitations, most investigators use beta-glucan testing alongside other diagnostic methods.

Best Practice for Mold Investigations

The most effective building investigations combine several techniques:

  • Visual inspection
  • Moisture mapping
  • Spore trap air sampling
  • Dust testing (ERMI / HERTSMI-2)
  • Mold beta-glucan testing

This multi-method approach provides a more complete understanding of fungal contamination.

Final Thoughts

Scientific research over the past two decades has shown that mold exposure is not limited to spores. Microscopic fungal fragments—often containing β-glucans—can be present at much higher concentrations and may play an important role in indoor air quality and occupant health.

Because of this, mold beta-glucan testing is becoming an important tool for detecting hidden mold contamination in buildings.

For inspectors, industrial hygienists, and building scientists, beta-glucan testing can provide valuable insight into total fungal biomass and residual mold contamination that traditional testing methods may miss.

Key References

Górny RL, Reponen T, Willeke K, et al. 2002. Fungal fragments as indoor air biocontaminants. Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

Adhikari A, Reponen T, Grinshpun SA, et al. 2007. Fungal fragments in moldy houses. Atmospheric Environment.

Rylander R. 1997. Airborne β-glucan and respiratory disease. Indoor Air.

 

 

Can You Sell a House with Mold? Essential Guide for Sellers.

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

Can You Sell a House with Mold? Essential Guide for Sellers

 

Image

Introduction

Can you sell a house with mold? Yes — but it can significantly impact your home’s value, buyer interest, and financing approval.

If you’re a homeowner, investor, or planning to list your property, understanding how mold affects the value of your property is critical. Mold is more than a cosmetic issue — it can lower your market price, delay closing, and even prevent buyers from securing a mortgage.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to sell a house with mold, what the legal requirements are, and how to protect your investment.

1. Can You Sell a House with Mold? Appraisal Phase.

One of the biggest concerns when selling a house with mold is the home appraisal.

Licensed appraisers evaluate:

  • Structural integrity

  • Visible damage

  • Environmental hazards

  • Overall maintenance condition

Mold signals potential moisture and structural issues, which may result in:

  • Lower appraised value

  • Required remediation before loan approval

  • FHA/VA loan delays

  • Reduced buyer confidence

Even minor mold contamination can reduce property value by 10–20%, depending on severity and buyer perception.

2. Buyer Perception: Why Selling a House with Mold Is Harder

Today’s buyers are cautious. When mold appears in a home inspection report, it often leads to:

  • Price renegotiation

  • Repair contingencies

  • Requests for professional mold testing

  • Deal cancellations

Because mold exposure is linked to respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma, many buyers avoid properties with a mold history — even after remediation.

This stigma can affect resale value long-term.

3. Legal Disclosure: Are You Required to Report Mold?

If you’re wondering, “Can you sell a house with mold without telling the buyer?” — the answer is usually no.

Most states legally require sellers to disclose known material defects, including mold and water damage. Failure to disclose can result in:

  • Lawsuits

  • Contract cancellation

  • Financial penalties

  • Post-sale liability

Transparency protects you legally and builds buyer trust. For additional details about this topic see this article by Stoner Law Offices.

4. Structural Damage That Lowers Home Value

Mold feeds on organic materials such as:

  • Wood framing

  • Drywall

  • Subflooring

  • Insulation

  • Carpeting

If left untreated, it can weaken structural components and require costly repairs. Extensive remediation can cost thousands of dollars, directly reducing your net profit when selling.

5. Mold Remediation vs. Selling As-Is

Professional mold remediation typically costs:

  • $500–$1,500 for small areas

  • $2,000–$6,000+ for larger contamination

While you can sell a house with mold as-is, most sellers choose remediation before listing to:

  • Increase buyer confidence

  • Improve appraisal results

  • Avoid large price reductions

  • Sell faster

In most cases, remediation costs less than the price reduction buyers will demand.

How to Sell a House with Mold the Right Way

 

Step 1: Identify the Moisture Source

Fix leaks, roof damage, plumbing failures, or drainage issues.

Step 2: Hire an Independent Mold Inspector

A third-party inspector can assess contamination levels and recommend remediation scope.

Step 3: Complete Professional Mold Remediation

Certified professionals remove affected materials and treat impacted areas.

Step 4: Conduct Post-Remediation Testing

Clearance testing provides proof that mold was removed and levels are safe.

Step 5: Document Everything

Provide buyers with:

  • Inspection reports

  • Remediation invoices

  • Clearance test results

This documentation significantly reduces negative impact on resale value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you legally sell a house with mold?

Yes, but you must disclose known issues according to state property disclosure laws.

Does mold always lower property value?

Typically yes. Mold can reduce value by 10–30% depending on severity and market conditions.

Will buyers walk away from a house with mold?

Some will. Others may negotiate a lower price or request remediation before closing.

Is it better to remediate mold before selling?

In most cases, yes. Remediation often costs less than the price reduction buyers demand.

Final Thoughts: Should You Sell a House with Mold?

So, can you sell a house with mold? Absolutely — but how you handle it determines your financial outcome.

Ignoring mold can cost you thousands in price reductions, legal risk, and delayed sales. Addressing it proactively protects your property value and builds buyer trust.

If you suspect mold before listing your home, acting early is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make.

Local Mold Inspection & Pre-Sale Testing

If you’re preparing to sell in:

  • Nashville, TN

  • Madison, WI

Contact Indoor Environmental Testing for a pre-sale mold inspection:

📞 Nashville: (615) 576-0808
📞 Madison: (608) 448-6768
🌐 www.airinspector.com

Professional documentation can make the difference between a smooth closing and a failed contract.

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

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.

The best Building Biologists have created a great educational video which is available for free on YouTube. It is almost 4 hours long with great information presented by different professionals. You can easily go to the part you are interested in. There is minimal marketing for a new RF meter but the information presented is very valuable and covers basic concepts for newbies.

 

Indoor Environmental Testing Inc now offers water testing (Well Water and City Water)

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Contamination of drinking water can expose you to harmful chemicals you can’t see, taste or smell. we are now equipped to collect a certified lab sample to identify potential risks in your home’s drinking water.

Lead: detected in more than 20% of tap water, lead is a neurotoxin and very harmful to children, impacting brain development and behavior.

Arsenic: Perhaps the most potent carcinogen in US tap water, arsenic is detected in 10% of all samples submitted.

Nickel: Many people have skin and throat allergies when they ingest nickel at elevated levels. Not EPA-regulated, nickel is often detected if a home has nickel plated fixtures.

Coliform and E. Coli Bacteria: If your water comes from a local utility, bacterial contamination is uncommon but private well water should be tested for bacterial pathogens.

Nitrates: Nitrates and nitrites may indicate possible contamination from nearby agricultural runoff. It is particularly a risk in rural and suburban areas.

Hardness: Hard water clogs and breaks your plumbing, leaves film on glassware, prohibits soap from lathering and can taste chalky.

IET uses certified laboratories, provides unbiased water treatment advice and health-risk assessment. Add water testing to your next air quality inspection!

How to minimize entry of pollutants into the home

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Favor smooth-surfaced furniture (faux-leather, microfiber) over cloth upholstery, hard surfaced flooring over carpeting, metal or wood window treatments over draperies. Reducing clutter is essential to keeping dust down.

Vegan chair
Faux-leather Chair
Faux-leather white sofa

Check for leaky clothes dryer vents.

Implement a no-shoe-policy to reduce bringing outdoor pollutants.

Showering in the evening will reduce dust particles deposited from hair onto pillows, linens and into the bedroom.

For people who work outdoors and/or in polluted environments i.e. farmers, gardeners, carpet cleaners, mechanics, pest control applicators, construction workers and people who work in basements often like plumbers, heating & cooling contractors, pest control applicators etc., removing work clothes immediately upon returning home is essential to prevent “shedding” mold fragments, road dust, mouse and cat allergens, pesticides, etc. from clothing and hair. Use tacky mats and have shoe covers available when workers are going in and out of the house.

Most importantly, never let your cleaning service use its own vacuum cleaner in your home. The majority of vacuums leak very fine particles into the air, adding pollutants in your home from warehouses with rodents, office buildings with pesticide applications, and homes with mold and dander. If dust is going to be leaked in your home from a vacuum, it should be your dust, better yet, buy a non-leaky vacuum like Miele or Sebo.