Mold Detection

Lawsuits alleging injuries or damages by toxic mold have become commonplace. Today, defendants in toxic mold litigation include contractors, subcontractors, construction managers, property managers, architects, construction component suppliers, and building owners.

Without standard cleanup regulations pertaining to toxic mold, the courts, rather than regulatory drivers, decide “how clean is clean,” often resulting in higher costs for responsible parties. PBS&J can help you avoid having to go to court over toxic mold issues by helping to solve your mold problems. We listen to the needs of each client, help define specific project goals, and develop cost-effective, responsible solutions to mold problems.

Because mold that is not thoroughly removed can become a problem within months of the initial cleanup, our experts find where mold grows and take action to keep it from spreading. We use conventional and advanced technologies to discover water intrusion, the source points for mold growth in building structures. Once the source of elevated moisture is determined, the baseline source of mold growth is shut down.

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and dehumidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e. windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation.
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any
    substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet and foods.

PBS&J Services

• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessments
• Building Evaluations, HVAC Inspections
• Building Material Sampling
• Aeromycology Collection Sampling
• Infrared Thermovision Scanning
• Ultra Violet Fluorescent Evaluation
• IAQ Remedial Program Inspections
• Worker Health Exposure Evaluations
• Preventive Maintenance Inspections