Fungal colonizations can cause problems

Last week I received a call from relative of a client whom our company provided services for previously. She said they had been experiencing health problems for several months and was concerned that her home had developed fungal colonization (mold). I asked her to call an inspector for exterior, interior air and swab sampling which she promptly did.

 Several days later I received the test results from the sampling taken. It indicated a high Penicillium/Aspergillis and Cellulose Fiber count. An appointment was made with the home owner for several days later.

On that date I arrived at the property at the appointed time. I met the home owner and after exchanging social graces he escorted me and several apprentices into their home. On entering the home there was no odor of fungal decay; however, during our inspection the following observation were identified:

Attic: Visually clear of fungal growth.

Living envelope:

• Bathroom walls had heavily textured walls.
• Bathroom exhaust fans did not function properly.
• Fungal colonization had developed under vanity cabinets.
• Carpet in master bedroom had fungal colonization under the pad leading to an exterior door.
• Master bedroom exterior glass door had visual fungal growth.
• Tub/shower insert needed re-caulking.
• HVAC vents had debris and needed cleaning.
• Fungal colonization around window casings throughout the house.

Crawlspace: Visually clear

Following the CDC and Nation Asthma Association guidelines, the following recommendations were made:

• Because the bathroom walls were heavily textured they were collecting moisture and debris which fed fungal growth. The wall should be retextured and painted with a good kitchen and bath paint.
• Replace the contaminated carpet which was more than 10 years old.
• Because the vanity contamination was less than three feet by three feet, owner was provided with cleaning instruction.
• Have the HVAC system cleaned.
• Fungal colonization around the windows was fed by excessive moisture, suggested owner buy a small dehumidifier which should keep the interior humidity between 35 and 50 percent. Provided owner with cleaning instructions.
• Gave owner instruction on how to re-caulk tub area which will prevent moisture intrusion under the vinyl flooring.
• Replace the bathroom ceiling fans with new ones.
• Because of the nature and size of the repairs need, the home owner decided to make the repairs himself. I recommended that once the repairs had been made he have his home retested to verify the problem had been remediated.

Folks I know there are a lot of environmental remediation companies out there. If you have a similar problem, please be careful who you use when you make your selection and please thoroughly evaluate what they say and what it will cost.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do?  For more information about Ed, go online to www.nwees.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified indoor environmental professional, forensic, fire, flood, mold Inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.