Frequently Asked Questions

Mold Inspection

1. What is mold and should I be scared?
2. Why is mold growing in my home?
3. How do I get rid of mold?
4. What is black mold?
5. What are mycotoxins?
6. What is hidden mold?
7. Can mold cause health problems?
8. Do I have to have a mold inspection?
9. What will a mold inspection cost?
10. Do I have to be there?
11. What if the report reveals problems?
12. Why you should use Mold Control Solutions.

Mold Remediation

1. What is Mold Remediation?
2. What is Mold Prevention?
3. Do all buildings have mold?
4. How does MCS apply its products?
5. Can MCS treat only new buildings? What about mold remediation of an occupied residential or commercial building?
6. If I suspect a mold problem in my house. What should I do?
7. Do I have to leave the premises during mold prevention or remediation?
8. Are your products safe?
9. Can I apply the products myself?
10. What is your guarantee?

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What is Mold and should I be scared?

The organisms we call mold and mildew that appear usually as black, gray, or green spots on roofs, walls, ceilings, and floors are really members of a large diverse group called the “Fungi Kingdom”.  There are more than 100,000 know species of fungi found thriving under various environmental conditions worldwide and anticipated millions more that are not known or identified. These organisms, in order to thrive, need only a nutrient source (wood, metal, fuel, concrete, “anything carbon based”) and moisture.  Do not be scared - Be Informed! The Fungi Kingdom lives in harmony with humans, the Animal Kingdom, when in a controlled state, each having their own place in this world.

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Why is Mold growing in my home?

Mold (fungi) is part of our natural environment. Outdoors, mold plays a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees and all other carbon based elements; but indoors, mold does exists, but accelerated growth should be avoided.   Mold reproduces by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float with indoors and outdoors air. Mold may begin growing indoors if the building structure was wet when constructed (building products with high moisture content, not protected from natural causes such as rain), poorly ventilated, subject to other elements such as excessive shade (not enough sun light), other causes of water intrusion and areas that possess a relative humidity of 60% or greater. Mold spores will grow formed colony and multiply on a variety of surfaces when moisture requirements are met. 

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How do I get rid of Mold?

It is difficult to get rid of all molds and mold spores.  It is also dangerous for the property owner to use chemicals as bleach on visible mold colonies. Why - Because there is always a balance in nature, both mold and bacteria. When a product such as bleach is used, it kills only those species vulnerable to bleach leaving the other species of mold and bacteria without competition and thusly, out-of-control.  According to science, mold spores are designed to live an undetermined period of time until just the right conditions (moisture and nutrient source) are available to them. Then, the mold spore shell breaks down and it begins to grow and colonize with and fights for survival against other species of fungus.  For these reasons, it is very important for the property owner to employ a mold service that is certified in mold inspection and remediation using the most advance methods and controls that will reduce mold levels and at the same time, not endanger their workers or occupants of the property.

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What is Black Mold?

A common term used today is “black mold”. There are many types of black mold, but the one notorious black mold identified to cause health problems is Stachybotrys chartarum (also know as Stachybotrys atra). This mold requires a lot of water or moisture to grow, when found, it indicates a significant moisture presence. Normally, it grows on materials with high-fiber and high nitrogen content, such as paper (including wallpaper, and the paper covering gypsum wallboard), and wood or jute (frequently used for the backing of older carpet types).  In the outdoors environment, it is typically found in soil, rotting hay, and leaf debris. Stachybotrys chartarum, along with other molds, produce mycotoxins (chemicals) that discourage growth of other molds and are known to cause health problems in vertebrates (animals and humans).

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What are mycotoxins?

Some fungus types (mold types) produce metabolic products called mycotoxins (myco=fungal, toxin=poison) that discourage bacteria or other fungi from growing in the same area.   When these are present in abundance, they may cause health problems in animals or humans. Thus, mycotoxins are natural products from mold that cause a toxic response in vertebrates when sufficient amounts are eaten, inhaled or touched. Molds that are capable of generating toxins (called “toxigenic molds”) do not always produce toxins in every situation.   Scientists believe that certain very specific conditions must be present for a toxigenic mold to actually produce toxins, such as the right combination of temperature, moisture, type of material the mold is using as food, and perhaps, competition from other microorganisms.

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What is hidden Mold?

You may suspect the presence of hidden mold if a building smells moldy, or an acid-like smell or metallic taste even though you cannot see the source; or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems or symptoms.   Mold may be hidden in places such as the backside of drywall; wallpaper; or paneling; the topside of ceiling tiles; or underside of carpets and pads; etc.Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls, around pipes (leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture, inside ductwork and HVAC air handler and ducts (where condensation forms), and in roof materials, above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation or insufficient ventilation).   Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth.   For example, removal of wallpaper, or a sudden decrease in humidity can lead to a massive release of spores if mold is growing on the underside of the paper. 

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Can Mold cause health problems?

Mold has the potential to cause health problems.  Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins, see FAQ #5).  Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.  Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis).  Allergic reactions to molds are common.  These reactions can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.  In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.  Sadly, symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold.  Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.  This simple response provides a brief overview and does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure.  Please consult your health professional or personal physician if you have questions. Other web sites such as Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Disease Control-Mold Resource Page, O.S.H.A., Dr. Koop, & Mold Help.org may further assist you with your health questions.

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Must I have a Mold inspection?

Current Florida laws do not require you to have a mold inspection nor are mold inspectors state regulated in Florida. However, mandatory mold inspection and regulation is pending.

Even though a mold inspection is neither regulated nor required in Florida, it is very important to know what the health of your living environment may be. Certified mold inspections by Air Condition & Mold Control Solutions (ACMCS) provide quantitative laboratory data, visible inspection findings, and forensic findings when Thermal Imaging is employed (Thermal Imaging allows a properly trained technician to image objects by temperature differential inside of walls and other hidden cavities). These techniques will not only indicate the presence of accelerated mold growth, Yes or No, it will tell you the areas mold growth has contaminated and where it has not contaminated your indoors environment, total mold concentration, total mold concentration by fungus types, and suggestions for proper procedures to remediate the mold problem.

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What will a mold inspection cost?

Unit pricing is available. Pricing varies on size of the property, number of floors, number of A/C units and other factors that will demand the amount of work to be performed. Mold inspection by ACMCS is not just a visible assessment. There are invisible spores to account for that may compromise your indoor air quality. Mold-like structures, even Formed Colony Units at early growth, cannot be identified by the naked eye. Mold inspection is a scientific procedure ensuring integrity of the specimens taken from you property and analyses by an accredited laboratory specializing in microorganisms. Laboratory accreditations are very important! Cross contamination is prevented and Chain-of-Custody control is required. ACMCS Inspectors are trained and certified by American Indoor Air Quality Council. Do not let the cost deter you from having a mold inspection. Ask for a free estimate. Please inquire on Mold Control Solutions pricing by calling (904) 724-2002.

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Do I have to be there?

No, but advisable. We believe that you should know as much as possible about the health of your property. ACMCS mold inspection protocol will require that no one be present in the room, when air samples are taken. Please follow the inspector’s instructions to prevent contamination of samples. Our inspectors are knowledgeable and are happy to entertain your questions.

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What if the report reveals problems?

ACMCS will provide its clients with a written report interpreting the laboratory analysis and include suggestions for mold control. Interpretation of the data is provided in accordance with the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) and the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO) guidelines.  If problems are identified, Mold Control Solutions will recommend prevention and remedial procedures. Also, if mold remediation is required, ACMCS offers its services to “Post treatment” test the remediated area, providing assurance that the remediation was effective.

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Why you should use Air Conditioning & Mold Control Solutions.

ACMCS adheres to strict protocols and standards approved by the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (www.iestandards.org). ACMCS inspection is thorough providing to the client a better value and important information to protect their property and health. A Mold Inspection may include one or more of the following methods:

• A visible examination of all surfaces of the property, Walls, floors, ceilings, roof, attic space, crawlspace and HVAC system(s).
• Differential pressure manometer readings to determine if negative versus positive pressure exists in the home or facility. Negative pressure may indicate a leak or holes in the HVAC duct system thereby drafting biological contaminants and high moisture from non-air-conditioned spaces such as the attic or crawl space into your living envelope.
• Digital moisture readings to pinpoint general areas of water intrusion.
• Infrared Thermal Imaging to specifically determine the source or sources of water intrusion. Here, pictures and videos (if necessary) are taken to document building system failures and/or determine the whys and wherefores of the Initiating Event [An event such as water leaks, water intrusion, high moisture and high Relative Humidity] that caused supported accelerated mold growth and determine what resolutions might be taken to stop water intrusion, excessive moisture and higher than normal Relative Humidity.
• Photographic documentation of all areas suspected of supporting accelerated mold growth.
• Sample air, surface or bulk and provided to a 3rd party Accredited Party Laboratory for analysis.
• Final Written Report that includes:
  1. Determination of an initiating event such as roof or water pipe leaks, HVAC duct penetration, HVAC condensation issues, or inadequate ventilation and high moisture areas, to name a few.
  2. Laboratory factors and quantitative data on mold spore concentrations and/or Formed Colony Unit (FCU) growth.
  3. Identify areas in your living envelope that contain high levels of biological contamination and if the air quality is compromised with high levels of biological contamination.
  4. Suggestions on correcting an Initiating Event and clean-up of biological contamination, if any.
  5. Follow-up actions that will ensure successful remediation.

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What is Mold Remediation?

“Remediation” means to remove. Mold remediation means to remove formed mold colonies and reduce air-borne mold spore concentrations from the indoors environment. Removal may take on different methods such as cutting out the contaminated product and removing it from the building and/or chemically treating the area(s) of mold contamination and “scrubbing” (filtering) the air to capture and remove mold spores. During any of these activities, the contaminated area(s) should be contained from all other areas in a building to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of mold and bacteria to non-contaminated areas.

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What is Mold Prevention?

Mold growth prevention is a scientific procedure using a chemical cleaner to de-nature the bio-film and remove organic matter or nutrient sources on surfaces such as wood framing, drywall, concrete, etc., and seal the surface so mold and bacteria cannot use the surface for a food source.

Air Conditioning & Mold Control Solutions (ASMCS) is so confident about its services, it offers a Builders Program with a manufacturer’s limited 30-year written warranty on all treated surfaces and a Mold Remediation Program with a 2-year to 20-year written warranty. All warranties are transferable to new buyers/owners.

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Do all buildings have mold?

Yes – Every residential and commercial building has mold spores present. It is normal and natural for the Fungi and Animal Kingdoms to exist together. Mold spores enter buildings in a number of ways – each time a door or window is opened, carried on shoes and clothing and on the building construction products when the building was first constructed. ACMCS cannot stop what was created to live with us, but we can now protect the inside environment of a building and limit the negative effects of accelerated mold growth! Use ACMCS and its innovative scientific processes. There is no longer any reason to risk financial burden or damage to your health from mold.

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How does Mold Control Solutions apply its products?

ACMCS uses safe and non-toxic products such as a patented cleaner and patent pending and EPA registered products that can be applied to treat the interior space. Also, ACMCS incorporates the use of foggers to reach hidden (inside a wall cavity) and expansive spaces such as an attic, crawl space or HVAC System. Where appropriate, ACMCS applies the products to assure a successful and safe application.

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Can ACMCS treat only new buildings? What about mold remediation of an occupied residential or commercial building?

ACMCS utilizes different products and methods for new and existing structures. Even soft goods such as clothes, carpet, drapes, etc. and hard surfaces such as furniture, countertops and cabinets or other semi-permeable surfaces such as painted walls, and acoustic ceilings can be treated effectively and affordably for mold.

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If I suspect a mold problem in my house. What should I do?

Call Air Conditioning & Mold Control Solutions at (904) 724-2002.  Depending on the results, of an inspection, ACMCS will assess your needs, provide you with a free proposal, and upon acceptance, execute mold remediation and issue you a written warranty upon successful post-treatment testing.

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Do I have to leave the premises during mold prevention or remediation?

Yes, it is recommended that you are not present during treatment. ACMCS practices the most stringent protocols to protect its employees and occupants. During mold remediation of an existing building, the treated areas are contained and placed under with negative air to prevent cross-contamination to unaffected areas.

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Are your products safe?

Yes, except to mold and bacteria! The products utilized by ACMCS are very safe, non-toxic, non-flammable and friendly to the environment. The products are based on a natural way to fight mold by removing the existing mold, and then to deny new mold spores the organic nutrients required to survive.

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 Can I apply the products myself?

No - Only certified applicators are authorized ensure successful results. ACMCS is a certified applicator of the products and produces guaranteed results backed by a written warranty.

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What is your guarantee?

ACMCS guarantees our work backed by a written warranties. For new construction, where ACMCS treats the entire building structure, ACMCS delivers to the Owner a manufacturer’s limited 30-year written warranty. For mold remediation of existing homes and buildings, ACMCS offers warranties from 1-year, 2-year, 10-year to a 20-year written warranty.