CONTACT US:     HOME INSPECTIONS Orange County (Insured & Bonded) J.L.C. Inspections, Inc. 94 Frontier St. Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679 Telephone: 949-589-8909 BUSINESS 949-702-4221 CELL CALL US TODAY! "Your Home Inspection and Mold Inspection Experts in Orange County"     Email: Begin@HomeInspections OrangeCounty.com

ARTICLES: ARTICLE 1: ABOUT HOME INSPECTIONS ARTICLE 2: ABOUT MOLD, MOLD INSPECTIONS AND K-9 INSPECTIONS ARTICLE 3: ABOUT MOLD DETECTION DOGS ARTICLE 4: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings ARTICLE 5: THE SNIFF TEST - Orange County Register ARTICLE 6: About Infrared Thermography ARTICLE 7: How to Pick a Mold Inspector ARTICLE 8: Air traffic control mold ARTICLE 9: Schools air problems could have led to illness ARTICLE 10: EPA - A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home

Serving Orange
County California and beyond:
Mission Viejo,
Rancho Santa Margarita,
Lake Forest,
Irvine,
San Juan Capistrano,
Newport Beach,
Huntington Beach,
Laguna Beach,
Anaheim,
Fullerton,
Orange,
Garden Grove,
Santa Ana,
Placentia,
Tustin,
Seal Beach,
Costa Mesa,
Yorba Linda,
Brea,
Aliso Viejo,
Laguna Niguel,
Laguna Hills,
Laguna Woods,
San Clemente,
Villa Park,
Dana Point,
Ladera Ranch,
Talega,
Coto de Caza,
Dove Canyon,
La Palma,
West Minister,
La Habra,
Fountain Valley,
Cypress,
Stanton,
Lemon Heights,
Portola Hills,
Foothill Ranch,
Corona,
La Palma,
Santa Ana,
Beverly Hills,
Glendale,
Oceanside,
San Diego,
Riverside,
Los Angeles.

HOME INSPECTION ORANGE COUNTY, MOLD INSPECTION ORANGE COUNTY, MOLD DETECTION ORANGE COUNTY, MOLD TESTING, MOLD REMEDIATION, THERMAL IMAGING, MOLD INSPECTION, MOLD DETECTION, HOME INSPECTION, ORANGE COUNTY, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Anaheim 92801, 92802, 92803, 92804, 92805, 92806, 92807, 92808, 92809, 92812, 92814, 92815, 92816, 92817, 92825, 92850, 92899, Brea 92821, 92822, 92823, Buena Park 90620, 90621, 90622, 90623, 90624, Costa Mesa 92626, 92627, 92628, Cypress 90630, Fountain Valley 92708, 92728, Fullerton 92831, 92832, 92833, 92834, 92835, 92836, 92837, 92838, Garden Grove 92840, 92841, 92842, 92843, 92844, 92845, 92846, Huntington Beach 92605, 92615, 92646, 92647, 92648, 92649, La Habra 90631, 90632, 90633, La Palma 90623, Los Alamitos 90720, 90721, Orange 92856, 92857, 92859, 92861, 92862, 92863, 92864, 92865, 92866, 92867, 92868, 92869, Placentia 92870, 92871, Santa Ana 92701, 92702, 92703, 92704, 92705, 92706, 92707, 92708, 92711, 92712, 92725, 92728, 92735, 92799, Seal Beach 90740, Stanton 90680, Tusin 92780, 92781, 92782, Villa Park 92861, 92867, Westminister 92683, 92684, 92685, Yorba Linda 92885, 92886, 92887Aliso Viejo 92653, 92656, 92698, Dana Point 92624, 92629, Laguna Hills 92637, 92653, 92654, 92656, Laguna Niguel 92607, 92677, Laguna Woods 92653, 92654, Lake Forest 92609, 92630, Mission Viejo 92675, 92690, 92691, 92692, 92694, Newport Beach 92657, 92658, 92659, 92660, 92661, 92662, 92663, Rancho Santa Margarita 92688, San Clemente 92672, 92673, 92674, San Juan Capistrano 92675, 92690, 92691, 92692, 92693, 92694 Ladera Ranch 92694, Coto De Caza 92679 Anaheim Hills 92807, 92808, 92809, 92817 Dove Canyon 92679

About Mold

Different species of fungi have probably been present in human suffering since the dawn of time. In fact, the adverse health effects of fungal exposure are mentioned in the Book Of Leviticus. However, it wasn’t until relatively recently that the scientific community has identified mold and other fungi as a possible cause of human’s adverse health effects. Today, certain fungi and mold are known to the scientific and medical world to be responsible for allergies, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, humidifier fever, infections, mushroom poisoning, mycotoxicoses, mucous membrane irritation, and many other ailments. A few examples of fungi/mold species that can be hazardous to the health of humans include:

Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are poisonous substances that are produced by fungi. They are one reason for the adverse health effects that molds have on humans. They occur when humans inhale or ingest fungal spores. Mycotoxins tend to concentrate in fungal spores, and thus present a potential hazard to those who inhale these airborne spores. Toxigenic spores can have a significant affect on the function of the alveolar macrophage and be a health hazard to those exposed. Dangerous mold species include Stachybotrys atra, Aspergillus versicolor, and several toxigenic species of Penicillium.

Health Effects of Toxic Molds
Although mold affects individuals differently and to different degrees, the following are some of the most common adverse health effects.

Research on Toxic Mold

There has been quite a lot of literature detailing specific case studies of mold contaminating homes and other structures. However, there has been relatively little work on the specific conditions and surroundings that allowed this growth. Beginning in the early ‘90s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began to study material properties, temperatures, and ecological niches that allowed fungi and mold to thrive, expand, and then eventually die. One of the results discovered was that humidity played a very indirect role to the growth of mold. However, small amounts of moisture can foster the development of certain mold cultures. Other types of mold require much greater levels of moisture. The fairly toxic species, S. atra, needs a lot of moisture and lots of materials that contain cellulose in order to foster growth.

Recent studies and cases have revealed greater rates of poisonous fungal species in poorly maintained offices/homes with water damage or moisture problems. While only a small number of molds and fungi are considered toxic and allergenic, species such as Stachybotrys atra (S. atra) have been directly linked to numerous cases of hemorrhagic lung disease in infants.

Within the last two decades, there has been significant recognition on the part of government agencies, communities, families, and individuals regarding the dangers associated with damp, moist, and wet indoor environments. At once time it was thought that bacteria or viruses were responsible for many of the health problems within buildings. Today, many home and workplace-related ailments are now being properly attributed wholly or, in part, to fungi and mold. As science and medicine continue to expand our knowledge of the effects of toxic mold, individuals are becoming much more aware of indoor air quality issues. For example, only relatively recently have individuals and families had enough education on the effects of mold to begin making cases for mold contamination.

Mold Investigations and testing

JLC Inspections, Inc. is the only Mold Inspection Company in Orange County that can offer you the benefits of Mold Detection Dogs as a standard practice in performing mold inspections. JLC Inspections, Inc. performs inspections in the same manner as other environmental inspectors, but adds the benefit of their incredible sense of smell. Mold Dogs generate quicker and more accurate results, which lead to lower testing and remediation costs for homeowners and insurance company alike. Schools, hotels, commercial structures and government buildings, have a proven track record for substantial cost savings when using Mold Detection Dogs.

Jack Clausen, the primary inspector for JLC Inspections, is also one of the few inspectors in the Nation that holds the prestigious mold certification of a Council Certified Microbial Consultant ( CMC ). This prestigious certification is held by less than 400 mold inspectors Nationwide, requiring a minimum of 8 years of field experience and training. A CMC is the person all other mold inspectors come to when they experience something new and need advice. Jack Clausen also sits on the advisory board for the American Indoor Air Quality Council assisting in the approval process of all A.I.A.Q.C. mold inspectors across the nation. Read about what is important when choosing a mold inspector. Go to Picking a mold inspector Page

JLC Inspections, Inc. believes that testing for microbial problems is as important as finding the problem. How, when, and where to test is critical in obtaining good results. Inspectors with little or no experience in the industry can cost the customer hundreds of wasted dollars by over testing, improper testing techniques, or lack of knowledge where to test. With thousands of inspections and tests behind us it is we are proud of our track record in supplying our clients with the best the industry can offer.
Our prices are very competitive our inspectors are certified and discounts are available for customers having a standard Real Estate Inspection done at the same time.

Contact us for more information and pricing
Go to Toxic Mold Facts Page
Go to C.M.I. Information Page
Go to Toxic Mold News letters

Mold Facts

ABOUT MOLD DETECTION DOGS:

About Mold Detection Dogs

Hershey and Trace have been trained to search for microbial odor and to detect the source. This is a very successful method for locating hidden microbial damage. Microorganisms grow frequently in hidden places, e.g., behind wall linings, in floors, or behind installations. They are often not visible from the outside. Often, health complaints occur even after the moisture damage has dried, sometimes even only then. In these cases, moisture measurements are not suitable to localize the microorganisms. Besides spores and other particles, microorganisms emit gaseous substances (microbial volatile organic compounds = MVOC).The MVOCs are still emitted from the contaminated material long after the microorganism has died.Dogs can be trained to search for microbial odor and to detect the source. This is a very successful method for locating hidden microbial damage.

The mold dog, however, must be correctly trained, led, and interpreted. In some cases, it is the only applicable method to find spots damaged by microorganisms. During a building inspection, the dog is accompanied by a professional dog handler and an experienced consultant. At places where the dog marks a microbial odor, samples must be taken for microbial analysis. By this well directed procedure, destruction of material is unnecessary and additional costs can be avoided.

Amazingly Sensitive!

• From a single drop of urine, the sniffing dog learns the marking animal’s sex, diet, health, emotional state, and even whether it’s dominant or submissive, friend or foe.
• Tracking dogs follow a biochemical trail of dead skin cells, sweat, odor molecules, and gasses.
  For dogs, a scent article is like a three-dimensional “odor image” - much more detailed than a photograph is for a person.
• Dogs can track a scent through snow, air, mud, water, and even ash.
  The properly trained and certified detection dog is recognized in court as a “scientific instrument” (US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals)
• According to a report prepared by the Institute for Biological Detection Systems (IBDS) of Auburn University (Auburn, AL), dogs have the following capabilities:

1. Sensitivity:
   Documented limits of olfactory detection for the dog range from tens of parts per billion to 500 parts per trillion.
2. Discrimination:
   Dogs are extremely good at discriminating a target vapor from non-target vapors that are also present, even at relatively high concentrations of non-target odors.
3. Odor Signatures:
   When being trained to detect a substance, dogs learn to alert to one or two of its most abundant vapor compounds.
4. Multiple Odor Discriminations:
   Dogs can easily learn as many as ten odor discriminations.

Check Out Hershey's new K-9 Cards..

Canine Mold Investigations

Research behind the mold-detecting dog:
Several years ago, the insurance industry posed a question to Bill Whitstine, owner of Florida Canine Academy:

“If dogs can sniff out bombs, drugs, people and arson, then why not mold?” In response to this question, Whitstine immediately put together a panel of experts to include: Chief forensic chemist Niles Bashaw of Innovative Applied Science Laboratory, in Tampa, Florida; Microbiologist and Industrial Hygienist Michael Williamson of Apollo Environmental Inc. in Gibsonton, Florida; and for veterinarian and research support, Dr. Larry Myers of Auburn University, in Auburn, Georgia.

After more than two years of study, this panel of experts concluded that dogs could, in fact, be trained to sniff out specific microbial volatile organic compounds associated with over 17 specific species of the most common “toxic” molds. Later, armed with the support of the experts, Whitstine began training the first dogs with a few mold odors.Once it was clear that dogs could find the hidden mold in various building structures, Whitstine began to fine-tune the dogs’ detection abilities by adding additional odors.

Finding hidden mold is not as hard as finding arson, bombs or drugs. For example, arson-detection dogs must alert to more than 30 different types of accelerants and must be able to do so after an arsonist has poured gasoline in a buildings, the building has burned to the ground, the firefighters have put thousands of gallons of water on the fire, and all of the burned items are masking the odor of the trace amounts of accelerant left. The dog must then sniff through the ashes and accurately pinpoint the remaining parts per trillion of gasoline left. Similarly, drug dealers routinely try to hide their drugs by masking the odor with items such as coffee or fabric softener, but still the dogs find it. By way of contrast, mold is not hiding from us; however, mold is frequently not visible to the human eye.

Training to be a mold-detecting dog: Certified Mold Detection Dogs are trained at the Florida Canine Academy, mold-detecting dogs are trained to discriminate scents of various types of microbial colonies in a variety of structures, including attics and crawl spaces. The method of indication is a passive method (sit). If the dog finds mold, the dog will alert the handler to the location. The mold dogs receive more than 1000 hours of training and are proficient in their duties before the handler arrives at the Academy. The mold dog and handler are then paired and trained together for a minimum of 60 hours. Quarterly testing and annual recertification are required. At the end of the course, the Certified Master Trainer verifies that each canine team is capable of discriminating scents of the mold and issues certification.

The mold-detecting dogs’ training includes minor obedience, odor identification, search patterns, scent discrimination, various types of building search areas, socialization and vehicle rides. The handlers’ training includes canine handling, search patterns, working in different types of buildings and structures, proper care for the dog, canine first aid, canine CPR, and minor obedience techniques as well.

The Mold Dog represents the newest technology and latest trend in the inspection industry. For consumers, this is great news - quicker and more accurate remediation leads to lower costs.

7 Top Reasons to Use a Mold Dog

1. Less Expensive Mold Dogs generate quicker and more accurate results, which leads to lower remediation costs for homeowners and insurers. For schools, hotels, commercial and government buildings, cost savings can be quite substantial. 2. Cutting-Edge Technology The "Nose" is cutting-edge technology and the latest trend in the home inspection industry. It's the only inspection tool that can detect and pinpoint sources of mold - critical information for lowering costs 3. Proven and Trusted “Man’s best friend” has been used for years by military and law enforcement agencies to detect bombs and drugs, among other things. In Europe, dogs have been used to detect mold for over 20 years.

4. Dogs are Honest
Dogs are trained to work for food and love...and NOT for profits.

5. Greater Peace of Mind
Research supports that if the dog finds mold, there's a high statistical probability you should investigate further. If the dog doesn't find mold, you can know with greater certainty that your home, office or school is safe from mold

6. Hard Workers
In Germany, government authorities have found that a typical office building search of approximately 200 rooms can take one dog eight hours to complete.

7. Effective Problem Solvers
For REALTORS® concerned about escrow timelines, Mold Dogs can quickly and more accurately inspect a home, which gives both parties the feedback they need to quickly and effectively resolve issues.

Sensitivity

Amazingly Sensitive!

• From a single drop of urine, the sniffing dog learns the marking animal’s sex, diet, health, emotional state, and even whether it’s dominant or submissive, friend or foe.
  
• Tracking dogs follow a biochemical trail of dead skin cells, sweat, odor molecules, and gasses.
  
• For dogs, a scent article is like a three-dimensional “odor image” - much more detailed than a photograph is for a person.
  
• Dogs can track a scent through snow, air, mud, water, and even ash.
  
• The properly trained and certified detection dog is recognized in court as a “scientific instrument” (US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals)
  
• According to a report prepared by the Institute for Biological Detection Systems (IBDS) of Auburn University (Auburn, AL), dogs have the following capabilities:
  

1. Sensitivity:
   Documented limits of olfactory detection for the dog range from tens of parts per billion to 500 parts per trillion.
   
2. Discrimination:
   Dogs are extremely good at discriminating a target vapor from non-target vapors that are also present, even at relatively high concentrations of non-target odors.
   
3. Odor Signatures:
   When being trained to detect a substance, dogs learn to alert to one or two of its most abundant vapor compounds.
   
4. Multiple Odor Discriminations:
   Dogs can easily learn as many as ten odor discriminations.

FAQ's about Mold Dogs

What kinds of mold will the Mold Dog find?
Mold Dog is specifically trained to alert (sit) on at least eighteen different kinds of the most common toxic molds. If a dog alerts, there is a mold issue which signals a moisture problem, i.e.: leaky pipe, etc.

Do mold spores have distinctive smells?
Yes. In fact, dogs can smell active or inactive mold spores. It's the same with arson dogs and lamp oils listed as odorless - human's can't smell the oil, but dogs are able to smell it.

If some molds are bad for humans, won't they also be bad for dogs?
No. Dogs have an amazingly acute sense of smell and a unique ability to purge odors and other contaminants from their olfactory organs. Consider that the outdoor environment contains thousands of molds, pollens and other allergens. We know that when dogs go outside, they are constantly sniffing the ground and anything else they can get into. Research suggests that dogs are simply not affected by various particulate matter in the same way that humans are affected because of their unique purging ability.

Additionally, thousands of arson dogs in the U.S. and elsewhere are constantly exposed to significant amounts of toxic fumes and no adverse health effects have been documented in more than 15 years of their use. Finally, Mold Dog handlers receive extensive training about when and how to use dogs in building structures, ie: if visible mold is present, there is no need to use a dog.

Does a Mold Dog need ongoing testing and evaluation to essentially stay “calibrated”?
Yes. Upon completion of the initial training period, the dog is certified to detect and pinpoint at least eighteen different kinds of the most common toxic molds. Thereafter, each Mold Dog receives quarterly testing and annual recertification.

THE SNIFF TEST - Orange County Register

The sniff test

Dogs get specialized training to follow their noses to mold problems in homes.

By NICK HARDER
The Orange County Register

Trace's big, brown eyes seemed to get even bigger and his nose wiggled more than usual. Although he was excited, heimmediately laydown in the hallway of the vacant Mission Viejo house.

"Show me," said his partner, Jack Clausen.

Trace leaned from his sitting position, his large nose pointing directly at a blank area of drywall.

"Good boy," Clausen said, dropping a small cookie into Trace's open mouth.

Trace, as you may have guessed, is a dog. But he's not just any dog; he's a certified mold-detecting dog.

In recent years, toxic mold found in homes and commercial structures has been identified as a health concern, associatedwith headaches, breathing problems, fatigue and joint pain. Unchecked, mold and water damage can cause structuralproblems in homes.

While dogs have been used for years by the military and law-enforcement agencies to detect bombs and illicit drugs, it'sonly recently that they've been used to find mold in homes and commercial structures.

Trace is one of two mold-detection dogs used by Clausen, owner of JLC Home Inspections of Trabuco Canyon. Hershey isa chocolate Lab. He's still working. He was rescued from a Florida organization. Trace, a black Labrador retriever, came from Southern California Labrador Retriever Rescue.

Florida is also where Hershey and Trace were trained. And it wasn't just a matter of sit and stay. Each dog going through Bill Whitstine's Florida Canine Academy receives more than 1,000 hours of training even before its prospective handler arrives at the academy. Whitstine is widely recognized for training dogs to hunt for bombs and drugs, to detect arson and to find dead bodies in wreckage. Whitstine's dogs were used for such detection after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.

The dogs receive training in odor identification, search patterns, scent discrimination, even how to ride in a vehicle, since they do a lot of traveling from house to house, building to building.

Human partners get training in dog handling, how to coach search patterns the dog should follow and how to work in different types of buildings. There is also instruction in proper care for the dog, canine first aid and canine CPR, said Clausen. He also holds a California general-contractor's license and is a graduate of the American Home Inspectors Training Institution. AHIT is one of two schools licensed by the state of California as an accredited home-inspection training institution.

The dogs are trained to detect odors that mold produces.

In a home or commercial structure mold can be found in drywall, carpeting, furniture or insulation. Mold often is not visible because it is hidden behind walls, floors and ceilings. That's where the advantage comes in using mold-detection dogs.

Once the dog detects such an odor, he is trained to sit or lie down. The handler then says: "Show me," and the dog points his nose at the spot where he has detected the odor. He is then rewarded with a treat.

The material is then sampled by the inspector and a laboratory test done.

How much will it cost to have your home inspected for mold? Will insurance pay for it?

The number of insurance companies that cover mold inspection and remediation has dwindled to a few in the past 10 years. Huge costs to these companies resulted from increased awareness nationwide of the mold problems in homes. Now you'd be lucky to find a company that does cover mold problems.

What's a mold inspection cost? The price varies from company to company, and according to such factors as the size of the structure to be inspected, the difficulty in inspecting the roof and foundation (if it's a crawlspace underneath), and the extent of the inspection.

Clausen says his basic inspections for homes up to 2,000 square feet start at $275. Add in some difficulties, though, and that price can rise. This is true for inspections that do and don't use dogs.

Is the use of mold-detecting dogs worthwhile or just a gimmick?

Mike Buettner, who owns Respircare Analytical of Glendale, Ariz., a widely recognized indoor air-quality consultant who serves on several independent association boards, has kept an open mind about the use of dogs to inspect for mold.

"There are some people who may scoff at the use of dogs in these investigations, but I look at the dogs as a tool. I'm not a dog lover," Buettner said, "but I can respect their use."

Do the dogs seem to enjoy all this? Maybe it was just the cookie he got as a reward, maybe it was because he had "won" the game, maybe it was just being with his buddy Clausen, but something seemed to put a smile on Trace's face as he left the Mission Viejo house.

RESOURCES 

The Environmental Protection Agency offers comprehensive advice for homeowners in dealing with mold. Go online to www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html. Guides are available in English and Spanish.

JLC Home Inspections
94 Frontier St.
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
(949) 589-8909
www.jlcinspections.com

Schools Air Problems Could Have Led To Illness

HOUSTON - After inspecting a middle school where dozens of employees and students have reported being sick, an expert with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said she found several air-quality problems there that could have led to sickness. But Nancy Burton, an industrial hygiene expert with the CDC, said Friday that the specific cause of the illnesses that have been reported since August will likely never be determined. Burton, who inspected the school and met with employees for two days this week, said school officials initially underestimated the extent of the mold and humidity problems at Key Middle School. "It has problems, but there are ways to address them," she said. "The school district is starting to do that and is working on making it an environment that would be safe to work in." Burton and her CDC colleagues probably won't issue formal findings for several months. Burton said the symptoms reported by those at Key - including nausea, dizziness and difficulty breathing - are similar to those reported by others exposed to overly damp buildings. She said the district should continue cleaning up the visible mold at Key, controlling the humidity through the ventilation system and limiting the water drainage that can accumulate under the building. Gayle Fallon, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, said the CDC inspection shows the district should have acted quicker when her staff first raised concerns about Key in late August. Three weeks after the teacher's union demanded the building's evacuation, the district said students and teachers would be temporarily removed. District officials have maintained since early September that the building was safe. Key has been holding classes since Monday at nearby Fleming Middle School, an arrangement district spokesman Terry Abbott said will likely continue through at least December. "We made the best decisions we could make with the information we had at the time," Abbott said Friday. "Keep in mind, we had independent, outside experts who said the building was safe for occupancy." District officials asked the CDC to inspect Key after U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, invited the federal agency to tour the school at the request of the teachers' union. Before that, the district had hired a private contractor which concluded that its tests for mold and other toxins didn't turn up any major problems. The city health department and the fire department also ran tests.

ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY:

Orange County is a county in Southern California, United States. Its county seat is Santa Ana. According to the 2000 Census, its population was 2,846,289, making it the second most populous county in the state of California, and the fifth most populous in the United States. The state of California estimates its population as of 2007 to be 3,098,121 people, dropping its rank to third, behind San Diego County. Thirty-four incorporated cities are located in Orange County; the newest is Aliso Viejo.

Unlike many other large centers of population in the United States, Orange County uses its county name as its source of identification whereas other places in the country are identified by the large city that is closest to them. This is because there is no defined center to Orange County like there is in other areas which have one distinct large city. Five Orange County cities have populations exceeding 170,000 while no cities in the county have populations surpassing 360,000. Seven of these cities are among the 200 largest cities in the United States.

Orange County is also famous as a tourist destination, as the county is home to such attractions as Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, as well as sandy beaches for swimming and surfing, yacht harbors for sailing and pleasure boating, and extensive area devoted to parks and open space for golf, tennis, hiking, kayaking, cycling, skateboarding, and other outdoor recreation. It is at the center of Southern California's Tech Coast, with Irvine being the primary business hub.

The average price of a home in Orange County is $541,000. Orange County is the home of a vast number of major industries and service organizations. As an integral part of the second largest market in America, this highly diversified region has become a Mecca for talented individuals in virtually every field imaginable. Indeed the colorful pageant of human history continues to unfold here; for perhaps in no other place on earth is there an environment more conducive to innovative thinking, creativity and growth than this exciting, sun bathed valley stretching between the mountains and the sea in Orange County.

Orange County was Created March 11 1889, from part of Los Angeles County, and, according to tradition, so named because of the flourishing orange culture. Orange, however, was and is a commonplace name in the United States, used originally in honor of the Prince of Orange, son-in-law of King George II of England.

Incorporated: March 11, 1889 Legislative Districts: * Congressional: 38th-40th, 42nd & 43 * California Senate: 31st-33rd, 35th & 37 * California Assembly: 58th, 64th, 67th, 69th, 72nd & 74 County Seat: Santa Ana County Information: Robert E. Thomas Hall of Administration 10 Civic Center Plaza, 3rd Floor, Santa Ana 92701 Telephone: (714)834-2345 Fax: (714)834-3098 County Government Website: http://www.oc.ca.gov

CITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA:

City of Aliso Viejo City of Anaheim City of Brea City of Buena Park City of Costa Mesa City of Cypress City of Dana Point City of Fountain Valley City of Fullerton City of Garden Grove City of Huntington Beach City of Irvine City of La Habra City of La Palma City of Laguna Beach City of Laguna Hills City of Laguna Niguel

City of Laguna Woods City of Lake Forest City of Los Alamitos City of Mission Viejo City of Newport Beach City of Orange City of Placentia City of Rancho Santa Margarita City of San Clemente City of San Juan Capistrano City of Santa Ana City of Seal Beach City of Stanton City of Tustin City of Villa Park City of Westminster City of Yorba Linda

Noteworthy communities Some of the communities that exist within city limits are listed below: * Anaheim Hills, Anaheim * Balboa Island, Newport Beach * Corona del Mar, Newport Beach * Crystal Cove/Pelican Hill, Newport Beach * Capistrano Beach, Dana Point * El Modena, Orange * French Park, Santa Ana * Floral Park, Santa Ana * Foothill Ranch, Lake Forest * Monarch Beach, Dana Point * Nellie Gail, Laguna Hills * Northwood, Irvine * Woodbridge, Irvine * Newport Coast, Newport Beach * Olive, Orange * Portola Hills, Lake Forest * San Joaquin Hills, Laguna Niguel * San Joaquin Hills, Newport Beach * Santa Ana Heights, Newport Beach * Tustin Ranch, Tustin * Talega, San Clemente * West Garden Grove, Garden Grove * Yorba Hills, Yorba Linda * Mesa Verde, Costa Mesa Unincorporated communities These communities are outside of the city limits in unincorporated county territory: * Coto de Caza * El Modena * Ladera Ranch * Las Flores * Midway City * Orange Park Acres * Rossmoor * Silverado Canyon * Sunset Beach * Surfside * Trabuco Canyon * Tustin Foothills Adjacent counties to Orange County Are: * Los Angeles County, California - north, west * San Bernardino County, California - northeast * Riverside County, California - east * San Diego County, California - southeast Orange County is home to many colleges and universities, including:

Trinity Law School Chapman University University of California, Irvine California State University, Fullerton Whittier Law School Laguna College of Art and Design Vanguard University Concordia University Soka University of America Irvine Valley College Alliant International Universit

Cypress College Orange Coast College Golden West College Coastline Community College Santa Ana College Santiago Canyon College Fullerton College Saddleback College Hope International University Biola University Laguna Hills BOLD Campus Pepperdine University Irvine Graduate Campus Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Art Institute of California - Orange Count

ABOUT SAN DIEGO COUNTY:

San Diego is a coastal Southern California city located in the southwestern corner of the continental United States. As of 2006, the city has an estimated population of 1,256,951. It is the second largest city in California and the eighth largest city in the United States. It is the county seat of San Diego County.GR6 and is the economic center of the San Diego–Carlsbad–San Marcos metropolitan area, the 17th-largest metro area in the U.S. with a population of 2.9 million as of 2006, and the 21st largest Metropolitan area in the Americas when including Tijuana. San Diego County lies just north of the Mexican border—sharing a border with Tijuana—and lies south of Orange County. It is home to miles of beaches, a mild Mediterranean climate and 16 military facilities hosting the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard and the United States Marine Corps. The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and the affiliated UCSD Medical Center combined with nearby research institutes in the Torrey Pines area of La Jolla make the area influential in biotechnology research. San Diego's economy is largely composed of agriculture, biotechnology/biosciences, computer sciences, electronics manufacturing, defense-related manufacturing, financial and business services, ship-repair and construction, software development, telecommunications, and tourism. The city of San Diego it self has deep canyons separating its mesas, creating small pockets of natural parkland scattered throughout the city. The same canyons give parts of the city a highly segmented feel, creating literal gaps between otherwise proximal neighborhoods and contributing to a low-density, car-centered built environment. Downtown San Diego is located on San Diego Bay. Balboa Park lies on a mesa to the northeast. It is surrounded by several dense urban communities and abruptly ends in Hillcrest to the north. The Coronado and Point Loma peninsulas separate San Diego Bay from the ocean. Ocean Beach is on the west side of Point Loma. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach lie between the ocean and Mission Bay, a man-made aquatic park. La Jolla, an affluent community, lies north of Pacific Beach. Mount Soledad in La Jolla offers views from northern San Diego County to Mexico. Mountains rise to the east of the city, and beyond the mountains are desert areas. Cleveland National Forest is a half-hour drive from downtown San Diego. Numerous farms are found in the valleys northeast and southeast of the city. San Diego County has one of the highest count of animal and plant species that are on the endangered species list than other counties in the United States. Communities and neighborhoods of San Diego: Old Town, San Diego. Old Town, San Diego. Northern: Bay Ho, Bay Park, Carmel Valley, Clairemont Mesa East, Clairemont Mesa West, Del Mar Mesa, La Jolla, La Jolla Village, Mission Beach, Mission Bay Park, North City, North Clairemont, Pacific Beach, Pacific Highlands Ranch, Torrey Hills, Torrey Pines, University City Northeastern: Black Mountain Ranch, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Miramar, Miramar Ranch North, Mira Mesa, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Encantada, Rancho Peñasquitos, Sabre Springs, San Pasqual Valley, Scripps Ranch, Sorrento Valley, Torrey Highlands Eastern: Allied Gardens, Birdland, Del Cerro, Grantville, Kearny Mesa, Lake Murray, Mission Valley East, San Carlos, Serra Mesa, Tierrasanta Western: Burlingame, Hillcrest, La Playa, Linda Vista, Loma Portal, Midtown, Midway District, Mission Hills, Mission Valley West, Morena, North Park, Ocean Beach, Old Town, Point Loma Heights, Roseville-Fleetridge, Sunset Cliffs, University Heights, Wooded Area Central: Balboa Park, Bankers Hill, Barrio Logan, City Heights, Downtown (Columbia, Core, Cortez Hill, East Village, Gaslamp Quarter, Horton, Little Italy, Marina), Golden Hill, Grant Hill, Logan Heights, Memorial, Middletown, Sherman Heights, South Park, Stockton Mid-City: City Heights (comprising Azalea Park, Bayridge, Hollywood Park, Castle, Cherokee Point, Chollas Creek, Colina Del Sol, Corridor, Fairmount, Fox Canyon, Islenair, Ridgeview/Webster Rolando, Swan Canyon, Teralta East, Teralta West), College East, College West, Darnall, El Cerrito, Gateway, Kensington, Normal Heights, Oak Park, Talmadge Southeastern: Alta Vista, Bay Terrace, Broadway Heights, Chollas View, Emerald Hills, Encanto, Jamacha-Lomita, Lincoln Park, Mountain View, Mt. Hope, Paradise Hills, Shelltown, Skyline, Southcrest, Valencia Park Southern: Egger Highlands, Nestor, Ocean Crest, Otay Mesa, Otay Mesa West, Palm City, San Ysidro, Tijuana River Valley The three largest sectors of San Diego's economy are defense, manufacturing, and tourism respectively. Several areas of San Diego (in particular La Jolla and surrounding Sorrento Valley areas) are home to offices and research facilities for numerous biotechnology companies. Major biotechnology companies like Neurocrine Biosciences and Nventa Biopharmaceuticals are headquartered in San Diego, while many biotech and pharmaceutical companies, such as BD Biosciences, Biogen Idec, Integrated DNA Technologies, Merck, Pfizer, Élan, Genzyme, Cytovance, Celgene and Vertex, have offices or research facilities in San Diego. There are also several non-profit biotech institutes, such as the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, the Scripps Research Institute and the Burnham Institute. The presence of University of California, San Diego and other research institutions helped fuel biotechnology growth. In June 2004, San Diego was ranked the top biotech cluster in the U.S. by the Milken Institute. San Diego is home to companies that develop wireless cellular technology. Qualcomm Incorporated was founded and is headquartered in San Diego; Qualcomm is the largest private-sector technology employer (excluding hospitals) in San Diego County.[14] The largest software company in San Diego (acccording to the San Diego Business Journal) is security software company Websense Inc. Websense was founded and is headquartered in San Diego. The economy of San Diego is influenced by its port, which includes the only major submarine and shipbuilding yards on the West Coast, as well as the largest naval fleet in the world. The cruise ship industry, which is the second largest in California, generates an estimated $2 million annually from the purchase of food, fuel, supplies, and maintenance services. Due to San Diego's military influence, major national defense contractors, such as General Atomics and Science Applications International Corporation are headquartered in San Diego. Tourism is also a major industry owing to the city's climate. Major tourist destinations include Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, nearby Wild Animal Park and Legoland, the city's beaches and golf tournaments like the Buick Invitational. San Diego has several sports venues: Qualcomm Stadium is the home of the NFL San Diego Chargers, NCAA Division I San Diego State Aztecs, as well as local high school football championships. Qualcomm Stadium also hosts international soccer games, Supercross events and formerly hosted Major League Baseball. Three NFL Super Bowl championships and many college football bowl games have been held there. Balboa Stadium is the city's first stadium, constructed in 1914, and former home of the San Diego Chargers. Currently Balboa Stadium hosts soccer, American football and track and field. PETCO Park in downtown San Diego is the home of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres. The ballpark is also the current home of the semi-final and final games of the World Baseball Classic series, having hosted the inaugural series championship games in 2006. PETCO Park will be the home to the 2009 World Baseball Classic semi-finals and final as well. Other than baseball, PETCO Park hosts other occasional soccer and rugby events. The San Diego Sports Arena hosts basketball, and has also hosted ice hockey, indoor soccer and boxing. Cox Arena at Aztec Bowl on the campus of San Diego State University hosts the NCAA Division I San Diego State Aztecs men's and women's basketball games. Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego hosts college football and soccer, and the Jenny Craig Pavilion at USD hosts basketball and volleyball. The San Diego State Aztecs (MWC) and the San Diego Toreros (WCC) are NCAA Division I teams. The UCSD Tritons (CCAA) are members of NCAA Division II while the Point Loma Nazarene Sea Lions (GSAC) are members of the NAIA. San Diego has been the home of two NBA franchises, the first of which was called the San Diego Rockets. The Rockets represented the city of San Diego from 1967 until 1971. After the conclusion of the 1970-1971 season, they moved to Texas where they became the Houston Rockets. Seven years later, San Diego received a relocated NBA franchise (the Buffalo Braves), which was renamed the San Diego Clippers. The Clippers played in the San Diego Sports Arena from 1978 until 1984. Prior to the start of the 1984-1985 season, the team was moved to Los Angeles, and is now called the Los Angeles Clippers. Other sports franchises that represented San Diego include the San Diego Conquistadors of the American Basketball Association, the San Diego Sockers (which played in various indoor and outdoor soccer leagues during their existence), the San Diego Flash and the San Diego Gauchos, both playing in different divisions of the United Soccer League, the San Diego Spirit of the Women's United Soccer Association, the San Diego Mariners of the World Hockey Association, and the San Diego Gulls who were in different hockey leagues during each of their three incarnations. The San Diego Riptide and the San Diego Shockwave were indoor football teams that played at the Sports Arena and Cox Arena, respectively. San Diego has long been a candidate for a Major League Soccer franchise, especially due to the city recording FIFA World Cup television audiences which are double the national average. Curiously, despite positive language being expressed by the league, the city, the media and the public, a franchise continues to elude San Diego. That looks likely to be finally rectified with San Diego considered among the favourites to land one of three franchises to be offered before 2010. The city does currently have an active mens team playing in the fourth level of American soccer, the San Diego Pumitas but no approaches have been made to turn them into an MLS team as yet. According to education rankings released by the U.S. Census Bureau, 40.4 percent of San Diegans ages 25 and older hold bachelor's degrees. The census ranks the city as the ninth most educated city in the United States based on these figures. Public colleges and universities in the city include University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego State University (SDSU), and the San Diego Community College District, which includes San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, and San Diego Miramar College. Private colleges and universities in the city include Alliant International University (AIU), Design Institute of San Diego (DISD), John Paul the Great Catholic University, National University, NewSchool of Architecture and Design, Pacific Oaks College, The Art Institute of California, San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU),Woodbury University School of Architecture's satellite campus, and University of San Diego (USD) . There is one medical school in the city, the UCSD School of Medicine. There are three ABA accredited law schools in the city, which include California Western School of Law, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and University of San Diego School of Law. There is also one unaccredited law school, Western Sierra Law School. The Joint Mathematics Meeting of the MAA, that is, Mathematical Association of America and AMS, which denotes American Mathematical Society, took place in San Diego, January, 2008. The San Diego Unified School District, also known as San Diego City Schools, is the school district that serves the majority of the city, it includes 113 elementary schools, 23 middle schools, 4 atypical schools, 10 alternative schools, 27 high schools and 25 charter schools. In the northern part of the county, Poway Unified School District and San Dieguito Union High School District are districts outside city limits, but serve several schools within city limits. In the southern part of the county, Sweetwater Union High School District serves multiple schools within city limits, although it is headquartered outside city limits. San Ysidro School District (K-8) serves areas of San Diego also served by Sweet Water Union High School District. Del Mar Union Elementary School District and Solana Beach Elementary School District serve areas of San Diego also within San Dieguito.

ABOUT RIVERSIDE COUNTY:

Riverside County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of California, stretching from Orange County to the Colorado River, which is the border with Arizona. This county is part of the Riverside-San Bernardino Area, in a region of Southern California known as the Inland Empire. Such famous golf resorts as Indian Wells, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs and Palm Desert are located in Riverside County. Indio is the center of an important date growing region. Incorporated Cities in Riverside County * Banning * Beaumont * Blythe * Calimesa * Canyon Lake * Cathedral City * Coachella * Corona * Desert Hot Springs * Hemet * Indian Wells * Indio * La Quinta * Lake Elsinore * Moreno Valley * Murrieta * Norco * Palm Desert * Palm Springs * Perris * Rancho Mirage * Riverside * San Jacinto * Temecula Unincorporated communities and neighborhoods in Riverside County * Aguanga * Anza * Bermuda Dunes * Cabazon * Cherry Valley * Chiriaco Summit * De Luz * Desert Beach * Desert Center * East Blythe * Eagle Mountain * Eastvale * East Hemet * El Cerrito * Glen Avon * Highgrove * Home Gardens * Homeland * Idyllwild * Lake Tamarisk * Lakeland Village * Lakeview * Lost Lake * Mead Valley * Mecca * Menifee * Midland * Mira Loma * Murrieta Hot Springs * North Shore * Nuevo * Pedley * Pine Cove * Quail Valley * Ripley * Romoland * Rubidoux * Sedco Hills * Sky Valley * Sun City * Sunnyslope * Thermal * Thousand Palms * Valle Vista * Wildomar * Winchester * Woodcrest Indian Reservations * Agua Caliente Tribal Council * Cabazon Band of Mission Indians * Cahuilla Band of Mission Indians * Morongo Indian Reservation * Pechanga Band of Mission Indians * Ramona Band of Cahuilla Indians * Santa Rosa Indian Reservation * Soboba Band of Mission Indians * Torres-Martinez Adjacent Counties * San Bernardino County, California- north * La Paz County, Arizona- east * Imperial County, California- south * San Diego County, California- south * Orange County, California- west RIVERSIDE COUNTY INFORMATION

ABOUT LOS ANGELES:

Los Angeles County is a county in California and is by far the most populous county in the United States. The county is home to 88 incorporated cities and many unincorporated areas. The coastal portion of the county is heavily urbanized, though there is a large expanse of lesser populated desert inland in the Santa Clarita Valley, and especially in the Antelope Valley which encompasses the northeastern parts of the county and adjacent eastern Kern County, lying just north of Los Angeles County. In between the large desert portions of the county -- which make up around 40 percent of its land area -- and the heavily urbanized central and southern portions sits the San Gabriel Mountains containing Angeles National Forest. All of southern Los Angeles County, north to about the center of the county, is heavily urbanized. Most of the population of Los Angeles County is located in the southern and southwestern portion of the county. The major population centers are the Los Angeles Basin and the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys. Moderate population are in the Santa Clarita, Crescenta and Antelope Valleys. The area north of the Santa Clarita Valley (Northwest Los Angeles County, adjacent to Ventura and Kern counties) is mostly mountainous, rugged, well-timbered and filled with coniferous forests and receives plentiful snow in the winter, right to the point of blizzard conditions. This area is less populated. Mountains in this area include San Emigdio Mountains, the southernmost part of Tehachapi Mountains, and the Sierra Pelona Mountains. Major divisions of the county * Greater Los Angeles Area * East: East Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, Pomona Valley * West: West Los Angeles, Beach Cities * South: South Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, South Los Angeles, Gateway Cities * North: San Fernando Valley, portions of the Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita Valley * Central: Downtown Los Angeles, Mid-Wilshire Largest cities * 1. Los Angeles 3,849,378 * 2. Long Beach 463,956 * 3. Glendale 207,157 * 4. Santa Clarita 177,158 * 5. Pomona 162,140 * 6. Torrance 148,558 * 7. Pasadena 147,262 * 8. Palmdale 145,468 * 9. Lancaster 143,818 * 10. El Monte 126,282 * 11. Inglewood 119,212 * 12. Downey 113,587 * 13. West Covina 112,953 * 14. Norwalk 110,040 * 15. Burbank 107,921 The other cities are: * Agoura Hills * Alhambra * Arcadia * Artesia * Avalon * Azusa * Baldwin Park * Bell * Bell Gardens * Bellflower * Beverly Hills * Bradbury * Burbank * Calabasas * Carson * Cerritos * Claremont * Commerce * Compton * Covina * Cudahy * Culver City * Diamond Bar * Downey * Duarte * El Segundo * Gardena * Glendora * Hawaiian Gardens * Hawthorne * Hermosa Beach * Hidden Hills * Huntington Park * Industry * Inglewood * Irwindale * La Cañada Flintridge * La Habra Heights * La Mirada * La Puente * La Verne * Lakewood * Lawndale * Lomita * Lynwood * Malibu * Manhattan Beach * Maywood * Monrovia * Montebello * Monterey Park * Norwalk * Palos Verdes Estates * Paramount * Pico Rivera * Rancho Palos Verdes * Redondo Beach * Rolling Hills * Rolling Hills Estates * Rosemead * San Dimas * San Fernando * San Gabriel * San Marino * Santa Fe Springs * Santa Monica * Sierra Madre * Signal Hill * South El Monte * South Gate * South Pasadena * Temple City * Vernon * Walnut * West Covina * West Hollywood * Westlake Village * Whittier Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles are: * Acton * Agoura * Agua Dulce * Alondra Park * Altadena * Antelope Acres * Athens * Avocado Heights * Baldwin Hills * Bassett * Big Mountain Ridge * Big Pines * Big Rock * Bouquet Canyon * Castaic * Castaic Junction * Charter Oak * Citrus * Cornell * Del Aire * Del Sur * Del Valle * Desert View Highlands * East Compton * East La Mirada * East Los Angeles * East Pasadena * East San Gabriel * Florence-Graham * Hacienda Heights * Juniper Hills * Kinneloa Mesa * La Crescenta-Montrose * Ladera Heights * Lake Hughes * Lake Los Angeles * Lennox * Leona Valley * Littlerock * Llano * Marina del Rey * Mayflower Village * North El Monte * Pearblossom * Quartz Hill * Rowland Heights * South San Gabriel * South San Jose Hills * South Whittier * Stevenson Ranch * Topanga * Val Verde * Valinda * Valyermo * View Park-Windsor Hills * Vincent * Walnut Park * West Athens * West Carson * West Compton * West Puente Valley * West Whittier-Los Nietos * Westmont * Willowbrook Adjacent counties of Los Angeles are: * Ventura County, California - west * Kern County, California - north * San Bernardino County, California - east * Orange County, California - southeast

ACADEMIC SECTION:

Industry Links

• US EPA Mold Info
  
• NAMIC – Mold update
  
• CDC 7-2 Report
  
• CA- Resource List
  
• CA- More Resources
  
• NYC Guidelines
  
• WA- Report on mold
  
• Johns Hopkins Report
  
• Schools and Molds
  

Industry Organizations

• American Indoor Air Quality Council
• Council for Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards
• American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
  
• American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
  
• Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA)
  
• The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
  
• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
  

Asthma and Allergic Diseases

• Pew Environmental Health Commission
  
• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
  
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
  
• American Lung Association (ALA)
  
• Asthma and Allergy Network / Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. (AAANMA)
  
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
  
• National Jewish Medical and Research Center
  
• American Academy of Pediatrics - Does toxic mold affect our kids?
  
• Institute of Medicine (IOM) - Clearing the Air 2000 Report
  
• Institute of Medicine (IOM) - Indoor Allergens, 1993 Report
  
• Mayo Clinic, 1999 Study

Mold

Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae. In contrast, microscopic fungi that grow as single cells are called yeasts. A connected network of these tubular branching hyphae has multiple, genetically identical nuclei and is considered a single organism, referred to as a colony or in more technical terms a mycelium. Molds do not form a specific taxonomic or phylogenetic grouping, but can be found in the divisions Zygomycota, Deuteromycota and Ascomycota. Although some molds cause disease or food spoilage, others are useful for their role in biodegradation or in the production of various foods, beverages, antibiotics and enzymes. Biology There are hundreds of known species of molds, which include opportunistic pathogens, saprotrophs, aquatic species and thermophiles.Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter, inside of which they live. Typically, molds secrete hydrolytic enzymes, mainly from the hyphal tips. These enzymes degrade complex biopolymers such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler substances which can be absorbed by the hyphae. In this way, molds play a major role in causing decomposition of organic material, enabling the recycling of nutrients throughout ecosystems. Many molds also secrete mycotoxins which, together with hydrolytic enzymes, inhibit the growth of competing microorganisms. Molds reproduce through small spores, which may contain a single nucleus or be multinucleate. Mold spores can be asexual (the products of mitosis) or sexual (the products of meiosis); many species can produce both types. Some can remain airborne indefinitely, and many are able to survive extremes of temperature and pressure. Although molds grow on dead organic matter everywhere in nature, their presence is only visible to the unaided eye when mold colonies grow. A mold colony does not comprise discrete organisms, but an interconnected network of hyphae called a mycelium. Nutrients and in some cases organelles may be transported throughout the mycelium. In artificial environments like buildings, humidity and temperature are often stable enough to foster the growth of mold colonies, commonly seen as a downy or furry coating growing on food or other surfaces. Some molds can begin growing at temperatures as low as 2°C. When conditions do not enable growth, molds may remain alive in a dormant state, within a large range of temperatures before they die. The many different mold species vary enormously in their tolerance to temperature and humidity extremes. Certain molds can survive harsh conditions such as the snow-covered soils of Antarctica, refrigeration, highly acidic solvents, and even petroleum products such as jet fuel. Xerophilic molds use the humidity in the air as their only water source; other molds need more moisture. Common molds Acremonium Aspergillus Cladosporium Fusarium Mucor Penicillium Rhizopus Stachybotrys Trichoderma Uses

Bread mold is one of the most common types of mold, and can cover a loaf of bread in less than three days. Mold covering a decaying peach over a period of six days. The frames were taken approximately 12 hours apart. There are 11 frames of changes. Stilton cheese contains edible mold.

Food production

Cultured molds are used in the production of foods, including:

• cheese (Penicillium spp.)
• tempeh (Rhizopus oligosporus)
• Quorn (Fusarium venenatum)
• sausages
• soy sauce

The koji molds are a group of Aspergillus species, notably Aspergillus oryzae, that have been cultured in eastern Asia for many centuries. They are used to ferment a soybean and wheat mixture to make soybean paste and soy sauce. They are also used to break down the starch in rice (saccharification) in the production of sake and other distilled spirits.

Drug creation

Alexander Fleming's famous discovery of the antibiotic penicillin involved the mold Penicillium chrysogenum.

Several cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as Lovastatin, from Aspergillus terreus) are derived from molds.

The immunosuppressant drug cyclosporine, used to suppress the rejection of transplanted organs, is derived from the mold Tolypocladium inflatum.

Other uses

Other molds are cultivated for their ability to produce useful substances. Aspergillus niger is used in the production of citric acid, gluconic acid and many other compounds and enzymes. The mold Aspergillus nidulans is an important model organism. Ashbya gossypii is used in industrial production of riboflavin and is further studied as a model organism.

Health effects

Molds are ubiquitous in nature, and mold spores are a common component of household and workplace dust. However, when mold spores are present in large quantities, they can present a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Some molds also produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. Exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and in some cases death. Prolonged exposure, e.g. daily workplace exposure, can be particularly harmful. The term toxic mold refers to molds that produce mycotoxins, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, and not to all molds in general.

Growth in buildings and homes

Mold growth in buildings can lead to a variety of health issues. Various practices can be followed to mitigate mold issues in buildings, the most important of which is to reduce moisture levels that can facilitate mold growth. Removal of affected materials after the source of moisture has been reduced and/or eliminated may be necessary for remediation.

A home inspection is a non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. This is carried out by a home inspector, who usually has special equipment and training to carry out such inspections. A home inspection report is then issued by the home inspector. Many home inspectors use home inspection software.

An inspector will check the roof, basement, heating system, water heater, air-conditioning system, structure, plumbing, electrical, and many other aspects of buildings looking for improper building practices, those items that require extensive repairs, items that are general maintenance issues, as well as some fire and safety issues. Home owners or home buyers often use a home inspection service before selling or buying their houses. A home inspector conducts a thorough examination of a home to detect any potential systems or components requiring attention. A home owner receives a detailed report of the condition of his/her home so that he/she can plan for needed repairs and upgrades when it is time to make them.

A home inspector is sometimes confused with a real estate appraiser. A home inspector determines the condition of a structure, whereas an appraiser determines the value of a property.

A home cannot "fail" an inspection, as there is no score or passing grade given. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local building code code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need a major or minor repair or replacement.

North America

In the United States and Canada, a contract to purchase a house will often include a contingency that the contract is not valid until a home inspector has inspected the property (and the contract will usually provide for how problems found in inspection are to be remedied). In many states and provinces, home inspectors are required to be licensed, but in many states the profession is not regulated at all. Typical requirements for obtaining a license are to complete an approved training course and/or to pass an examination selected by the state's licensing board. Several states and provinces also require inspectors to periodically obtain continuing education credits in order to renew their licenses.

Anyone entering the home inspection field should be trained in the unique discipline of home inspection. Assuming that the home inspector has been properly trained and has sufficient experience, they should be able to provide a satisfactory detailed inspection of a property within the scope of their education and any home inspector licensing requirements. Where licensing or certification is not a requirement, anyone can claim to be a home inspector, and there are no laws to prevent them from doing so. In many states and provinces, the practical standards for home inspectors are those enacted by professional associations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) with chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and the world, the National Association of Home Inspection Engineers (NABIE), the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), and the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) with chapters throughout Canada.

Currently, more than thirty U.S. states regulate the home inspection industry in some form.

United Kingdom

A home inspector in the United Kingdom (or more precisely in England and Wales), is an inspector certified to carry out the Home Condition Reports that, it is expected, will become part of the new Home Information Pack.

On July 18, 2006, the Government announced the postponement of compulsory Home Condition Reports, which had been due to become part of the Home Information Packs on 1 June 2007, leaving the future for the inspectors somewhat uncertain. It is expected, however, that they will be required to carry out the Energy Performance Certificatation, which remains a mandatory part of the packs.

Home inspectors are required to complete the ABBE Diploma in Home Inspection to show they meet the standards set out for NVQ/VRQ competence based assessment (Level 4). At the time of writing (July 2006?) nearly 3,000 candidates who have registered with training and assessment centres. The government have suggested that between 7,500 and 8,000 qualified and licensed home inspectors will be needed to meet the annual demand of nearly 2,000,000 home information packs.

The intention is that inspectors will carry insurance to protect consumers that rely on their inspections. There is no official scheme to protect consumers from uninsured inspectors should there be a problem with a report which a buyer has relied upon. This aspect is under review by Yvette Cooper on behalf of the Government.

Pre-delivery inspection

The pre-delivery inspection, which generally applies to newly-built homes, is a real estate term that means the buyer has the option (or requirement, depending upon how the real estate contract is written) to inspect the property prior to closing or settlement. These inspections generally takes place up to a week before a closing, and they generally allow buyers the first opportunity to inspect their new home. Additionally, the inspection is to ensure that all terms of the contract have been met, that the home is substantially completed, and that major items are in working order.

Along with a representative of the builder (generally the construction supervisor or foreman), the buyers may be accompanied by a home inspector of their choice. Any noted defects are added to a punch list for completion prior to closing. Often a second inspection is conducted to ensure that the defects have been corrected.

Many local governments within the United States and Canada require that new-home builders provide a home warranty for a limited period, and this typically results in home builders conducting a pre-delivery inspection with the buyer.

In a resale situation, this type of inspection is often termed the "final walk-through", and, based on the contract's provisions, it allows the buyer the opportunity to inspect the home prior to closing to ensure that agreed-upon repairs or improvements have been completed.

Mold assessment and Mold remediation are techniques used in occupational health: mold assessment is the process of identifying the location and extent of the mold hazard in a structure, and mold remediation is the process of removal and/or cleanup of mold from an indoor environment.

It has been estimated that 40 percent of United States homes have some form of mold problem.

Health effects

Molds are ubiquitous in nature, and mold spores are a common component of household and workplace dust. However, when mold spores are present in large quantities, they can present a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Some molds also produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. Exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and in some cases death. Prolonged exposure, e.g. daily workplace exposure, can be particularly harmful. The term toxic mold refers to molds that produce mycotoxins, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, and not to all molds in general.

Causes / Growing conditions

Molds and fungi are found everywhere inside and outside, and can grow on almost any substance when moisture is present. Molds when they reproduce make spores, which can be carried by air currents. When these spores land on a moist surface that is suitable for life, they begin to grow. Molds are essential to the natural breakdown of organic materials in the environment. Mold is normally found indoors at levels that do not affect most healthy individuals. When these levels become abnormally high as determined by indoor air quality testing or a mold inspection, remediation is recommended to be carried out by a professional remediation company.[citation needed]

Because common building materials are capable of sustaining mold growth, and mold spores are ubiquitous, mold growth in an indoor environment is typically related to an indoor water or moisture problem. Mold growth may also be caused by incomplete drying of flooring materials such as concrete.[2] Leaky roofs, building maintenance problems, or indoor plumbing problems can lead to mold growth inside homes, schools, or office buildings. Another common source of mold growth is flooding.

For significant mold growth to occur, there must be a source of water (which could be invisible humidity), a source of food, and a substrate capable of sustaining growth. Common building materials, such as plywood, drywall, furring strips, carpets, and carpet padding are food for molds. In carpet, invisible dust and cellulose are the food sources (see also dust mites). After a single incident of water damage occurs in a building, molds grow inside walls and then become dormant until a subsequent incident of high humidity; this illustrates how mold can appear to be a sudden problem, long after a previous flood or water incident that did not produce a mold-related problem. The right conditions re-activate mold. Studies also show that mycotoxin levels are perceptibly higher in buildings that have once had a water incident (source CMHC).

Both our indoor and outdoor environment have mold spores present. There is no such thing as a mold free environment in the Earth's biosphere.

Spores need three things to grow into mold:

• Nutrients: Food for spores in an indoor environment is organic matter, often cellulose.
• Moisture: Moisture is required to begin the decaying process caused by the mold.
• Time: Mold growth begins between 24 hours and 10 days from the provision of the growing conditions. There is no known way to date mold.

Mold colonies can grow inside building structures. The main problem with the presence of mold in buildings is the inhalation of mycotoxins. Molds may produce an identifiable smell. Growth is fostered by moisture. After a flood or major leak, mycotoxin levels are higher in the building even after it has dried out (source: CMHC).

Food sources for molds in buildings include cellulose-based materials, such as wood, cardboard, and the paper facing on both sides of drywall, and all other kinds of organic matter, such as soap, dust and fabrics. Carpet contains dust made of organic matter such as skin cells. If a house has mold, the moisture may be from the basement or crawl space, a leaking roof, or a leak in plumbing pipes behind the walls. Insufficient ventilation can further enable moisture build-up. The more people in a space, the more humidity builds up. This is from normal breathing and perspiring. Visible mold colonies may form where ventilation is poorest, and on perimeter walls, because they are coolest, thus closest to the dew point.

If there are mold problems in a house only during certain times of the year, then it is probably either too air-tight, or too drafty. Mold problems occur in airtight homes more frequently in the warmer months (when humidity reaches high levels inside the house, and moisture is trapped), and occur in drafty homes more frequently in the colder months (when warm air escapes from the living area into unconditioned space, and condenses). If a house is artificially humidified during the winter, this can create conditions favorable to mold. Moving air may prevent mold from growing since it has the same desiccating effect as lowering humidity. Keeping indoor air temperature higher than 74 °F (23.3 °C) also has an inhibiting effect on mold growth.

Because common building materials are capable of sustaining mold growth, and mold spores are ubiquitous, mold growth in an indoor environment is typically related to an indoor water or moisture problem. Leaky roofs, building maintenance problems, or indoor plumbing problems can lead to mold growth inside homes, schools, or office buildings. Another common cause of mold growth is flooding.

Removing one of the three requirements for mold reduces or eliminates the new growth of mold. These three requirements are 1) Moisture, 2) Food source for the mold spores (dust, dander, etc), and 3) Warmth (mold generally does not grow in cold environments).

HVAC systems can create all three requirements for significant mold growth. The A/C system creates a difference in temperature that allows/causes condensation to occur. The high rate of dusty air movement through an HVAC system may create ample sources of food sources for the mold. And finally, since the A/C system is not always running - the ability for warm conditions to exist on a regular basis allows for the final component for active mold growth.

Because the HVAC system circulates air contaminated with mold spores and sometimes toxins - it is vital to prevent any three of the environments required for mold growth. A) Highly effective return air filtration systems are available that eliminate up to 99.9% of dust accumulation (as compared to 5% elimination by typical HVAC air filters). These newer filtration systems usually require modification to existing HVAC systems to allow for the larger size of electrostatic 99.9% filters. However, thorough cleaning of the HVAC system is required before usage of high efficiency filtration systems will help. Once mold is established - the mold growth and dust accumulation must be removed. B) Insulation of supply air ducts helps to reduce or eliminate the condensation that ultimately creates the moisture required for mold growth. This insulation should be place externally on the air ducts, because internal insulation provides a dust capture and breeding ground for mold.

Assessment

The first step in an assessment is to determine if mold is present. This is done by visually examining the premises. If mold is growing and visible this helps determine the level of remediation that is necessary. If mold is actively growing and is visibly confirmed the need for sampling for specific species of mold is unnecessary.

Another assessment method is to determine if the premise smells of mold, often described as an earthy or musty odor. However, not all molds produce the telltale mold odors.

These methods are considered to be non-intrusive and only visible and odor causing molds will be found. Sometimes more intrusive methods are needed to assess the level of mold contamination. This would include moving furniture, lifting and/or removing carpets, checking behind wallpaper or paneling, checking in ventilation duct work, opening and exposing wall cavities, etc.

Careful detailed visual inspection and recognition of moldy odors should be used to find problems needing correction. Efforts should focus on areas where there are signs of liquid moisture or water vapor (humidity) or where moisture problems are suspected. The investigation goals should be to locate indoor mold growth to determine how to correct the moisture problem and remove contamination safely and effectively.

The basic goals of any mold investigation are always twofold: 1) find the locations of mold growth, and 2) determine the sources of the moisture. If these can be answered by simpler or more cost-effective methods, mold testing is probably not a wise use of resources.

Many organizations exist that provide certification for mold investigation/assessments. However, only the American Indoor Air Quality Council provides accredited certifications. In the state of Texas there is legislation dictating who can and cannot perform investigation.[citation need

Sampling

In general the EPA does not recommend sampling unless an occupant of the space is symptomatic. When sampling is necessary it should be performed by a trained professional who has specific experience in designing mold-sampling protocols, sampling methods, and the interpretation of findings. Sampling should only be conducted to answer a pertinent question: examples "what is the spore concentration in the air"," or is a particular species of fungi present in the building." The additional question should be asked before sampling "what action can or should a person take upon obtaining data."

The sampling and analysis should follow the recommendations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). Most importantly, when a sample is taken the proper chain of custody should be adhered to. The AIHA offers lists of accredited laboratories that submit to required quarterly proficiency testing.

Three types of air sampling include but are not limited to:

When sampling is conducted, all three types is recommended by the AIHA, as each sample method alone has specific limitations. For example, air samples will not provide proof a hidden source of mold. Nor would a swab sample provide the level of contamination in the air.

Though it may not be recommended, air sampling following mold remediation is usually the best way to ascertain efficacy of remediation, when conduct by a qualified third party.

Remediation

The first step in solving an indoor mold problem is stopping the source of moisture. Next is to remove the mold growth. Common remedies for small occurrences of mold include:

Significant mold growth may require professional mold remediation and removal of affected building materials. A conservative strategy is to discard any building materials saturated by the water intrusion or having visible mold growth.

There are many ways to prevent mold growth; see ventilation issues in houses.

In extreme cases of mold growth in buildings, it may be easier to condemn the building rather than clean the mold to safe levels.

Certain contractors are capable of repairing mold damage - usually by removing the affected areas and eliminating the cause of the excess moisture.

There are also cleaning companies that specialize in fabric restoration - a process by which mold and mold spores are removed from clothing to eliminate odor and prevent further mold growth and damage to the garments.

Improper methods for cleaning mold include exposure to high heat, dry air, sunlight (particularly UV light), ozone, and application of fungicides. These methods may render the mold non-viable, however, the mold and its by-products can still elicit health effects. As noted in following sections, the only proper way to clean mold is to use detergent solutions that physically remove mold. Many commercially available detergents marketed for mold clean-up also include an anti-fungal agent. The most effective way at this point is formal Mold Remediation.

The goal of remediation is to remove or clean contaminated materials in a way that prevents the emission of fungi and dust contaminated with fungi from leaving a work area and entering an occupied or non-abatement area, while protecting the health of workers performing the abatement.

Cleanup and removal methods

The purpose of the clean-up process is to eliminate the mold and fungal growth and to remove contaminated materials. As a general rule, simply killing the mold with a biocide is not enough. The mold must be removed since the chemicals and proteins, which cause a reaction in humans, are still present even in dead mold.

Vacuum

Wet vacuum cleaners are designed to remove water from floors, carpets and other hard surfaces where water has accumulated. Wet vacuuming should only be used on wet materials, as spores may be exhausted into the indoor environment if insufficient liquid is present. After use this equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and dried as spores can adhere to the inner surfaces of the tank, hoses, and other attachments.

Damp wipe

Damp wipe is the removal of mold from non-porous surfaces by wiping or scrubbing with water and a detergent. Care must be exercised to make sure the material is allowed to quickly dry to discourage any further mold growth. With surfaces such as metal, glass, hardwood, plastics, and concrete, you should scrape off as much of the mold as possible. Then, scrub the surface with a moldicide or fungicide cleaner.

HEPA vacuum

High Efficiency Particulate Air filtered vacuum cleaners are used in the final cleanup of remediation areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and all contaminated materials have been removed. HEPA vacuum cleaners are recommended for the cleanup of the outside areas surrounding the remediation area. During this process the workers wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent exposure to mold and other contaminants. The collected debris and dust should be stored in impervious bags or containers in a manner to prevent any release of debris.

Disposal of debris and damaged materials

Building materials and furnishings contaminated with mold should be placed into impervious bags or closed containers while in the remediation area. These materials can usually be discarded as regular construction waste.

Equipment

Several types of equipment may be used in the remediation process and may include:

Protection levels

During the remediation process, the level of contamination dictates the level of protection for the remediation workers. The levels of contamination are described as Levels I, II, and III. Each has specific requirements for worker safety. The levels are as follows:

Level I

Small Isolated Areas (10 sq. ft or less) for example, ceiling tiles, small areas on walls.

Level II

Mid-sized Isolated Areas (10-30 sq ft) – for example, individual wallboard panels.

Level III

Large Isolated Areas (30-100 sq ft) – e.g., several wallboard panels

Level IV

Extensive Contamination (greater than 100 contiguous sq. ft in an area).

In conclusion, after the moisture source has been eliminated and the mold growth removed, the premises should be revisited and the reevaluated to ensure the mold growth and the remediation process was successful. The premises should be free of any moldy smells or visible growth.