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When most people think about mold or water damage cleanup, they focus on what’s being removed. What often gets overlooked is what’s being spread during the process.

Without proper containment and air control, cleanup can actually make things worse by pushing contaminants into unaffected areas of the home.

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Why Containment Matters

Containment is the first step in controlling a work area. It’s designed to isolate the affected space so dust, debris, mold spores, or soot don’t travel throughout the property.

This typically involves:

• Sealing off the work area with plastic barriers
• Creating controlled entry points
• Protecting unaffected rooms and contents

Without containment, even a small project can contaminate multiple areas of a home.

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What Is Negative Air?

Negative air is created when more air is being pulled out of a contained space than allowed in. This keeps contaminants from escaping the work area.

Negative air machines:

• Pull air from inside the containment
• Filter it through HEPA filtration
• Exhaust it outside or into a controlled space

This ensures that anything airborne stays within the work zone and doesn’t spread.

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What Are Air Scrubbers?

Air scrubbers are often confused with negative air machines, but they serve a different purpose.

Air scrubbers:

• Continuously filter the air within a space
• Capture airborne particles like mold spores, dust, and soot
• Improve air quality during and after the project

They are not always set up to create negative pressure—they’re focused on cleaning the air, not controlling airflow direction.

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Why the Difference Matters

Using the wrong setup—or using equipment incorrectly—can lead to problems.

For example:

• Running an air scrubber without proper containment can circulate contaminants
• Failing to establish negative air can allow particles to escape into clean areas
• Improper placement can disrupt airflow and reduce effectiveness

Each piece of equipment has a role, and using them interchangeably is a common mistake.

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Why Equipment Size Matters

This is where experience really comes into play.

Air machines need to be properly sized for:

• The cubic footage of the space
• The severity of contamination
• The number of air changes required per hour

Undersized equipment won’t control the environment effectively.
Oversized or improperly placed equipment can create turbulence and push contaminants where they shouldn’t go.

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How It Should Be Done

A proper setup includes:

• Full containment of the affected area
• Establishing negative air pressure
• Using HEPA-filtered machines appropriately
• Positioning equipment to control airflow, not disrupt it

When done correctly, contaminants are contained, captured, and removed—not spread.

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A Different Way to Look at Cleanup

Cleanup isn’t just about removing what’s damaged. It’s about controlling the environment during the process. Without proper containment and air management, you’re not fixing the problem—you’re moving it.

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In Closing

Containment, negative air machines, and air scrubbers all serve different roles, but they work together to prevent cross-contamination. When they’re used correctly, the problem stays contained. When they’re not, it spreads.

Most people spend a significant portion of their day at work, but what if your office environment is making you sick? Unseen mold growth in office buildings can cause a range of health issues, from allergies and respiratory problems to chronic fatigue and headaches. Many employees may not realize that their symptoms could be linked to indoor mold exposure.

Common Causes of Mold in Offices

Mold thrives in environments with excess moisture, and office buildings can develop hidden mold problems due to several factors:

• Leaky roofs and windows – Even minor leaks can create the perfect conditions for mold to grow behind walls or ceiling tiles.
• Poor ventilation – Inadequate airflow can lead to moisture buildup, especially in older buildings or those with energy-efficient sealing.
• HVAC systems – Mold can develop inside heating and cooling ducts, spreading spores throughout the building.
• Plumbing issues – Small, unnoticed leaks under sinks, behind walls, or in restrooms can promote mold growth.
• High humidity levels – Offices with poor humidity control can develop condensation, encouraging mold colonization.

Signs That Your Office Needs Mold Testing

If employees experience unexplained symptoms that improve when they leave the office, mold may be the culprit. Signs that your workplace may need mold testing include:

• Frequent complaints of allergy-like symptoms (sneezing, coughing, congestion)
• Headaches or fatigue that worsen at work
• Musty odors in certain areas of the office
• Visible mold growth on walls, ceilings, or furniture
• Water stains or signs of past water damage
• Increased reports of respiratory issues or asthma flare-ups among staff

The Benefits of Professional Mold Testing in the Workplace

A professional mold test can provide clarity on whether your office has a mold problem, how severe it is, and what steps need to be taken to resolve it. Testing can help:

• Identify hidden mold that may not be visible but is affecting air quality
• Determine the types and concentrations of mold spores present
• Provide evidence for building owners or property managers to take action
• Improve indoor air quality, leading to healthier and more productive employees

Trust the Experts for Accurate Mold Testing

At MSI, we’ve been conducting mold testing since 1998 and have completed over 10,000 tests for commercial and residential clients. Our expertise is trusted in court cases involving mold-related disputes, and we provide reliable, scientifically backed assessments.

If you suspect mold in your office, don’t wait until it affects employee health and productivity. Contact us today for professional mold testing and ensure a healthier workplace for everyone.

Humidity plays a crucial role in the health of your home and can significantly impact the likelihood of water damage and mold growth. Understanding how humidity levels affect your environment is essential for homeowners looking to maintain a safe and healthy living space. In this blog, we’ll explore the relationship between humidity, water damage, and mold, and provide tips for managing humidity levels in your home.

What is Humidity?

Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. It’s typically expressed as a percentage, with higher percentages indicating more moisture. Relative humidity levels above 60% can create an environment conducive to mold growth and other moisture-related issues.

How Humidity Contributes to Water Damage

1. Condensation: When warm, humid air comes into contact with cool surfaces, such as windows or pipes, condensation occurs. This moisture can accumulate and lead to water damage, especially if not addressed promptly.
2. Increased Water Table: High humidity can be indicative of a rising water table, which can lead to groundwater seepage. This can cause water to enter basements and crawl spaces, resulting in significant damage.
3. Material Saturation: Prolonged high humidity can cause building materials—like wood, drywall, and insulation—to absorb moisture, weakening them and making them more susceptible to damage.

The Link Between Humidity and Mold Growth

Mold thrives in moist environments, and high humidity levels can create the perfect conditions for mold spores to grow. Here’s how:

• Optimal Growth Conditions: Mold spores need moisture to germinate and grow. When humidity levels exceed 60%, they can quickly multiply, leading to infestations within 24 to 48 hours.
• Hidden Mold: High humidity can lead to mold growth in hidden areas, such as behind walls or under carpets, making it difficult to detect until significant damage has occurred.
• Health Risks: Mold can pose health risks, including respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. Managing humidity is crucial for protecting your home and your family’s health.

Tips for Managing Humidity in Your Home

1. Use Dehumidifiers: Investing in a commercial grade dehumidifier can control humidity even in the harshest conditions preventing the chance of mold. Units should be sized correctly and able to handle the work load, as most plastic made brands can not.
2. Improve Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in your home, particularly in areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Use exhaust fans to reduce moisture buildup during cooking and showering.
3. Seal Leaks: Regularly inspect your home for leaks or gaps in windows, doors, and roofs. Seal these areas to prevent moisture intrusion.
4. Monitor Indoor Humidity: Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels in your home. Aim to keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50% for optimal comfort and mold prevention.
5. Address Water Damage Promptly: If you experience water damage, address it immediately. Quick extraction and drying can prevent mold growth and further damage.

Managing humidity is a vital part of maintaining a healthy home environment. By understanding its impact on water damage and mold growth, homeowners can take proactive steps to protect their properties. Elevated levels of humidity can lead to rapid mold growth and structural damage to your property. For further assistance, contact a team member at Mold Solutions & Inspections for a free consultation.

Fusarium species are ubiquitous and may be found in the soil, air and on plants. Fusarium species can cause mycotoxicosis in humans following ingestion of food that has been colonized by the fungal organism. In humans, Fusarium species can also cause disease that is localized, focally invasive or disseminated. The pathogen generally affects immunocompromised individuals with infection of immunocompetent persons being rarely reported. Localized infection includes septic arthritis, endophthalmitis, osteomyelitis, cystitis and brain abscess. In these situations relatively good response may be expected following appropriate surgery and oral antifungal therapy. Disseminated infection occurs when two or more noncontiguous sites are involved. Over eighty cases have been reported, many of which had a hematologic malignancy including neutropenia. The species most commonly involved include Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium moniliforme (also termed F. verticillioides). The diagnosis of Fusarium infection may be made on histopathology, gram stain, mycology, blood culture, or serology. Portals of entry of disseminated infection include the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and cutaneous sites.

The skin can be an important and an early clue to diagnosis since cutaneous lesions may be observed at an early stage of the disease and in about seventy-five cases of disseminated Fusarium infection. Typical skin lesions may be painful red or violaceous nodules, the center of which often becomes ulcerated and covered by a black eschar. The multiple necrotizing lesions are often observed on the trunk and the extremities. Onychomycosis most commonly due to F. oxysporum or F. solani has been reported. The onychomycosis may be of several types: distal and lateral subungual (DLSO), white superficial (WSO), and proximal subungual (PSO). In proximal subungual onychomycosis there may be associated leukonychia and/or periungual inflammation. Patients with Fusarium onychomycosis have been cured following therapy with itraconazole, terbinafine, ciclopirox olamine lacquer, or topical antifungal agent. In other instances nail avulsion plus antifungal therapy has been successful. In patients with hematologic malignancy or bone marrow transplant, who may experience prolonged or severe neutropenia during the course of therapy, the skin and nails should be carefully examined and consideration given to treating potential infection sites that may serve as portals for systemic dissemination. When disseminated Fusarium infection is present therapy with antifungal agents has generally been disappointing with the chances of a successful resolution being enhanced if the neutropenia can be corrected in a timely manner.

Alternaria is one of the most important allergenic molds found in the US. It is most common as an outdoor mold, as it thrives on various types of vegetation. Alternaria spores can be detected from Spring through late Fall in most temperate areas, and can reach levels of thousands of spores per cubic meter of air. While one usually thinks of molds as a problem in damp or even wet conditions, Alternaria spores can be at their highest concentrations during dry, windy conditions that are ideal for the spores to become airborne.

Alternaria is one of the most common outdoor molds, but also has been found in the indoor environment. The National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing conducted a study looking at house dust samples from 831 homes in 75 different locations throughout the US. Alternaria was found in over 90% of those dust samples. While much of that allergenic load was probably due to outdoor Alternaria finding its way inside, Alternaria is known to grow on moist surfaces in the home as well.

Alternaria is known to be a problem in allergic disease. In patients who show allergy to molds, up to 70% of those patients demonstrate allergy to Alternaria, and Alternaria is known to be a risk factor for asthma. Dampness and mold problems have been reported to occur in 20 – 50% of modern homes. Additionally, keep in mind that mold spores often outnumber pollen spores by 1,000 to one, and mold can produce spores for months on end, versus the weeks of pollen production by many allergenic plants.

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a term commonly used for non-specific symptoms that are temporally related to occupancy of a particular building. When building-related symptoms are characteristic of a specific clinical entity, they are called Building Related Illness (BRI). These illnesses are varied, and include Legionnaires’ disease, building related hypersensitivity pneumonitis, building-related asthma, and others.

SBS symptoms include mucous membrane irritation (cough, scratchy throat, stuffy sinuses, and itchy eyes), headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and other non-specific symptoms. The causes of SBS vary with the building and its occupants. SBS was once called “Tight Building Syndrome” and was considered to be a result of excess tightening of buildings in response to energy use concerns. However, many buildings with an excess of symptoms among the occupants are well ventilated. Still, increase in ventilation rates is often the “cure” for the problem.

Some people consider that SBS is caused not by the physical environment, but, rather, by psychosocial factors. Gender, lack of control, poor management, too much work, too little work, perceived housekeeping quality, and many other social factors have been blamed for the symptoms. In some cases, psychosocial factors may be the major cause of complaints. However, clearly, in some cases, environmental factors are at fault. For example, paper dust, and photocopier use have both been related to increases in complaints in a dose-dependent way. An excess of volatile organic compounds have been blamed for SBS symptoms. However, one study attributed this effect to the perception of odors at VOC concentrations far below those that would be likely to have an effect. These authors discuss the possibility that reactive chemistry might produce irritants that might be responsible for some symptoms.

Mold contamination has clearly been related to cases of BRI. However, its relationship to SBS is less clear. A Swedish study documented that dampness in residential buildings was associated with SBS symptoms with symptoms increasing with the number of dampness indicators present. Whether or not mold growth was responsible for these symptoms remains unknown. An extremely interesting study exposed people to measured doses of airborne fungal spores from growth on building materials. In this study, symptoms were similar among the two fungi studied AND for the placebo tests, indicating no specific effect of the spores. Mycotoxins have not been measured in quantities sufficient to cause the normal SBS symptoms, and the data regarding the role of mycotoxins in indoor air remain equivocal.

Condensation occurs when air is cooled below its dew point temperature. The study of air containing moisture (or plain old air as we know it) is called psychrometrics (pronounced si-crow-met-ricks), and deals with the relationships between temperature, relative humidity, absolute humidity, dew point and several other properties of the air/moisture mixture. A basic psychrometric relationship is that air can only hold so much moisture at a certain temperature. When the air is full of moisture, the relative humidity is 100%. When the air contains half as much moisture as is can at a temperature, the air is at 50% relative humidity. The next relationship is that if you cool the air, the relative humidity increases. (Cool air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air) At some point, the air becomes saturated. Cooling it any further causes condensation. This is the dew point.

So how does this relate to sweating ducts? Air conditioners make air cold. The cold air is forced through ducts. As a result, the outside surface of the ducts is cooled. If the air outside the ducts is humid enough, condensation will form on the ducts. The colder the air in the ducts and the more humid the air around the ducts, the more chance of forming condensation. Note that sweating ducts has nothing to do with moisture in the air inside the ducts. Solutions to sweating ducts involve 1) warming the surface, and 2) drying the air around the ducts. Insulation is added to the exterior of ducts to help warm the duct surface. The insulation should be enclosed in a vapor barrier to keep moisture from moving through the insulation itself. Joints in the ducts, insulation and vapor barrier should be sealed. The insulation and vapor barrier should extend completely to the registers, or condensation can form on the exposed ends.

If the ducts are in a crawlspace, a complete vapor barrier on the soil is an essential first step. Increasing crawlspace ventilation may help in some parts of the country, but be careful because increasing ventilation in other areas can actually increase the condensation. In basements and crawlspaces, sometimes adding a dehumidifier is necessary. Most duct condensation issues I have seen are the result of problems with duct insulation. In some cases, fixing the insulation solves the problem. Adding insulation typically does not solve the problem. In cases where the insulation is in good shape, crawlspaces and basements have been wet, or ducts have been pressed together.

When is the air conditioner at fault? Some newer air conditioning systems and controls actually make the air inside the ducts colder. This is an attempt by the manufacturer to help make the air in the house dryer, but often causes more condensation on the outside of ducts. Dirty filters can restrict air flow through the system, resulting in colder air. This is the easiest one to deal with: keep your filters clean. Otherwise, make sure the duct insulation and vapor barrier are continuous, contiguous and complete. And keep the air around ducts dry by covering exposed soil in crawlspaces, keeping ducts apart, and reducing other moisture sources in the air as much as possible.

With wet conditions, Acremonium grows quite well.. When Acremonium is found indoors, it usually originates either from outdoor air or from contaminated crawl spaces or from contaminated building materials that recently experienced wet conditions like flooding. However, the spores of this fungus are formed in a slimy mass resulting in limited aerosolisation: therefore its prevalence may be low in air samples.

It grows indoors on building materials such as drywall, acoustic and thermal fiberglass insulation and in some cases insulated ducting. Crawl spaces, wet bathrooms with a lack of proper ventilation or exhausting and continuous wet basements are ideal for Acremonium. 

Acremonium has often been associated with contamination by Stachybotrys chartarum, which is often referred to as “Black Mold,” as both fungi is favor very wet circumstances. Allergenic reactions to Acremonium includes hay fever, asthma, hypersensitivity and pneumonitis. Potential opportunist or pathogen effects are known to cause hyalohyphomycosis, keratitis, mycetoma, and onychomycosis. Also known to cause infections in immunodeficient patients and causes infections in persons with wound injuries.

When mold is found in your home, trust the professionals at Mold Solutions & Inspections to properly handle the removal the first time under the guidance of the IICRC protocols.

A little known mold which does show up on many mold testing reports is Myxomycetes. This mold is often skipped over by many inspectors not only because they can’tpronounce it, (Mixo-My-Cee-Tees), but also because they don’t know what it is and howit got there. Myxomycetes have an interesting life cycle which includes a wet spore phase and a dry spore phase. When conditions are favorable, they move about like amoebae, resembling primitive animals. When conditions are not favorable they form a resting body (sclerotium) with dry, airborne spores. Myxomycetes are noconsidered to be true fungi.

Health Effects

Myxomycetes are a type 1 allergen and can cause hay fever like symptoms and trigger asthma. Type I hypersensitivity is also known as an immediate reaction and involves immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated release of antibodies against the soluble antigen. This results in mast cell degranulation and release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. 

Type I hypersensitivities include atopic diseases, which are an exaggerated IgE mediated immune responses (i.e., allergic: asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and dermatitis), and allergic diseases, which are immune responses to foreign allergens (i.e., anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema, food, and drug allergies). The allergens that result in a type I hypersensitivity may be harmless (i.e., pollen, mites, or foods, drugs, etc.) or more hazardous such as insect venoms. The reaction may be manifested in different areas of the body and may result in instances such as:

• Nasal allergic rhinitis or hay fever
• Ocular allergic conjunctivitis, potentially due to seasonal allergens such as pollen or mold spores
• Dermatological hives, atopic eczema, or erythema
• Soft tissue angioedema
• Pulmonary reactions, such as allergic asthma or hypoxiaSystemic reaction, which is a life-threatening medical emergency, and also known as anaphylaxis.

Mold Solutions & Inspections is a full service mold testing and remediation company providing an unmatched level of service since 1998. If you think your home or business has been affected by mold, or are in need of mold testing, call our office or visit our main page for more information.