Mold Inspection near Boston, Massachusetts

Historical Air Quality Data for Boston, Massachusetts

Data type	Trend sites	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	All sites active in 2009	2009 using all sites
AQI > 100 PM2.5*	8	0	3	10	8	1	4	1	3	0	0	29	0
AQI > 100†	15	0	4	10	8	1	4	1	3	0	0	123	5
CO	2	2.8	2.5	1.9	2.2	1.5	1.7	1.5	1.4	1.6	1.3
PM2.5	6	12.8	13.0	11.8	11.0	11.2	11.0	9.6	10.3	9.8	8.7
SO2	4	.0055	.0052	.0049	.0050	.0042	.0044	.0036	.0039	.0041	.0024
* Number of days with Air Quality Index values greater than 100 at trend sites: PM2.5 only † Number of days with Air Quality Index values greater than 100 at trend sites

City of Boston Environmental Hazards Program:

Mold is a common living organism that grows like a plant or bacteria. Mildew is the same thing as mold. Mold spreads by spores -microscopic 'seeds' that float through the air. When spores land on a wet area (like a wet rug or a wall or ceiling with a leak) they grow into new mold. If there is no moisture, mold cannot grow.

Can mold cause health problems?

There is no such thing as "toxic mold" but some people can be very allergic to mold. Depending on your sensitivity, exposure to any type of mold could cause mild problems (eye irritation, runny nose, coughing, sore throat) or serious health problems like difficulty breathing or asthma attacks.

Should I test for Mold?

There is no recommended test for mold or standard for what is a safe level of mold. If you can see mold or smell mold (musty odor), then you have mold and need to take action. If you find evidence of frequent water damage, then it is very likely that you have mold. Call the Environmental Hazards Program at 617-534-5966 if you are wor­ried about mold in your home.

What should I do about mold in my home?

The first thing to do is find the source of the water and stop it -mold cannot grow without water. Next, you have to clean up the mold. Remember to wear gloves, safety goggles, and a mask or respirator to protect your health when cleaning up mold. Do not just paint over mold unless you fix the water problem first -it will just grow back. If there is too much mold or water damage, cut out and throwaway moldy dry­wall or plaster. Above all, know when it is time to call in the professionals.

• Cleaning walls, floors and hard surfaces: Scrub the area with a disinfectant (1 cup of non-chlorine bleach in a gallon of water) and let it dry completely.
• Cleaning carpets, furniture, and clothing: Small items should be taken to a professional drycleaner. If the item is too big to be washed (furniture, wall-to-wall carpet, etc.), professional steam cleaning or upholstery cleaning may work.
• What if the mold comes back:lf mold grows back then you may have to thow out the moldy item.
• If you can still smell mold, it is not clean

Prevent mold growth!

Exhaust fans and open windows can be used in damp areas like bathrooms. Wipe down damp walls after showering. Stop moisture before it starts by fixing leaks as soon as you find them. That way, mold will not have time to grow.