Do Your Own Home Inspection Before You Make an Offer, & Prior to Hiring Me (A Certified Home Inspector).

If you find a house that you love, do your own initial home inspection, inside and out, before you make an offer. Your intention is to be alert for obvious deficiencies. Assuming you're not looking for a fixer-upper, too many deficiencies may be a reason to eliminate this house from further consideration.

Note: This is not meant to replace a CERTIFIED home inspection. Once you make an offer on a house, you'll want an ASHI CERTIFIED home inspector to go over the home thoroughly.

Your inspection

Foundation: Look at the base of the walls and the ceilings in each room. Are there obvious cracks or apparent shifts in the foundation? Do the same around the outside. Are there any trees or roots encroaching on the foundation?

Lot: Does the drainage appear to be away from the house? Are there any obvious soggy areas?

Roof: What is the overall condition? When was it last replaced? Are there any trees encroaching on it?

Exterior: Does the house look like it will need repairs or repainting soon? Are gutters and downspouts firmly attached? Are there loose boards or dangling wires? Is there asbestos in the exterior material, which would require added costs if it needed to be repaired or replaced?

Interior evidence of leaks: Check ceilings and around windows in each room for stains or repairs.

Electrical: Do the switches work? Are there any obvious malfunctions? Is the panel updated?

Plumbing: Any unusual noises or malfunctions? Has the sewer line been video scoped to check for potential cracks?

Appliances: If these are included, what is the age and condition of the stove, dishwasher or refrigerator?

Heating/cooling system: Does it seem to do the job? How old is the furnace? If the system has been converted, are the old systems or tanks still in place?

Odor: Is there an odor in the house? Beware of musty odors which could signal MOLD.

How to Pick the Very Best Mold Inspector

Important Questions to Ask Your Potential Mold Inspector

1. What does your mold inspection cover?

The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable standards of a mold inspection: This typically includes a visual inspection of all accessible areas, moisture meter testing, and relative humidity measurements. It may or may not include a scope of work to explain how to stop the mold and remove the mold safely. In addition, your inspector should also be experienced in other indoor air quality issues that may be a potential health problems: Radon, allergens, VOC's, lead and asbestos. You should be able to request and see a copy of a sample report ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront. For a sample report visit my website at: SAMPLE MOLD REPORT

2. Current mold testing.

Current state of the art mold testing should be available for your consideration; such as DNA analysis of the property condition e.g. The Environmental Relative Mold Index (ERMI), that has been in field practice for more than 6 years, but still under the category of research by the EPA. Recent research has determined that mold inspectors miss 50% of mold problems without the ERMI test. For more information on the ERMI test process visit a description at my website: ERMI

3. How long have you been practicing in the mold inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?

The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals.

4. Are you specifically experienced in residential and or commecial inspection?

Related experience in property inspection and certification by ASHI or CREIA is a must. Accept no substitutes or excuses. To confirm ASHI or CREIA inspection certification visit: www.ashi.org or www.creia.org.

5. Do you offer to do repairs or mold remediation based on the inspection?

This is consider at code of ethics violation to offer both mold  inspection and remediation. Your inspector should only inspect, that way there is no incentive to find a problem. If you want a referral from the inspector for a remediation company to remove the mold, make sure there is no formal business relationship or kick back.

6. How long will the inspection take?

The average on-site inspection time for a single area or whole house mold inspection is one to three hours for a typical single-family house; anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection.

7. How much will it cost?

Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and age of the project site, scope of services and other factors. Consider the value of the inspection in terms of the investment being made and or health concerns. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality. Beware of free inspections, the inspector will try and up charge you on site for un-needed testing, or offer to do mold removal, for a hefty price.

8. What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?

Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector's reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. Most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection or lab sample results. SAMPLE MOLD REPORT

9. Can I attend the inspection?

This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector's refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see indoor air quality issues through the eyes of an expert.

10. Are you mold certified by ACAC? 

There are many questionable "certifications" for mold inspectors. However, the only nationally recognized true certification group is ACAC; visit www.acac.org to verify that your inspector is a Certified Microbial Consultant (CMC). My experience in California indicates that most mold inspectors are poorly trained and qualified for the work they are offering; buyer beware; there is no license or over site of inspectors or remediators.

11. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?

One can never know it all, and the inspector's commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases that involve health concerns. For example the ACAC certification requires at least 40 hours of approved education every 24 months.

12. Beware of unproven mold inspection techniques.

Poorly educated mold inspectors will offer scientifically unproven techniques, such as using dogs to smell for mold.

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.

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Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.

DNA Mold Test Now Available

DO I NEED MOLD TESTING?

*The California Department of Public Health (2011) has concluded that the presence of water damage, dampness, visible mold, or mold odor in schools, workplaces, residences, and other indoor environments is unhealthy.  However, the California Department of Public Health also recommends against mold testing (due to cost) and directs consumers to spend their funds instead on proper and safe removal of the mold.

In many cases this may be good advice, if there is a single small area of mold growth. However, in many cases there may be hidden mold growth, that has resulted in elevated mold levels in areas of the home that cannot be determined without testing.

Further, the cost of mold testing has been dropping consistently over the past decade, even with the development of more sophisticated DNA mold analysis techniques. For example the DNA mold test can cost as little at $295.

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
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Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.

Mold, Moisture, and Your Home

The EPA has developed this Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home:

Mold Basics

• The key to mold control is moisture control.
• If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
• It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Why is mold growing in my home?

Mold growing outdoors on firewood.

Molds come in many colors; both white and black molds are shown here. Click on the image for larger version.

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.

Magnified mold spores

Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth

This [guidance] provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.

How do I get rid of mold?

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

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Mold Cleanup

Who should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors. One consideration is the size of the mold problem. If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, follow the guidelines. However:

If you already have a mold problem - ACT QUICKLY. Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows, the more damage it can cause.

Leaky window - mold is beginning to rot the wooden frame and windowsill.

• If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types.
   
• If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.
   
• If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold (it is part of an identified moisture problem, for instance, or there is mold near the intake to the system), consult EPA's guide Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold throughout the building.
   
• If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.
   
• If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.

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Mold Cleanup Guidelines

Tips and techniques

The tips and techniques presented in this section will help you clean up your mold problem. Professional cleaners or remediators may use methods not covered in this publication. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. It may not be possible to clean an item so that its original appearance is restored.

Mold growing on the underside of a plastic lawn chair in an area where rainwater drips through and deposits organic material.Click on the image for a larger version.

Mold growing on a piece of ceiling tile. Click on the image for a larger version.

• Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely.
   
• Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
   
• Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
   
• Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold (see discussions: What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas and Hidden Mold).
   
• Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.
   
• If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books. Be sure to ask for and check references. Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.

Bathroom Tip

Places that are often or always damp can be hard to maintain completely free of mold. If there's some mold in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom that seems to reappear, increasing ventilation (running a fan or opening a window) andcleaning more frequentlywill usually prevent mold from recurring, or at least keep the mold to a minimum

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What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas

It is important to take precautions to LIMIT YOUR EXPOSURE to mold and mold spores.

Cleaning while wearing N-95 respirator, gloves and goggles. Click on the image for a larger version.

• Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores. In order to limit your exposure to airborne mold, you may want to wear an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware stores and from companies that advertise on the Internet. (They cost about $12 to $25.) Some N-95 respirators resemble a paper dust mask with a nozzle on the front, others are made primarily of plastic or rubber and have removable cartridges that trap most of the mold spores from entering. In order to be effective, the respirator or mask must fit properly, so carefully follow the instructions supplied with the respirator. Please note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that respirators fit properly (fit testing) when used in an occupational setting; consult OSHA for more information (800-321-OSHA or www.osha.gov).
   
• Wear gloves. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. When working with water and a mild detergent, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. If you are using a disinfectant, a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC (see Cleanup and Biocides). Avoid touching mold or moldy items with your bare hands.
   
• Wear goggles. Goggles that do not have ventilation holes are recommended. Avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes.

How Do I Know When the Remediation or Cleanup is Finished?

Mold growing on a suitcase stored in a humid basement.Click on the image for a larger version.

You must have completely fixed the water or moisture problem before the cleanup or remediation can be considered finished.

• You should have completed mold removal. Visible mold and moldy odors should not be present. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage.
   
• You should have revisited the site(s) shortly after cleanup and it should show no signs of water damage or mold growth.
   
• People should have been able to occupy or re-occupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms.
   
• Ultimately, this is a judgment call; there is no easy answer. If you have concerns or questions consult our Frequently Asked Questions database and ask a question if you don't find what you need.

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Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips

Moisture Control is the Keyto Mold Control

Mold growing on the surface of a unit ventilator. Click on the image for a larger version.

Condensation on the inside of a windowpane.

• When water leaks or spills occur indoors - ACT QUICKLY. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.
   
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
   
• Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
   
• Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
   
• Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.
   
• If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

Actions that will help to reduce humidity

• Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible. (Combustion appliances such as stoves and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.)
   
• Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
   
• Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.

Actions that will help prevent condensation

Mold growing on a wooden headboard in a room with high humidity. Click on the image for a larger version.

• Reduce the humidity.
• Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical. Use fans as needed.
• Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.
• Increase air temperature.

Renters: Report all plumbing leaks and moisture problems immediately to your building owner, manager, or superintendent. In cases where persistent water problems are not addressed, you may want to contact local, state, or federal health or housing authorities. You can also contactyour state health department.

Testing or Sampling for Mold

Rust is an indicator that condensation occurs on this drainpipe. The pipe should be insulated to prevent condensation. Click on the image for a larger version.

Is sampling for mold needed? In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

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Hidden Mold

Suspicion of hidden mold

Mold growing on the back side of wallpaper.

Water stain on a basement wall -- locate and fix the source of the water promptly. Click on the image for a larger version.

You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Investigating hidden mold problems

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.

Cleanup and Biocides

Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immune-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of mold spores will remain - these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.

Please note: Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed.

How to Reduce Mold and Other Toxins In Your Home

Air filters
People spend more than 80 percent of their time inside, where air may be even more polluted than outdoors.  Newer homes are designed to be energy-efficient, meaning there's not much ventilation, and irritants like dust mites, mold, and pet dander get sealed inside, potentially aggravating conditions such as allergies and asthma. To filter the air in all of the rooms in your home, I recommend getting a MERV 8 to 12 disposable high-efficiency filter for your furnace and air-conditioning system. Change the filters when they look dirty, or every 4 months or so, and in most systems, you can leave the fan running, even when you are not using your heater or air conditioner. You can find filters at your local hardware store. The most important factor is to make sure you filter is properly sized and has a good hold down to avoid un-filtered air passing through. 

NOTE: DO NOT HAVE YOUR DUCTS CLEANED, THIS IS A SHAM; SEE MY WEBSITE HOME PAGE VIDEO PRODUCED BY NBC NEWS. http://www.gpinspect.com

PORTABLE AIR FILTERS ARE EFFECTIVE ONLY FOR SINGLE ROOMS, AND SHOULD BE HEPA RATED. DO NOT INVEST IN HARMFUL ADD ONS LIKE OZONE. UV LIGHTS HAVE NOT BEEN DEMONSTRATED AS EFFECTIVE IN RESIDENTIAL SETTINGS. 

When weather permits, open up your windows, and turn off your filter systems. Mold and other microbials do not like ventilation.

Carpeting
 Wall-to-wall carpeting can also trap dust, pollen, and mold. Carpet tiles make a good alternative, since you can remove the individual squares for easy cleaning, drying, and replacement. Flor Carpet Design Squares let you interchange patterns and colors to customize your rug. Plus, they're recyclable. Also consider replacing the carpet with vinyl, tile or wood. Carpets should be cleaned only by an IICRC certified carpet cleaner using a steam process that drys within 2 hours. If you clean your own carpets use as little water as possible.

Drinking water
 Lead, chlorine, and pesticides can contaminate the stuff that comes out of the sink, so getting a filter may be a good idea. A reverse osmosis filter system can be installed at your kitchen sink by a plumber; a good system will cost under $200 at Lowes, Home Depot or COST-CO. Be sure to change the filters every 6 months to maintain filter quality, and prevent bacteria build up.

Household cleaning
 Many cleaners have artificial fragrances and chemicals that can irritate your lungs and worsen conditions such as allergies and asthma. Try using natural multipurpose cleansers such as white vinegar distilled with water in a spray bottle instead of buying glass cleaner." Also, lemon can remove hard water stains, and baking soda is great for scrubbing pots. When dusting only use a damp cloth method, rather than a dry process.

AVOID USING BLEACH, THIS IS CONSIDERED A BIOCIDE.

MOST "MOLD REMOVAL" CLEANING PRODUCTS ALSO CONTAIN BLEACH; ABRASIVE CLEANING OF THE MOLD AREA IS MORE EFFECTIVE (BUT ONLY FOR NON-WOOD, AND NON-DRYWALL SURFACES). POROUS AREAS WITH MOLD GROWTH REQUIRE THE REMOVAL OF THE MATERIAL TO PROPERLY REMOVE MOLD; IT IS NOT CLEANABLE.

Laundry
You can save energy and lower your toxic load by avoiding those chemical-laden detergents and fabric-softeners. Washing your bedding in hot water once a week can cut down on dust mites. Also, your pillows and mattress should be contained with dust might covers.
Shampoo
Many shampoos contain sulfates, a sudsing agent that's also used in laundry detergent and actually doesn't help get hair (or clothes) clean and ends up making strands more brittle. Whole Foods has an entire aisle devoted to non-detergent beauty lines.

Skin-care products
The average American uses approximately 10 to 15 personal care products with a total of 126 different ingredients each day. The most common offenders are parabens; hormone disrupters such as DEA, MEA, and TEA; fragrance; mineral oil, and propylene glycol. Just as you scour nutrition labels, read the ingredient list on your beauty products and opt for those with plant or fruit essential oils, herbs, and natural preservatives, which are high in vitamins and antioxidants and are safe for your body.

Clutter
Letting stuff pile up not only makes it harder to think, but also tougher to clean because it becomes a breeding ground for sickness-causing bacteria and dust (which is a breading ground for dust mites). The key is to pare down and minimize your belongings to maximize your space-whether it be by donating, recycling, or reselling. Try handing off old blankets to an animal shelter, recycling computer ink cartridges at office-supply stores such as Staples, and selling kitchen supplies you no longer use on Craigslist.

Unwanted Dampness

Water bad!

Plumbing leaks, roof leaks, surface ground water entering the living area promotes mold and bacteria growth. Have any such water sources repaired within 48 hours to avoid future un-healthy living condiitons.

High ERMI Mold Levels Found in Homes of Asthmatic Children

The EPA research tool, the Environmental Relative Mold Index (ERMI) has determined that higher scores were associated with homes of asthmatic children.

Asthmatic children in 3 U.S. cities studied were found to be living in homes with significantly higher Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) values than were found in homes randomly selected during the HUD 2006 American Healthy Homes Survey (AHHS) from the same geographic areas. The differences between asthmatics’ home’s and the AHHS home’s ERMI values was statistically significant for all three cities. Taken together, the average ERMI value in the asthmatic’s homes was 8.73 compared to 3.87 for the AHHS homes. In addition, Kansas City homes of children with “Mild, Moderate or Severe Persistent Asthma” had average ERMI values of 12.4 compared to 7.9 for homes of children with only “Mild Intermittent Asthma”. Aspergillus niger was the only mold of the 36 tested which was measured in significantly greater concentration in the homes of asthmatic children in all three cities. The ERMI metric may be useful in describing mold contamination in the homes of asthmatic children in the US. High ERMI values were associated with homes of asthmatic children in three widely dispersed cities in the United States.*


Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/02770903.2012.740122
Mold in water-damaged homes has been linked to asthma.The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) metric was created by the US Environmental Protection Agency, with assistance by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to quantify mold contamination in US homes.


Link to Journal of Asthma

*Note that the EPA still considers the ERMI as a research tool and does not endorse it for public use. Even so, the ERMI is in wide use in the public domain by mold inspectors, remediation companies and 10 EPA licensed labs.

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation: 
www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 7,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy, radon, EMF/RF and environmental inspections,  that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics.

He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. 

As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE limited mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
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Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. www.gpinspect.com