Mold Testing in Medfield, MA

After a mold problem was discovered, the residents of a property in Medfield, MA, a PowerBees inspector was deployed to perform mold testing.  The owner reported a musty odor in a rear hallway and reported allergy symptoms commonly associated with exposure to mold spores, e.g., congestion and sinus issues.  Concern was expressed about the possibly colonization of mold in the back hallway and a bedroom closet located in the basement.  This five story town house experienced water intrusion into the first and second levels during the March rains.  The water came in mostly through the window casings and framing, mostly in the 2^nd level living room a second level bathroom. Water also came in through the window casings in the kitchen, where defective flashing is likely responsible. Additionally, there was a report of water intrusion into a basement bedroom closet.  Eight non-viable air samples were taken at the property.  The first air sample was taken in a rear entrance hall. There were high Penicillium / Aspergillus counts in this area. A second air sample was taken in a closet, where the Penicillium / Aspergillus levels were slightly elevated. The third air sample was taken in the Front hallway near the stairway – and the spore counts were normal. A fourth air sample was taken in the kitchen where the Cladosporium counts were high.  A fifth air sample was taken in the office, where the Cladosporium count was slightly elevated. A sixth air sample was taken in the living room, and the counts came back as normal. A seventh air sample was taken in the master bedroom. Again, the Cladosporium counts were slightly elevated.  An eighth air sample was taken outside. There was a preponderance of Penicillium / Aspergillus in the lower part of the house (rear entrance hall and basement area) while there was higher levels of Cladosporium in kitchen, bedroom and office.  Both spore groups are commonly associated with indoor water damage, and the elevated counts in the office may be a result of the higher counts in the kitchen, which is in close proximity.