PowerBees  was contacted to perform a microbial analysis in Belmont, MA.  The tenant had rented this third level apartment within this multi-unit building (built in the early 1900’s) for approximately one year. The roof of the building was in the process of being replaced. The tenant reported active water leaking through her ceiling starting approximately one month prior to testing. The contracters reportedly removed a small section of plaster from bedroom ceiling adjacent to the kitchen in the tenant’s unit.  A large section of plaster from the kitchen ceiling was also removed in the hopes that the removal would assist with the dry-out.  There was no reported use of dehumidification.  On the day prior to testing, contractors removed sections of the wall, a larger area of plaster from the kitchen and the plaster around doorway separating the kitchen from the living room exposing wet framing and masonry. The water damaged framing was left exposed and the ceiling was covered loosely with plastic. Visible microbial growth was identified on large portions of the water damaged framing.  The tenant had reported a noticeable increase in respiratory related symptoms over the last month.  Concern was expressed about the possibility of microbial growth from the prior water intrusion, its affect on the air quality and the potential impact on the tenant’s health.

Upon receiving the results from our laboratory, Stachybotrys was identified in the tenant’s samples. Stachybotrys is considered particularly dangerous in any amount. It is believed that the presence of this extremely toxic mold may be responsible for the tenant’s health issues.

Cohasset, MA residents contacted PowerBees to perform an inspection of their mold affected property and to write up an estimate to remediate the microbial problem.  Upon mold inspection by a PowerBees certified inspector, humidity was measured at 35% in this mostly finished basement with a dehumidifier present and operational.  A must odor was not discernable in the basement, or elsewhere in the property. Water staining was visible on the carpet, ceiling tiles, baseboard and trim in the playroom.  A bluish/black discoloration was visible on a section of carpet in the middle of the playroom, which did not appear to be a stain upon visual inspection (a lift tape sample of the discolored fiber was taken).  An active leak was observed in the utility room around the base of the first level fireplace.  The water was dripping but there was no standing water – it had soaked into the concrete foundation. Water had saturated insulation and contents below the leak.  Moisture levels, measured with a Delmhorst moisture meter, were high in the sheetrock, baseboard and trim near the bulk head entrance to the playroom and in the water stained areas in the utility room.  Moisture levels in the carpeting and foundation floor were normal.  Aside from the powdery substance on the discolored section of carpet, visible microbial growth was not observed on any other surfaces in the basement or elsewhere in the property.  Water staining and high moisture levels were observed on the woodwork and sheetrock around the fireplace in the first level living room as well.