Answer: Mold is a natural part of our environment and exists both indoors and outdoors. However, when excess moisture develops inside a building, mold growth can increase beyond normal levels and create indoor environmental quality concerns. In the Gulf Coast region, high humidity, roof leaks, plumbing failures, HVAC condensation, and flooding can all contribute to indoor mold growth. When moisture remains present for extended periods, fungi may begin growing on drywall, insulation, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, and other building materials. Answer: Mold growth is typically caused by moisture problems. Common contributing factors include: Water intrusion or leaks Flooding or storm damage Read More »
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has proposed new rules for Mold Assessors and Remediators. The proposed new rules are necessary to implement the transition of the Mold Assessors and Remediators program from the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) to TDLR. Texas Senate Bill 202 proposed transferring Mold licensing from TDSHS to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) effective on November 1, 2017. The proposed rules are published in the April 21, 2017, issue of the Texas Register (42 TexReg 2057). The TDLR will accept comments on the proposal until May 22, 2017. The proposed Read More »
Like the rest of us, mold loves Houston. The warm, humid climate makes our city as natural a home for molds as it is for the energy industry. At normal levels, mold is harmless. There are lots of types of molds that grow outdoors as well as indoors like inside your home and office building. The problem comes when moisture problems inside those structures cause mold to grow beyond normal levels. “Normal levels” is a subjective term – even the government has yet to place regulations on what constitutes as natural levels or unhealthy levels. If mold levels grow beyond minimum levels, the indoor Read More »