For allergic diseases, including asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and other immune system mediated conditions, the offending allergen is often hiding silently in unseen places even in the most meticulously maintained homes. While pharmaceuticals can be effective in controlling symptoms, we have demonstrated in thousands of cases that identifying the exposure source of and eliminating the offending allergen can substantially or completely resolve our clients symptoms. Recommended by NYC’s leading pulmonologists at Weill Cornell Medicine, Mt. Sinai Hospital, NYU Langone Health, and Lenox Hill Hospital.
The Hidden Mold Problem
What you see…
What we find…
Who Are We?
A small group of highly trained, credentialed and experienced mold and indoor air quality inspectors (see team). We also have a background as general and mechanical contractors, which gIves us an unusual ability to identify water intrusion sources and write site- specific scopes of work to correct the mold and HVAC hygiene problems that we find and that are provoking our clients health symptoms. Over these past 30+ years, we have conducted over 10,000 inspections in response to occupant health concerns and we have used this knowledge both to help each client we serve and to benefit the greater public health interests.
Using Practice to Inform Mold Research, Mold Policy,
and Mold Law
Authors of and Contributors to Mold Research and Government Mold Guidelines
Annals of the American Thoracic Society (2022) Misalignment between Clinical Mold Antigen Extracts and Airborne Molds Found in Water-damaged Homes
NYCDOHMH (2008) Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments
NYC Local Law 13 (2014) Prohibits the use of paper-faced gypsum board (AKA sheetrock) in bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms NYC building code (adopted from Local Law 13)
NIEHS Disaster Recovery Guildelines – Mold Remediation (2013)
Experts in the Science of the Black Mold Stachybotrys chartarum
The current consensus of scientific research holds that it is implausible that humans could be exposed to Stachybotrys chartarum and the mycotoxins it produces (Satratoxin G & H) at levels that would be necessary to provoke the widely reported neurological symptoms (chronic fatigue, brain fog, memory loss, difficulty concentrating) reported by people exposed to this black mold. Our review of the published scientific literature finds that such an association may indeed be plausible but will need to be validated by well designed animal studies mimicking the long-term chronic exposures that people living in homes contaminated with Stachybotrys chartarum actually experience. This finding is amplified by a pilot study that represents a preliminary analysis of our most recent 3000 client files where laboratory testing was conducted and our client’s health symptoms were recorded, and the analysis of our findings shows a strongly elevated risk of experiencing neurological symptoms when exposed to Stachybotrys chartarum relative to being exposed to other molds.
Other Indoor Environmental Services
We are also experts in the science of:
• HVAC Mechanical Hygiene Assessment
• The Science of Assessing Construction and Renovation Dust and Vapor
• Environmental Tobacco Smoke Infiltration (ETS)
• Odor Assessment and Source Control
• Chemical Vapor / VOC Emissions Assessment
• Formaldehyde Assessment
• Covid Preparedness
• Fresh Air Ventilation
• Exhaust Ventilation
• Lead Based Paint Risk Assessment
• Pre-Purchase Inspections
No conflict of interest. We are expert investigators and remediation planners, but do not conduct remediation contracting work. Upon request, we will provide our clients with a listing of qualified and trusted remediation contractors.
Microecologies in the News
Daily News – Mold plagues homes flooded during Hurricane Sandy; deadly spores cause breathing and other health-related problems
ABC – Four Tips to Protect Yourself During Mold Inspection (The LookOut)- on Youtube
ABC – Hurricane Sandy victims on the lookout for Mold
New York Magazine – Best of NY 2020
New York Magazine – Best of NY 2007 – Best Toxic Cleanup
New YorkNew York Times – Mold Come Out with Your Hands Up
New York Times – Battling Mold Infestations
Via Nola Vie – This Mold House
Daily News – Cheap trinkets fail tests for poison lead: experts
HabitatMag.com – There’s One Thing You Need To Do When Mold Appears: Act Fast