Mold

Does the Peoria City/County Health Department test for mold or provide mold remediation?

No. The Peoria City/County Health Department does not test for mold or provide any mold remediation.  Even if testing is done by an individual or company, no standards or guidelines exist to judge acceptable levels of mold. For this reason, testing is not recommended.

How do I get my home or business tested for mold? 

Companies that perform mold testing can be found by looking under “Environmental Services” in the Yellow Pages of their telephone book. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends looking for individuals or companies that employ certified industrial hygienists or persons who work under the supervision of industrial hygienists.

What are the health effects of mold exposure?

According to IDPH, Many molds can cause adverse health effects. Molds produce allergens, irritants and, sometimes, toxins that may cause adverse reactions in humans. A reaction to mold depends on how much a person is exposed to, the general health and age of a person and the person’s sensitivities or allergies. The same amount of mold may cause health effects in one person, but not in another.

Exposure to mold can cause a variety of symptoms. Sensitive people who have touched or inhaled mold or mold spores may have allergic reactions such as a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, skin rash and itching. Molds can trigger asthma attacks in people who are allergic to molds, causing wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. A disease like pneumonia also may develop after exposure to mold, but this is uncommon

Where can I learn more about how to prevent mold growth and how to fix indoor mold problems? 

Both the EPA and CDC have web pages dedicated to mold. Learn more on the EPA Mold Website or CDC Mold Website.