Building envelopes are a physical separator between the indoors and outdoors and are comprised of many components including walls, floors, roofs, windows and doors. The building envelope is designed to support indoor comfort, manage moisture and protect us from exterior elements.

The building enclosure should manage all factors that can migrate into and out the building whether it is water, light or sound. The building assemblies comprise the foundations, above grade walls and roofs that make up the enclosure. How the building is designed and constructed makes the difference on how the building performs. Additionally, building longevity is based upon how the building performs keeping the outside elements out.

Many disciplines are involved in design and construction of a building including architectural, structural, mechanical and construction management. During the process, failures can occur including inadequate building design and elemental intrusion which affects building performance post construction. These can prevent the building to operate properly. Building science investigations provide information so corrective measures can be implemented to fix pre or post construction issues.

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There are more than 100,000 species of mold in the world, and many of them are completely harmless to human beings. Then there are some species of mold whose encounters with humans can leave people with serious medical problems. Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), is probably best known as “sick building disease“, and has been recognized as a legitimate health problem by the World Health Organization (WHO) since the 1980s. As the name indicates, victims of this condition have exposure to, or are actually living within, a structure that has a living environment that produces physical illnesses. While there are multiple causes of CIRS, WHO data indicates that the majority of its sufferers are living in water damaged buildings. This leads to the formation of and exposure to toxic “household molds” such as Stachybotrys chartarum.

CIRS is believed to be triggered when individuals are exposed to certain molds, algae, or fungus. Causing the exposed person’s immune system to go into overdrive, CIRS can cause a number of symptoms, ranging from chronic fatigue and headaches to memory loss to vision problems. Fever, rapid heart rates, and elevated white blood cell counts are other and more serious symptoms of CIRS. Studies have shown that removing sufferers from infested houses alone does not always cause their symptoms to abate.

Because CIRS shares so many symptoms with other illnesses, it can be difficult to diagnose. Its recovery prospects are mixed, with the best outcomes involving quick diagnosis and treatment. Home preventative maintenance can be very helpful, such as mold testing in the aftermath of water exposure in a home, and quick correction of water damage. But testing for the presence of toxic mold in a building is not a DIY project. Rather, homeowners should contact a professional testing company, such as AirMD. AirMD’s technicians will first conduct a visual inspection for the presence of mold, and note the extent of its presence. They will sample mold found in the air and on surfaces to determine its type. AirMD technicians will also measure both mold and moisture levels throughout the building. And the results of the AirMD inspection will be sent to an independent lab for analysis. Following a lab testing, AirMD will then send building owners lab results, plus recommendations for mold removal within 3-5 business days, so that owners can begin the process of having mold removed. Remember, moving mold quickly can keep CIRS from moving in.

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