BY GABBY BAILEY
FixAIRx owners share insight on the impact of indoor air quality, elevated mold exposure in a home
cause and document the plan. That distinction is especially important in Texas, where mold assessment and mold remediation are regulated elds. ... We are identifying, testing, interpreting and documenting damage conditions that a ect health risks to both the home and everyone living inside it. If mold or signi cant water damage is involved, it’s important to involve a licensed mold assessment consultant as early as possible. How can mold and poor indoor air quality a ect the structure of your home? Mold is not just an air quality concern; it is usually a sign that moisture is present where it does not belong. Most modern homes are built with materials like wood framing, drywall, insu- lation and paperbacked products. When they stay damp, they can become food sources for mold and bacteria. Over time, moisture can weaken build- ing materials, damage drywall, a ect ooring, compromise cabinetry and ... attract pests. For those looking to buy a new home, how can you spot signs of poor indoor air quality? Whether a home is brand new or simply new to you, there are a few things buyers should pay attention to before closing because most homes are built with moisture-sensitive materials. During your walkthrough, pay close attention to what you see, what you smell and how the home feels. Musty odors, water stains, swollen baseboards, peeling paint, buckled ooring, freshly patched areas or dirty HVAC components can all be signs that there may be a bigger issue.
Wendy Michaelis and her daughter, Anna Bell, are the owners of FixAIRx, a forensic indoor environmental health company based in Denton County. The company is dedicated to assessing the air quality to address complex indoor health concerns. Elevated mold exposure can a ect health, especially for people who are sensitive, allergic, asthmatic, immunocompromised or already dealing with other health concerns, Michaelis said. Damp or moldy buildings are associated with respiratory symptoms, asthma concerns, allergic rhinitis, respiratory infections and eczema. “It’s crazy that 13 years ago, I started this com- pany to nd solutions for Anna’s asthma. I never expected that this would become our journey together,” Michaelis said. Community Impact spoke with Michaelis, a licensed mold assessment consultant, on how to monitor a home’s air quality, mold assessments and mold remediation. What is indoor air quality? Indoor air quality, or IAQ, is a term that refers to the overall conditions of the air inside your home or building and how those conditions a ect your health and comfort. Indoor air quality is in u- enced by several interconnected factors and can become expensive and confusing when something is out of balance. What does an indoor air quality specialist do? I often compare our role to the diagnostic side of health care. Before treatment begins, someone has to understand the symptoms, identify the
Wendy Michaelis (left) and Anna Bell are licensed mold assessment consultants who test a home’s indoor air quality through their business, FixAIRx.
COURTESY FIXAIRX
How can homeowners keep track of their home’s indoor air quality, and what indicators should they watch for? A simple humidity monitor can help home- owners watch for elevated moisture conditions, and a basic indoor air quality monitor can help track trends in particulates and volatile organic compounds from dust, smoke, cleaning products, fragrances, renovations, building materials or poor ventilation.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .
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