ESI owns and operates two full Bio-Response Vehicles and currently responds to bio-
hazards and toxic mold requests.

ESI maintains on staff Industrial Hygienists and Environmental Professionals to test and
remove toxic mold and other bio-hazards – both industrial and residential.

WHAT IS MOLD & HOW DOES IT GROW?

Molds are fungi.  Molds grow throughout natural and man-made environments.  They
produce microscopic cells called “spores” which spread easily through the air.  Live spores
act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions.  
Molds do not require saturated conditions to grow.  Growth may also occur when high
relative humidity and/or the ability of building surfaces to absorb and retain moisture create
similar conditions.  In some cases, it can take as little as 24 hours for the growth process to
begin.  After the source of the moisture has stopped, it does not mean that the mold has
stopped growing.  Once the infiltration of mold into a property has been confirmed, the
property may be valued lower then originally projected.  The property may also be
prevented from being sold until the mold problem is addressed.

HOW IS MOLD A HAZARD?

There are numerous health hazards associated with various fungi.  The most common is
triggering allergies, as most fungi produce antigenic proteins that can trigger allergic
reactions.  Fungi is also capable of growing on or in humans, animals and plants.  This may
lead to a host of diseases, some of which are seriously debilitating.  It has recently been
proven that some mold growths produce mycotoxic that are now known to be
carcinogenic.  Also, microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC’s) are produced by
some fungi.  MVOC’s can be irritating to mucous membranes, cause headaches and other
symptoms. For individuals with chemical sensitivity, MVOC’s can trigger a reaction as an
exposure to “chemical” volatile organic compounds.