Not usually among the reasons for the common cold, asthma or headaches, mold can cause a world of problems if not dealt with.

Microscopic fungi that grows in the form of colonies whose spores are found most often in dust that collects in the household and workplace, many have no idea they are sleeping in the presence of a "silent killer."

However, Normi IAQ certified mold inspector Richard Reace has decided to take it to mold and other allergens by beginning a new business, Enviro-Clean Living.

"A lot of people don't know they have mold problems or don't associate respiratory problems and other symptoms they are having to mold," Reace said. "While mold is a necessary part of natural organic decomposition, when it grows in large quantities indoors, it can cause serious health problems."

Making a living by selling and installing floors for 30 years, Reace found himself in close proximity with mold on a regular basis during water restoration prjects. But it wasn't until recently that he decided to take on helping make people aware of the possible toxins living inside their homes.

"Mold produces gases called mycotoxins that can float into living areas through ductwood," Reace said. "A lot of houses have had problems with contaminated crawl spaces and basements and many of us are exposed to it and have no idea."

Reace said a few decades ago miners would take a canary with them underground to determine if there was methane (an explosive natural gas) in the mines.

If the bird, which is very sensitive to poisons in the air, died during the journey, workers knew the air in the mine was dangerous.

To delve further into the matter of mold and other allergens, Reace has written a book named 'Can Your Canary Breathe?'

With the advent of modern technology, Reace doesn't have to harm animals to determine what could be contaminating the air in your home, workplace or other structure, with the inspector having lab instruments and other test items at his disposal.

In order to diagnose a structure, Reace begins with a survey to identify symptoms among family members and problems with mold moisture, odors and the HVAC system.

The mold inspector then takes samples of the air and surfaces for contamination along with humidity and temperature variations.

If the presence of mold, bacteria, pet dander or other potential allergens are found, Reace then suggests cleaning and purification solutions in an effort to improve the structure's air quality.

The mold inspector currently has clients in Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln and Mecklenburg counties in North Carolina as well as in Cherokee and York counties in South Carolina.

According to Reace, one of the reasons for the presence of mold and other toxins in local homes has to do with their age and the condition of the structure's heat and air system.

"A lot of the homes have been around a while, and haven't been checked out for mold in a long time," Reace said. "So it's our job to look behind walls and the ductwork, getting into those crawl spaces where the fungus grows to root it out."

Reace hopes to be able to work with several local colleges, primarily due to the age of many buildings currently in use.

"Helping people have moldfree

places to live and work," Reace said, "has many surprises but is very rewarding and provides real health benefits for our clients."

For more information and discrete inspections for a home or office, call 704-616- 7703.