Researchers have found a way to use radar technology for measuring the size and location of hidden mold that could cause serious structural damage. They believe this discovery will help homeowners avoid costly repairs by warning them about potential problems before they happen.
Scientists at Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) are collaborating with humidity control expert Lew Harriman in a two-year feasibility study to develop an easier and less expensive method than what is available now for detecting mold behind walls.
The research, funded primarily by U.S Department of Housing HAYDN’s Healthy Homes Initiative through its grant application process has led them into exciting new territory that could have vast implications on how we remediate hazardous material situations around our homes or businesses.
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute in Washington, D.C., is providing funds for this study that will be led by Professor David Lappinstaller of Virginia Tech’s Engineering School with assistance from MuNters Corporation. One such company who’s offered their support through donation.
Some top Miami mold testing and inspection companies are also using the latest technologies to detect mold.
Mold
“Mold can be a sneaky problem, especially in humid climates where it is often not immediately apparent. The good news though means you will know before long if your home has this type of issue because the spores need water to grow and flourish,” said GTRI researcher Victor DeJesus.”
When they do so successfully, which should happen soon after installation or construction? You’ll start seeing black mold appearances on walls near sinks for instance; things get worse from thereon out until eventually all trace evidence has been consumed by these invasive plants.
Mold is a growing problem in the United States with an estimated 300 million homes containing some form of this fungus. In addition to degrading structures, mold can emit smelly and potentially harmful compounds into our air, something that should not be taken lightly. Check out this Port St Lucie mold removal company to know more about mold and mildews.
Experiments On Damp Mold
Researchers are using an algorithm to detect radar signals from mold and fungus on damp, Wallington-infested wallboard panels. Initially they’re conducting experiments with a high sensitivity laboratory size system recently developed by GTRI principal research scientist Gene Greneker alongside Senior.
Researcher Otto Rausch which can be used in homes as well hospitals for Wanhington’s Healthcare Industry.
The potential use of millimeter wave, extremely high resolution radar (HERR) to detect mold in these panels will be determined by the unique characteristics that exist within its signature. This information is extracted through techniques specifically designed for this task which provides a heightened level insight not only as it pertains directly onto whether there might actually be something growing on your surface but also how much space needs defending against such an infestation.
The research team wants to find out if X-ray and gamma ray technologies work for detecting mold in other indoor building materials, including ceiling tiles typically used in commercial structures.
They’ll also examine the effectiveness of these techniques on a wide range of samples from different sources so they can provide more specific data about what kind or source causes illness when people come into contact with it which could help prevent future outbreaks.
The researchers hope to create a small, handheld prototype unit that would lay the foundation for their commercial product. Its expected contractors could purchase it at about $1-2k and easily learn how to use them in homes without any prior experience with electricity or plumbing fixtures.
All while testing out potential markets before investing too much time/money into development.
Greneker’s Expert Opinion
The downside to this system is that it cannot distinguish between mold and other objects. It also has a limited range of about 6 inches before becoming unable to detect any more moisture within the room’s surface.
Bacteria can be easily distinguished from non-pathogenic bacteria based on their cellular structure, but when dealing with molds there are no clear differences between them because they all share similar characteristics including size or shape. Therefore having better sensors would help in identifying these microorganisms.
The device’s potential seems immense, according to Greneker. We think this technology is on the cutting edge for detecting mold behind walls. It has great chances of success in finding hidden spaces like those between two tiles or bricks where you can’t see anything at all.
The researchers found that by injecting water, they were able to get the fungus living on its surface and create an environment where it could grow. This is exactly what happened when their panel was submerged in hot sauce.
The next step will be determining how these findings can help us understand more about infectious diseases like cancer or Alzheimer’s disease since both have been linked with increased risk due them being caused by fungi that infect our bodies while we sleep at night.
Putting innocent people potentially at risk just because some doctors don’t check themselves before operating equipment during procedures.
