Case Study: Treatment resolved 1,900 Chaetomium spores

A Brentwood homeowner needed professional mold remediation after testing revealed severe contamination with water-damage indicator molds at extreme levels. The passageway registered the highest possible MoldSCORE with marker molds confirming significant concealed moisture damage within the building materials.

Testing the passageway revealed severe contamination: a MoldSCORE of 300 (maximum severity) with 14,000 spores per cubic meter versus 11,000 outside. The critical finding was Penicillium/Aspergillus at 9,900 spores versus just 160 outside, a MoldSCORE of 300 indicating massive indoor amplification.

The most alarming result was the marker mold contamination. Chaetomium registered 1,900 spores versus less than 13 outside, also scoring a MoldSCORE of 300. Chaetomium at this level is a definitive indicator of severe, active water damage with established mold colonization inside building materials. This was not surface contamination that could be wiped away. It required demolition to access and remove the affected materials.

The scope of work required full containment and demolition. Claro set up containment around the affected area to prevent further spread, deployed air scrubbers to create negative air pressure and HEPA filtration, then removed identified flooring, drywall, insulation, and other impacted materials. All debris was removed via dumpster and trash-out service.

Following demolition and material removal, Claro performed its two-stage dry fog treatment: InstaPure to denature 99.99% of all mold in the air and on every surface without residue, followed by EverPure as a protective shield on all treated surfaces. Drywall, mud, trim, and paint were completed to restore the home.

Post-treatment testing confirmed complete elimination: less than 13 CFU/m3 with no fungal colonies detected. The passageway dropped from 14,000 spores with catastrophic Chaetomium contamination to completely clean air. The 1,900 Chaetomium spores and 9,900 Penicillium/Aspergillus all gone. This case demonstrates why water-damage marker molds at extreme levels require containment, demolition, and whole-home treatment rather than surface cleaning alone.