Generally, however, mold doesn't cause systemic infections except for people with impaired immune systems, such as those who have HIV/AIDS or who are taking immunosuppressant medication. HEPA filters: All air conditioner units come fitted with air filters. We have prepared a step-by-step guide on cleaning your window air conditioning system so that mold problems are a thing of the past. How to prevent mold in the air conditioner. If you suspect you may have black mold hiding in your air vents, you’ll need to take action to determine what your problem is and take steps to make sure your family is not at risk. Mold can affect your respiratory system and also cause very uncomfortable irritation. But sometimes, harmful mold lurks in a place you can’t see: inside your air vents. There are a few signs to watch for if you suspect mold in your air conditioner: Musty smell. The symptoms may vary from person to person, and can also depend on the length of exposure and the amount of spores inhaled. You can simply remove the filter cover, take out the dirty filter, get the new filter out of its packaging and place it inside. If you notice a musty or moldy smell that goes away when you are not using your air conditioning or heating (if they share ducts), that can narrow the cause down to mold in your HVAC system. But when you come into such an air conditioned room from outside (especially in tropical regions where outside temperatures vary around 40 °C), your body is subjected to stress due to sudden drop in temperature. It will also explain how preventative maintenance from an AC professional can prevent black mold from ever coming into your duct system to begin with. Dry floors that are damp from spills or showering and avoid leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for extended periods of time. In fact, the signs of mold may not be obvious until the air conditioner has been turned on. Step 4: Clean and disinfect the ductwork using the proper tools and approved killing agents. Let’s start by identifying the enemy: black mold. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, and pets can and be carried indoors. Some of the other health risks linked with black mold are allergic reactions, invasive disease, irritation due to volatile organic compounds, and mycotoxicosis. The truth is, this type of toxic mold is uncommon in air ducts that are regularly cleaned and maintained by professionals. Air. If you address seemingly small problems such as these early, you may be able to prevent them from growing into more costly, more serious concerns like black mold infestation. However, you shouldn’t let worry about black mold growth keep you up at night. At Chas Roberts, our comprehensive 26-point maintenance plan provides homeowners with the peace of mind that their system has been inspected from top to bottom. Mold doesn’t just make air conditioners run less efficiently, the unwanted fungus also lowers indoor air quality and could even put your family’s respiratory health at risk. Lower levels of humidity can cause excessive dryness and other health concerns, while higher levels promote mold growth and can make your home hot and uncomfortable. Mendell studied the health effects of air conditioning systems while with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Mold typically does not grow on metal, glass and plastic. These can be symptoms as simple as itchy eyes to more serious consequences, including long-term lung damage. And because it’s everywhere, it’s even in our homes -- at least in trace amounts. Similarly, if your air ducts aren’t inspected and repaired routinely, leaks and other problems can allow black mold to thrive. 3. The air conditioners also dry out the humidity and usually clean out the air, enabling us to breathe cleaner air and not be over-run by heat stroke. Exposure to mold may heighten sensitivity, depending on the time and nature of exposure. These systems especially can be home to black mold, as moisture can build up in the coils and ducts from condensation that forms when the cool air … In addition, the air can push out the mold from the ductwork onto the grill. If there is mold growth in your air ducts, your family could have the related physical health issues. Save big by checking out our latest deals and financing options. This includes droplets from a leaky pipe, spills on your carpet and seepage in basements and crawl spaces. The signs are easily concealed until the problems become severe. Leave the air duct checkup, repair and cleaning to us. Every time your HVAC system turns on, thousands of microscopic mold spores travel through the air ducts of your home and circulate through the air, where they are easy to inhale and nearly impossible to spot. The air conditioner is the hidden place where mold can overgrow and air continually circulating through the unit inside your home. Dry wet spots immediately as soon as you notice them. Regular use of air conditioner may lose the moisture which further leads to dry and stretched skin. Removing black mold can be a challenge, and is very time-consuming. can prevent black mold from ever coming into your duct system to begin with. These fungi will eventually damage the surfaces they grow on by spreading seeds or spores. Exposure to mold may cause throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, cough and wheezing and skin irritation in some cases. At Chas Roberts, we’re no strangers to the risks and dangers caused by mold and mildew in your HVAC system. No, as the EPA states: “an ozone generator has non tot little effect on mold growth and contamination in air ducts and ac units if public health standards are met.” Even with a 5-10 times higher concentration – which is dangerous if people are present – would not fully remove mold. You wash it, wax it, vacuum up the crumbs and wipe off the muddy shoe prints. Related Articles Harmful Effects of Window Unit Air Conditioners If high levels of humidity are present, the water will remain instead of evaporating—creating a breeding ground for mold. Black mold can grow around your gutters due to roof leakage caused by clogged or broken parts. These filters are rigorously tested to ensure they can effectively filter out and dissipate harmful particles including dust, mold, and other allergens. This enables your system to function properly and can inhibit the growth of mold and mildew by eliminating the conditions they need to survive. The presence of mold in your home can cause health problems for you and your family, particularly if someone in the household has asthma or allergies. © Copyright 2020 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved. If you suspect you may have black mold hiding in your air vents, you’ll need to take action to determine what your problem is and take steps to make sure your family is not at risk. Due to heavy pollution and extreme global warming, climates are getting extreme especially summers are getting unbearably harsh and hot. Most people are aware that exposure to household mold can cause illness. Depending on the type of filter you have and the size of your family, you should change your air filters every 30 to 60 days. Related Read: Four Big Benefits of an Air Conditioner Tune-Up. Air conditioner mold growth is one of the worst health threats to the health of building occupants, residents, and guests. Mold is a type of fungus. air duct checkup, repair and cleaning to us. Keep an eye out for leaks, cracks, damage and other potential mold-causing issues. It is present almost everywhere, including the air. Step 2: Examine the insulation around your air ducts. Currently, there is no research to show that routine duct cleaning reduces dust or increases the air quality in your home. However, mold in air purifier health risks is real for pets and people with COPD, asthma, allergies, and other respiratory difficulties. Use reverse cycle air conditioning and or mechanical dehumidification if available Ensure sufficient exhaust openings to the outside of the building if using evaporative cooling. If you have mold in a window air conditioner unit, follow the link for more information. What are sings of mold in air conditioners? Scientific research on the relationship between mold exposures and health effects is ongoing. If there is black mold growing in your air vents, you may notice a musty aroma when you run your AC. But doctors have proven that the cold doesn’t cause illnesses. The black dust may be patchy and difficult to wipe off. Mold spores can cause a variety of health complications. In the outdoors, mold serves an important role in breaking down decaying matter. By taking an active role in the prevention of mold and mildew growth, you can keep the air in your home free from these potentially hazardous particles. On hot summer days, it may be tempting to set the air conditioner to a temperature below the 20 °C mark. Currently, there is no research to show that routine duct cleaning reduces dust or increases the air quality in … Consult a professional to have the mold removed in a safe, effective way and make sure to also consult an AC pro to prevent a future infestation. If you’re experiencing an A/C emergency, give us a call now. The combination of organic and inorganic materials provides mold and mildew the necessary nourishment it needs to grow, multiply, and travel throughout the duct system. Otherwise, you could end up wasting a lot of time and money in the removal process. Therefore, cleaning and having yearly HVAC maintenance done pays off in the long run because mold deteriorates and destroys the surfaces it … Air Conditioning Mold Pictures. Adds to the effects of your chronic illness. Some of the other health risks linked with black mold are allergic reactions, invasive disease, irritation due to volatile organic compounds, and mycotoxicosis. The result is a damp, humid environment that encourages mold growth in the AC unit. Tiny amounts of mold pose no serious risk to most of us, but if more substantial mold growth occurs in your home, the risk of adverse health effects begins to rise. Over time, your ac unit will collect a large amount of dust and dirt from inside and outside your home, which mold can feed on. If you’re noticing nose stuffiness, wheezing or throat irritation whenever you’re indoors at your house, the problem could be hiding in your air vents. ©2017 Chas Roberts Air Conditioning, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Understanding the Dangers of Mold and Mildew in Your HVAC System, Visible mold around air ducts or intake vents, Noticeable leaks or puddles around HVAC system. When the air conditioning system turns on, the mold spores can travel from the ducts and into the air circulating throughout your home. Mold can be one of the negative effects of floods or can indicate a problem with your air conditioning system. What’s an even better solution to stopping black mold? Our services include weekends and holidays with no additional cost. Air conditioning mold needs to be removed as soon as possible, to protect your health and the health of your loved ones. A professional will also be able to locate and fix the source of the problem, preventing the problem from happening in the future, saving you money and helping to keep your household healthy. You may have black mold in your air ducts if you notice any of the following signs. … When the air conditioning system turns on, the mold spores can travel from the ducts and into the air circulating throughout your home. Mold and mildew, found everywhere in the environment, are both fungi that need to be in moist areas to grow. The real danger of mold does not come from the impact on your HVAC system, but the effect on your health. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold can grow virtually anywhere in your home, and regardless of location, exposure can lead to health problems. If you haven’t already, make sure you’re using only the latest high-efficiency particle absorber, or HEPA, air filters in your home. When black mold grows on walls, floors, carpets and so on, it’s relatively easy to spot. Currently, there are no federal standards or recommendations, (e.g., OSHA, NIOSH, EPA) for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores. Mold exposure may sometimes cause allergic reactions. The truth is, this type of toxic mold is uncommon in air ducts that are regularly cleaned and maintained by professionals. For example, mold may cause infections of the skin or mucous membranes. Examine the insulation around your air ducts. In some people, mold allergy is linked to asthma and exposure causes restricted breathing and other airway symptoms.If you have a mold allergy, the best defense is to reduce your exposure to the types of mold that cause your reaction. The types of substances this type of mold feeds off of include things such as wood and cotton. You may know how to deal with mold and mildew in your kitchen, bathroom, or other rooms in your home. Mold can be one of the negative effects of floods or can indicate a problem with your air conditioning system. At least twice a year, you should have a professional technician perform maintenance and cleaning on your air ducts. However, when black mold starts growing in your air vents, things get a little trickier. You can usually spot mold on the walls, floors, ceilings and fabrics around your home. Step 1: Contact a certified mold inspector to confirm the substance is black mold. The simplest way to monitor the humidity levels in your home is to purchase a humidity sensor. … Is Duct Cleaning Worth It? With enough water present in the air ducts, outside particles such as dust can settle in the water. If the black mold in your air vents has spread to the insulation, it will need to be replaced. Common symptoms and health problems caused by black mold may include: If you suspect that you or someone in your household has been exposed to black mold, it’s crucial to take swift action to protect your health and remove contamination. Do you want to make sure your AC unit doesn't go out in the dog-days of summer? ... run your air conditioner to lower the indoor humidity that would otherwise help mold grow. Allowing the mold to continue spreading and growing poses a health risk. Air conditioning has many health and wellness benefits, but it is not without risks. The moisture comes from the condensation present in air ducts. However, according to the recent researches on negative health effects of air conditioning has found that this sophisticated epitome of luxury and comfort has several health risks which can lead to many health issues. Your eyes are itchy and watery. of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (866) 284-4107/(301) 496-5717; National Jewish Medical and Research Center (800) 222 … Related Articles Harmful Effects of Window Unit Air Conditioners , is a species of mold or fungi. Remove water-damaged rugs from your home immediately. When your home is warm, water vapors can form and collect in air ducts as cold air makes its way through them. These include a running or blocked nose, irritation of the eyes and skin and sometimes wheezing. Black mold grows off of moisture, releasing spores as it consumes organic substances. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day. You’ve probably heard the term “black mold,” but many probably don’t fully understand what it is. 1. By One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Mold is everywhere. For more detailed information, consult a health professional or your state or local health department. how to change your central air conditioner filter. Even if you are skeptical as to whether or not mold is truly bad, there is no doubt that it can potentially cause harmful health effects. Air conditioner season will be here before you know it! Remove the air filter. A mold allergy can make you cough, make your eyes itch and cause other symptoms that make you miserable. Plus, we’ve provided some tips from the pros on how to prevent mold growth and get rid of this pesky invader. You might expect these symptoms when you walk outside or play with your dogs, especially during the times of year that seasonal allergies are a problem. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Even if you are skeptical as to whether or not mold is truly bad, there is no doubt that it can potentially cause harmful health effects. Are there health risks involved with mold and air conditioning ducts? The presence of mold in your HVAC system can cause several health problems by compromising the cleanliness of the air in your home. Prevention. With black mold growing in your air ducts, you may notice symptoms like itchy eyes and sneezing growing worse when you’re indoors, particularly when you’re running the AC. Mold exposure may lead to allergies, infections, and toxin-mediated conditions. Thanks for sharing. And the truth is, if you have mold in your air conditioner, there is probably also mold in the HVAC ducts, since it's all connected. Mold and mildew in air vents and ducts can smell wet, rotten, or stale. The environment created by an air conditioning system turning on and off also contributes to the spread of mold. It will appear around the home as a slimy, dark greenish-black or gray substance. Health risks from bacteria and fungi in automobile interiors. The primary sources of mold exposure are from the indoor air in buildings with substantial mold growth and the ingestion of food with mold growths. But no matter how clean you keep your car, there may still be bacteria and fungi lingering in its heating and air-conditioning system, putting you and your family at risk for potential health problems. It’s the dog days of August and not only is the temperature high, but the humidity may also make it difficult to breathe outdoors. To use it wisely and safely, it is better to be well informed. Now is a great time for an AC tune-up to get your air conditioner ready for the cooling season. Occasionally, people may have more severe reactions. This write-up is focusing on the long-term health risks of air conditioning systems when our dependency increases on them. Most people won't be worried by small amounts of black mold on the air conditioner. It’s only natural that, as a homeowner, you would want to keep your home and your family safe by preventing the growth of mold and mildew. Whether the mold is in your air conditioner unit or in your home heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts, it is a health hazard. A duct cleaning will also make your ducts an environment where mold cannot easily grow in the first place, reducing the risk of spores developing and spreading. These spores can enter the air and be inhaled, or come into contact with your skin. Side effects of mold. Proper ventilation is especially important in high-moisture areas like the bathroom, kitchen and laundry rooms. With years of experience and licensed professionals. The key to keeping your HVAC system in good shape is a bi-annual maintenance call with a qualified technician. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. This comprehensive guide will help you understand symptoms, solutions and other important information about this health-threatening problem. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. Here are several telltale signs of an indoor mold problem. Many other molds are green or grey, but black mold tends to be a dark greenish black or gray color. Keeping it from ever growing in your air ducts or anywhere in your house in the first place. With years of experience and licensed professionals, ABC Home & Commercial Services can provide proactive care for your air ducts and prevent black mold from ever rearing its ugly head in your home. Flood-specific mold health effects. Keeping mold out of your air conditioner is the best way to ensure you have clean air circulating in your home, and there are several steps to do this. Mold Growth in Air Conditioning Systems. An AC professional will also be able to spot and fix any problems before they lead to mold growth in the first place. Mold exposure has a variety of health effects, and sensitivity to mold varies. before they occur. Prevent mold -- and the health problems it causes -- with these basic tips from the experts at WebMD. They do so by forcing the air blown by your air conditioner through a thin mesh layer that traps particles while still allowing a maximum flow of clean air into your home. Air Conditioning condensate leaks, health hazards, mold risk, repairs Air Conditioning Condensate Handling Defects A/C condensate piping, leaks, hazards Why Condensate Pump Leaks & Drain Clog Can Turn off the Air Conditioner Questions & answers about the hazards associated with air conditioner or heat pump condensate drip tray or overflow tray leaks Black mold is a danger for people and their pets regardless of general health when mold spores are breathed. This section provides a brief overview, but does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. Black mold is a serious problem that should be treated immediately and professionally. Proper ventilation can help prevent the air from retaining moisture and encouraging the mold to grow. The Health Effects of Air Conditioning. Learn more about the health risks and conditions linked to the effect of black mold. Allergy. As experts in the HVAC industry, we’ve prepared this easy guide to help you understand how mold and mildew develop, how you can spot them, and what you can do to prevent their growth. If the black mold in your air vents has spread to the insulation, it will need to be replaced. Because of this, the most common places you find black mold include walls, carpeting, insulation, furniture and ceilings. How Does Air Conditioning Affect Your Health? Contact us today if you suspect you may have a problem caused by mold and mildew. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. When black mold grows on walls, floors, carpets and so on, it’s relatively easy to spot. Effects Of Breathing Mold Or Mildew. Air conditioning can actually be beneficial for some health conditions. Black mold grows off of moisture, releasing spores as it consumes organic substances. Authored by Dr. Jeff Bennert . Besides allergens, mold may pose other health risks to susceptible people. People often associate cold temperatures with colds and cases of flu. There are many types of mold. Similarly, the entire home might need to have intensive mold remediation. Experience fewer breakdowns and save money on your energy bill with a clean, efficient system. Try to avoid using carpets in rooms that tend to have high levels of moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. In most cases, symptoms are temporary. The air conditioning unit as a place for mold to grow is even more dangerous because it is constantly blowing cold air out of it and spreading those spores all over. Unfortunately for homeowners, black mold also loves air vents, where spores are naturally circulated. While not always harmful, inhaling or touching mold or mildew can cause both minor and serious symptoms in some people. Exposure to mold may experience an inflammatory response to the mold, especially if you already suffer from asthma, allergies, or a … The air conditioning unit as a place for mold to grow is even more dangerous because it is constantly blowing cold air out of it and spreading those spores all over. This comprehensive guide will help you understand symptoms, solutions and other important information about this health-threatening problem. There are a few tactics you can use to stopping black mold from growing in your air ducts and home. Mendell studied the health effects of air conditioning systems while with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Mold in air conditioning units is mostly the result of not cleaning the system or having regular maintenance done on it. Mold and mildew develop in HVAC systems for two primary reasons: the presence of moisture, and the presence of nourishment that enables the mold to grow. If you have a mold allergy, your immune system overreacts when you breathe in mold spores. So, what happens when they get exposed to mold or mildew? Professional duct cleaning services and central-air dehumidifiers can help to eliminate mold growth, but first, you need to know whether your AC has mold. Now you know everything you need about mold in AC and how to deal with it. Step 5: Perhaps the most important part of the process is to find out what caused the growth in the first place. If you notice black dust around your air vents, this could be a sign of black mold growing within. You can save yourself money, stress, and health issues by taking steps to prevent mold infestations before they occur. Regularly changing your filters is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent dust and dirt from clogging your air vents. Many other molds are green or grey, but black mold tends to be a dark greenish black or gray color. However, mold located in air conditioning units spreads spores out into the air throughout the house, which makes it especially dangerous and especially likely to … That said, Dr. Dasgupta stresses that the health benefits of using an air conditioner far outweigh the risks. Side effects of mold The real danger of mold does not come from the impact on your HVAC system, but the effect on your health. Areas that are dark and have poor air quality can also contain mold and mildew. An experienced AC technician will have the tools and killing agents necessary to clean your air vents and prevent your ducts from being a breeding ground for this dangerous fungus. Is Duct Cleaning Worth It? When the air conditioning system turns on, the mold spores can travel from the ducts and into the air circulating throughout your home. How to Deal with AC Mold. When debris is allowed to build up in your air vents, this promotes the accumulation of spores. Mold can get in your home through open doors, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Spray it lightly with the mold-killing spray before you start working to prevent … You can improve circulation in your home by cracking open windows, opening doors between closets and placing furniture away from your walls. Areas that are dark and have poor air quality can also contain mold and mildew. Not only will this cleaning remove any dust, dirt, and debris that could impact how well your ducts circulate air in your home, it will also remove any visible traces of mold and mildew that are present. When air conditioners are not cleaned thoroughly and filters changed, a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria and fungi is created. You can purchase one of these online for around $10. Moisture from the air often starts to accumulate on the unit’s evaporator core, which is located inside the dashboard. Since mold presents multiple health risks, it’s important to prevent mold from developing in your air conditioner, and to … While other companies only check for surface level problems, we go deeper into the system itself to keep everything in good working order. Medications can help keep mold allergy reactions under control. Black mold has a distinctive unpleasant, musty smell. Mold and mildew may be difficult to identify, since the signs resemble many common issues. Since mold presents multiple health risks, it’s important to prevent mold from developing in your air conditioner, and to eradicate it if it does appear. Now that you understand the health risks of mold in your air conditioner, it is vital that you know what to do if you find it growing in your system. However, when black mold starts growing in your air vents, things get a little trickier. Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is a species of mold or fungi. Prevent mold -- and the health problems it causes -- with these basic tips from the experts at WebMD. Health Risks of Exposure to Mold in Your Car’s AC. Mold will grow where there is moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or … Initially let it o… Mold and its associated health risks are a concern for renters everywhere. Perhaps the most important part of the process is to find out what caused the growth in the first place. One of the saving graces that people have to combat the hot weather is air conditioning. Wondering when and how to change your central air conditioner filter? Turn off your air conditioner to prevent further mold spores from entering your home. Spores are carried in the air and may cause health problems if inhaled by people who are sensitive or allergic to them. Irritation to mucus membranes of the throat and nose. Otherwise, the black mold will continue to reappear even after you remove it. Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is a greenish-black mold that grows on materials such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, lint, and dust “when there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding.” Evaporative coolers increase the moisture content in indoor air, so the manufacturer’s instructions … However, mold and mildew can also be a problem lurking in your HVAC system. You can save yourself money, stress, and health issues by taking steps to. Mold in your car’s AC is typically hidden deep inside the dashboard, which makes it difficult to spot during the pre-purchase inspection of the vehicle. Black mold in your air vents can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms and health problems. Filters are your first line of defense against mold and mildew. Black mold increases the risk of health problems like asthma, allergies, even depression. The cleaning must be done thoroughly and correctly, or the mold will grow back, and could even spread to other areas of the house. We do our part to keep the air in your home clean and safe for your family by offering system maintenance and the industry knowledge that comes from more than 75 years of experience. Mold doesn’t just make air conditioners run less efficiently, the unwanted fungus also lowers indoor air quality and could even put your family’s respiratory health at risk. You should clean and repair your gutters routinely, and look out for wet spots after rainfall that could be a sign of a problem. The problem is, however, that these systems need to be extremely well-maintained, checked and cleaned, or all these benefits are trumped by breathing problems and infections. Since the process can be complex, sensitive, time-consuming and toxic, it’s highly advisable to seek professional help if you have a problem with black mold. Clean and disinfect the ductwork using the proper tools and approved killing agents. If you suspect … Fortunately, by recognizing the steps necessary to spot and prevent mold, you can eliminate this hazard before it does any lasting damage. … Mold spores give off a distinct musty smell. What if this starts happening inside your own home? Pictures and photographs of mold growth inside air ducts, registers, and air vents. Generally, the process involves taking apart your AC system to vacuum and clean the system using powerful agents. Contact a certified mold inspector to confirm the substance is black mold. Central air conditioning systems are known to enhance the effects the illness that you may already be suffering from. Mold is a type of fungus that can grow practically anywhere, including in your vehicle’s air conditioning unit. Most systems are very straightforward. Most typical indoor air exposures t… Otherwise, you could end up wasting a lot of time and money in the removal process. If you’ve had problems with mold and mildew in the past, you may want to replace your filters every 30 days instead. Black mold is a serious problem that should be treated immediately and professionally. Professional duct cleaning services and central-air dehumidifiers can help to eliminate mold growth, but first, you need to know whether your AC has mold. You might be dealing with black mold. Below are a few key signs of mold and mildew growth in your HVAC system: Because the signs of mold and mildew are not always clear, the only way to know for sure is to have your system inspected for signs of mold by a qualified professional.