Mold

 A Growing Concern

     Mold is literally, a growing concern. National media attention has alerted the public to the destructive and possibly toxic dangers of hidden mold spores that affect thjeir family's health and their homes.  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicate that air levels of indoor pollutants may be two to three times higher than outdoor levels.Mold, the most dangerous offender of all, often goes undetected because of its invisibility.

How Can Someone Be Exposed to Mold?

     There are several ways you can become exposed to mold:

• Breathing in the spores from the air
• Skin contact from handling an item that has mold growing on it
• Eating without properly washing your hands after handling moldy objects

Can Mold Cause Health Problems?

     Mold has the potential to cause health problems and even make a home inhabitable.  However, everyone is affected differently when in contact with mold.  The mold that may not bother the seller may severely affect the buyer.  Some mold can produce allergens, irritants, and, in some cases, potentially toxic chemical substances known as mycotoxins.  People who are sensitive and exposed to mysotoxins can become ill.  Allergic reactions to mold are common.  They can be immediate or delayed.  People diagnosed with allergies and asthma may be very sensitive to mold.  Mold can cause asthma attacks.   

     Mold can be found in several areas of the home environment.  It appears most often in moist areas as little black circles or thread-like white objects.  It is usually accompanied by a musty-type odor.  Mold begins to grow indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet or damp.  Mold will not grow without water or moisture.  Therefore, it is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. 

     It is impossible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors.  Mold will always be found floating in the air and in house dust.  Indoor mold growth can be prevented by controlling water and moisture indoors.

Home Buyers and Sellers

     Since there has been so much media hype surrounding mold, prospective home buyers want a home that has been mold inspected.  Mold sampling has become a standard practice during a home inspection.  You should not buy a home with mold, sell a home with mold, or live in a home with mold.  A MOLD inspection is your first line of defense. 

Arrange for a Mold Inspection

     To find out if mold is a problem in your home, you MUST have a mold inspection done by your inspector.

Visual Inspection: A visual inspection is the initial step in identifying possible contamination problems.  It will identify any visible water leaks or moisture stains on ceilings, walls, floors, or under counters.

Air Sampling: The purpose of air sampling is to determine the type and amount of airborne contamination in a building.  Air sampling may be necessary if the presence of mold, allergens, or toxins is suspected (e.g. musty odors, allergies) but cannot be identified by a visual inspection.

Swab Sampling: Tape/swab samples are usually collected from visible moldy surfaces by wiping the area with a sterile swab.  This type of sampling is used to identify specific mold types.

Recommendations and Laboratory Results

     Once the home has a visual inspection and the mold circumstance evaluated, action can be planned to clean it up and prevent future contamination.  Based upon site evaluations and sampling lab analysis results, Building Inspection Services can provide a detailed written report that can be used for disclosure and references.  In all situations, if mold exists, the underlying cause of the water damage must be corrected.