The Truth About Mold!

What is Mold?

Mold is a very small biological organism that grows on other organic materials. There are over 150,000 types of mold. Mold is part of our daily life, including blue cheese, compost, mushrooms, yeast for bread and penicillin. Mold will only grow in when it has spores, food and water. Mold spores in the environment surround us, both indoors and out, as well as organic materials (i.e. drywall, wood, cardboard, dirt). The only thing we can actually control is the amount of water in our surroundings. Stachybotrys has become the poster child for harmful molds and is most commonly found on drywall.

When is mold a problem?

Problems occur when mold is indoors, when someone reacts to it with visible concerns, or an allergic reaction. Also, when the mold indoors is different from the mold found outdoors, or when there are more mold spores found inside than out.

A report from the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine finds insufficient evidence to link serious health problems-such as cancer, fatigue and neuropsychiatric symptoms – with damp indoor spaces and mold. The report does conclude, however, that indoor mold can be associated with upper respiratory symptoms, including coughing and wheezing. NAHB President Bobby Rayburn says “Although this study does not completely rule out a link between mold and serious human illnesses, its review of the entire body of medical research is the most comprehensive to date.”

When should you test?

You should test if you see visible mold, to see what type it is. If you smell mold, you should test to see what type of mold and how many spores are present. Also, you should test if you have current or past water damage.

How much does a mold inspector cost?

Non-destructive testing or tape or swab surface testing costs approx. $60-70.

Destructive Sampling called bulk samples are when the inspector cuts out a piece of the mold and evaluates it on culture plate under a microscope. It costs approx $90-150.

Air Samples are taken by the inspector to figure out the total spore count, or viable samples for determining the species $75-110.

Some Molds situations require professional remediation

Simple and Complex abatement from cleaning with soap and water to containment, negative air machines and expensive time consuming labor.

What are some ways to avoid mold?

Are storm drains adequate?

Is the land graded towards the building?

Are sump pumps required for the property?

What do I do if I have visible molds or odors?

Determine the source of the water. Was it a leak or condensation? Has the water source been eliminated? For small surface areas, clean with bleach and water, allow drying and watch for large or hidden areas, contact a remediation company. Dry carpet and furniture immediately. Pull any carpet areas away from the wall dry carpet completely within 12-24 hours if carpet is wet longer than 48 hours, replace. Dry furniture or other soft goods within 12-24 hours or replace.

How does mold affect the sale of my home?

In May 2002, the Board of Directors of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) issued approval to amend Appendix A of its policy on Property Condition Disclosure to include a recommendation that disclosure forms include questions regarding mold. Provisions in this disclosure as they relate to mold include water intrusion and known or past mold presence (other than which is known to adversely affect the property or its occupants). It is not enough to simply inquire about the presence of mold, since the ubiquitous presence of mold will require an affirmative response in essentially all cases. NAR will make available at its website examples of mold disclosure statements currently developed by state and local associations.

NAHB's website, www.MoldTips.com provides homeowners and tenants with easy-to-understand information on mold prevention and cleanup.

More information is provided at www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/index.html