Recent medical studies show that mold is one of the most common causes of allergic symptoms and certain types of mold can cause fatal disorders. The presence of mold, fungus and mildew can create a health hazard in a home, and homes should be tested to determine the type of mold growing in a home. It is also important to understand why mold is growing in a home and where the source is coming from. Our inspectors may be able to tell you possible reasons why the home is experiencing a problem with mold growth and what repairs are needed to eliminate mold growth in the home. Always remember we are generalists and not specialists.
Lately, mold has been in the news as a serious health issue. We want to make sure you are informed about this problem. Mold can cause many health effects for occupants of the home, and it's important to understand what to do about mold growing in your home.
Here are some frequently asked questions about mold from www.epa.gov and www.cdc.gov
Molds are microscopic organisms that can be found everywhere in the environment. They can be found both inside and out, but are most prevalent in moist conditions. Mold grows on plants, foods, leaves, and other organic material. Mold produces spores that travel through the air and can get into your house.
Molds thrive where they can find sources of water, food, and physical space. This includes areas that are moist from flooding, plumbing leaks, roof leaks, showers and bathtubs, refrigerator water pans, clothes dryers that are not vented to the outside, or water found in houseplants. Basements, attics and crawl spaces are common locations for mold to thrive.
Mold spores are released into the air, travel inside the home where they may begin to grow and reproduce and are inhaled by occupants. Most molds are not dangerous and only cause allergenic symptoms in humans. Symptoms include: congestion (nasal and sinus), respiratory problems (wheezing, breathing difficulty), burning eyes, blurred vision, sore throat and irritation, possible fever. Cognitive thinking problems have also been linked to mold in homes. Those with asthma or allergies and people with weakened immune systems (children, elderly, pregnant women, cancer or AIDS patients) will have more difficulty coping with mold. Stachybotrys, a toxic mold, has a possible link to infant hemorrhage.
Not all molds are dangerous; however, it is essential to determine if the mold in your home is toxic. USA Today, Dateline, and many other media sources have revealed the increasing alarm about this health problem.
You do not always need to be able to see mold to know that you have a mold problem. Mold can grow inside walls, under carpet or in other areas that are not easy to see. Moldy or earthy smells and any allergic reactions you are experiencing are your clue that you have a mold problem
There are three basic types of mold
Allergenic molds are the most common types and cause allergenic symptoms.
Mycotoxic molds are toxic to humans and can inhibit or prevent growth of other organisms. Mycotoxins are found in residential homes and commercial buildings and will cause anything from basic irritation to immunosuppressant, cancer or death.
Pathogenic molds cause serious health effects in persons with suppressed immune systems (those taking chemotherapy, infected with HIV/AIDS or other auto-immunity disorders).
As far as species are concerned, there are thousands. Some of the most commonly found molds in homes are: Cladosporium (allergenic mold), Penicillium (mostly allergenic, some species mycotoxic), Aspergillums (mostly allergenic, some species mycotoxic), and Alternaria (mostly allergenic, some species mycotoxic).
It is impossible for people to distinguish between toxic and benign molds just by looking. A professional sample must be taken and sent to a mold laboratory for analysis. If you find mold in your home, it is best to have it tested. Be especially wary of blackish molds. However, it is not necessary to have common "bathroom" mildew tested. Bathroom mildew can usually be cleaned with bleach, does not require a food source (but does require water), and is not toxic.