| Mold has taken hold! Not that the microbes have | | | | health, a home inspection is the first step in a mold |
| reached out and grabbed us, but rather they have | | | | survey. The intent of the inspection is to seek out all |
| captured our attention. A rash of recent high profile | | | | sources of moisture that may contribute to an |
| media stories have petrified many people with | | | | environment that is attractive to mold and to visually |
| concerns for both their health and finances. While it is | | | | identify any existing mold colonies. Roof leaks, |
| true in some situations that variations and | | | | plumbing leaks, and improper sprinkler positioning are |
| concentrations of mold can kill us both physically and | | | | among the more common sources of mold-causing |
| financially, in the vast majority of cases mold | | | | moisture problems. After identification of the |
| problems can be remedied simply and economically. | | | | moisture source, a reasonable and practical remedy |
| Molds exist naturally all around us. Molds play a vital | | | | can be prescribed. |
| role in the decomposition of organic waste such as in | | | | Areas with visible mold colonies can be thoroughly |
| a compost pile. Other molds are essential in the | | | | cleaned with detergent, followed by wiping with a |
| creation of some of our finest foods, such as wine | | | | bleach and water solution. Porous materials such as |
| and cheese. But, when mold growth occurs in an | | | | ceiling tiles and carpet are difficult to clean and often |
| inappropriate place or in extreme concentration, the | | | | require removal and replacement in all but the most |
| health of our home and family can be at risk. | | | | minor of outbreaks. |
| All molds need two basic ingredients to grow, food | | | | In most cases, testing to determine mold species is |
| and water. The favorite food of mold is cellulose. In | | | | not necessary to solve the problem. If an individual |
| our home, cellulose is a common constituent. Wood, | | | | has an extreme or specific health risk factor, testing |
| paper, cotton, and drywall are plentiful in construction | | | | may be of value in assisting the medical professional |
| and are great sources of cellulose. Water is | | | | in addressing the specific health situation. If the |
| everywhere in our homes, both on the surfaces and | | | | outbreak of mold is extreme, testing maybe wise in |
| in the air. | | | | ensuring safety during remediation. The choice to |
| As the tightness of our homes has increased in | | | | test or not should always rest with the homeowner |
| response to a desire to conserve energy, the | | | | or potential homebuyer, but the decision should be an |
| unintended consequence has been the trapping of | | | | informed one made with the assistance of an ASHI |
| moisture. The increase in moisture in our homes has | | | | certified home inspector who has received additional |
| in some cases resulted in a relative humidity above | | | | training specific to mold management. |
| the 60% level needed to sustain mold growth in | | | | With a basic understanding of the management of |
| interior spaces. In some cases, the moisture level of | | | | moisture, household mold maintenance is simple. Molds |
| the interior spaces is below the mold growth | | | | have been around forever and will never be gone, |
| threshold, but the exterior wall cavities retain the | | | | and it is good that they are here. But like so many |
| required moisture level for rapid mold growth within | | | | things, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. |
| the walls. To make matters worse, this condition is | | | | Stay informed, but don't get caught up in the hype. |
| also perfect for accelerated wood rot and termite | | | | Remember, it's about knowing! |
| infestation. | | | | Copyright © Florida HomePro, Inc. and Wallace |
| So what is a reasonable person to do? Much like a | | | | J. Conway. All rights in all media reserved. |
| physical exam is the first step in a plan for personal | | | | |