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