Home Inspections: Mold
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MOLD WITHIN OUR ENVIRONMENT
Molds is a micro-organism that has tiny seeds, or spores that are spread on the air, land and feed on organic matter. It can live in the soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying matter. Outdoors, molds play a key role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Molds belong to the kingdom Fungi, and unlike plants, they lack chlorophyll and must survive by digesting plant materials, using plant and other organic materials for food. Without molds, our environment would be overwhelmed with large amounts of dead plant matter.
These mold spores can be found in both indoor and outdoor air and settled on indoor and outdoor surfaces. When mold spores land on a damp spot, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive.
Moisture control is the key to mold control.
MOLD HEALTH ISSUES
When moisture problems occur and mold growth results, building occupants may begin to report odors and a variety of health problems, such as headaches, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and aggravation of asthma symptoms; all of these symptoms could potentially be associated with mold exposure.
All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, toxins that may cause reactions in humans. The types and severity of symptoms depend, in part, on the types of mold present, the extent of an individual's exposure, the ages of the individuals, and their existing sensitivities or allergies.
REACTIONS TO MOLD GROWTH AND EXPOSURE
Exposure to mold can occur in several ways, by breathing in the spores from the air, skin contact from handling items that have mold growing on it or eating without properly washing your hands after handling objects with mold.
Allergic reactions to mold are common - these reactions can be immediate or delayed. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Mold spores and fragments can produce allergic reactions in sensitive individuals regardless of whether the mold is dead or alive.
Mold exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, and sometimes can create a burning sensation in these areas.
Molds can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. Some mycotoxins cling to the surface of mold spores; others may be found within spores. More than 200 mycotoxins have been identified from common molds, and many more remain to be identified. Some of the molds that are known to produce mycotoxins are commonly found in moisture-damaged buildings. Exposure pathways for mycotoxins can include inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.
Some compounds produced by molds are volatile and are released directly into the air. These are known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). Because these compounds often have strong and/or unpleasant odors, they can be the source of odors associated with molds. Exposure to mVOCs from molds has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.
SUSPECTED HIDDEN MOLD AND COMMON CAUSES
You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, or inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).
Common sources or causes of water or moisture problems include roof leaks, deferred maintenance, condensation associated with high humidity or cold spots in the building, localized flooding due to plumbing failures or heavy rains, slow leaks in plumbing fixtures, and malfunction or poor design of humidification systems. Uncontrolled humidity can also be a source of moisture leading to mold growth, particularly in hot, humid climates.
MOLD INVESTIGATION AND INSPECTION
If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced mold inspector / assessor.
Investigating hidden mold problems is difficult and requires caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. Important reason to hire a professional.
Compass inspectors are trained and certified mold inspectors. They have the required personal protection equipment. They are trained in the procedures of inspection, assessing and testing. Compass has the testing equipment and tools to properly handle the investigation.
COMMON LOCATIONS FOR MOLD WITHIN A HOUSE
Areas that are always or often damp, such as bathrooms, laundry/utility rooms, and basements, are common locations for mold growth in homes. Regularly check areas that have been or are likely to get wet.
Other locations are the underside of carpets / padding and the top side of suspended ceiling tiles.
TYPICAL CAUSES OF MOLD GROWTH WITHIN A HOUSE
Water penetration from severe storms or spills that occur indoors
Damaged or clogged gutters
Leaders which do not extend at least 6 feet away from foundations
Negative ground slope around foundation causing water to accumulate
Dirty air supply ducts and filters
Air conditioning drip pans that are dirty and clogged drain lines
High humidity levels especially within basement areas
RECOMMENDED COURSE OF ACTION
IF YOU SUSPECT MOLD CONDITIONS EXIST WITHIN YOUR HOME, DO NOT ATTEMPT THE INVESTIGATION AND TESTING YOURSELF. CALL COMPASS HOME INSPECTIONS TO HANDLE THE INSPECTION AND TEST SAMPLING OF YOUR HOME
INVESTIGATION AND TESTING OF YOUR HOME
Compass Inspector will throughly inspect your house, looking for red flag areas. If any visible red flag areas are discovered, direct sampling method can be used.
Mold is not always visible and even if red flags are discovered it is recommended that an indoor air sampling tests be performed.
THE ONLY WAY TO CONCLUSIVELY DETERMINE IF SUSPECTED MOLD IS ACTUALLY MOLD IS BY TESTING AND LABORATORY ANALYSIS
THE MOLD CLEANUP, WHO SHOULD DO THE CLEANING?
Who does the cleanup depends on different factors.
If the size of mold problem is less than 10 square feet (less than 3 ft by 3 ft), in most cases you can handle the job yourself, if you have capability and follow EPA guidelines.
IAll other situations require professional contractors experienced and trained in cleaning up mold under specific conditions.
Examples are:
Large areas affected by water damage and/or mold growth, or damage caused by sewage or other contaminated water. Or suspected heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system which may be contaminated with mold.
Whenever you choose to hire a contractor or service provider to handle the remediation, make sure they have training, experience and state credentials. Check references and ask the contractor to follow recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, or guidelines of American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH) or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.
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Member of Environmental Solutions Association (ESA)
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Web Sites for more detailed information
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html
General information and questions http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/IAQ/GOT_Mold.html
Mold remediation http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html
Mold allergies http://www.niaid,nih.gov/publications/allergens/mold.htm
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