few reports that toxic molds (those containing certain mycotoxins) inside homes causing

health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss. Much of the effect of

mold depends on a persons individual physiology. A common-sense approach should be

used for any mold contamination existing inside buildings and homes. The common health

concerns from molds include hay fever-like allergic symptoms. Certain individuals with

chronic respiratory disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma) may

experience difficulty breathing. Individuals with immune suppression may be at increased

risk for infection from molds. If you or your family members have these conditions, a

qualified medical clinician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment. For the most

part, one should take routine measures to prevent mold growth in the home.

mold species, it is not rare. It is considered the most likely to cause irritation to humans.

through open doorways, windows, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Spores

in the air outside also attach themselves to people and animals, making clothing, shoes,

bags, and pets convenient vehicles for carrying mold indoors.

When mold spores drop on places where there is excessive moisture, such as where leakage

may have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or where there has been flooding, they

will grow. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow.

Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood,

and wood products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds. Other

materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and

upholstery, commonly support mold growth.

mold. It can grow on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as

fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint. Growth occurs when there is moisture from

water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or

flooding. Constant moisture is required for its growth. All molds should be treated with

respect to potential health risks and removal.

exposure to mold in a building, you should consult your physician to determine the

appropriate action to take. In a recent episode of "Extreem Makeover- Home Addition" on

ABC airing 1/28/07 a volunteer fire fighter died from mold in his basement. In this episode,

the family was forced to abandon the house and a new one was built.

or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections.

more of suspicious staining is present.

conclusively proved. Further studies are needed to determine what causes acute idiopathic

hemorrhage.

some people are sensitive to molds. These people may experience symptoms such as nasal

stuffiness, eye irritation, or wheezing when exposed to molds. Some people may have more

severe reactions to molds. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large

amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay.

Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. People with chronic illnesses,

such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. In a recent

episode of "Extreem Makeover- Home Addition" on ABC airing 1/28/07 a volunteer fire

fighter died from mold in his basement. In this episode, the family was forced to abandon

the house and a new one was built.

mold in buildings and homes.

moisture. This is the first problem that needs to be addressed. Mold under carpets typically

requires that the carpets be removed. Once mold starts to grow in insulation or wallboard

the only way to deal with the problem is by removal and replacement. In areas where

flooding has occurred, prompt cleaning of walls and other flood-damaged items with water

mixed with chlorine bleach, diluted 10 parts water to 1 part bleach, is necessary to prevent

mold growth. Never mix bleach with ammonia. Moldy items should be discarded.

water damage and visible mold. The conditions causing mold (such as water leaks,

condensation, infiltration, or flooding) should be corrected to prevent mold from growing.

bathrooms.

with molds. Since the susceptibility of individuals can vary greatly either because of the

amount or type of mold, sampling and culturing are not entirely reliable in determining your

health risk, but sampling can help and is a good first step. If you are susceptible to mold

and mold is suspected in the home you want to purchase, there is a potential health risk;

therefore, no matter what type of mold is present, you should arrange for its removal.

Furthermore, reliable sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what

is and what is not an acceptable or tolerable quantity of mold have not been established.

not been established. If you do decide to pay for environmental sampling for molds, they

should tell you in advance what they will do or what recommendations they will make based

on the sampling results. The results of samples taken in your unique situation cannot be

interpreted without physical inspection of the contaminated area or without considering the

building’s characteristics and the factors that led to the present condition. Home Check

America does not formulate remediation plans, we only take the first random sample of a

suspected area to help our client know if further action is reasonable.

may cause health symptoms that are nonspecific. At present there is no test that proves an

symptoms. Individuals with persistent symptoms should see their physician. However, if

practice recommends that they be removed. Use the simplest and most expedient method

that properly and safely removes mold.