Mold is everywhere. It is outdoors. It is indoors. We all inhale some level of mold spores everyday. But no one wants a significant source of mold in the home. No one wants to be breathing mold spores in high concentrations. So if you are wondering about the need for mold testing, ask yourself the following:
Will there be occupants with allergies or other illness?
Are there musty odors?
Is there evidence of water staining/infiltration?
Has there ever been a water problem in the property’s history? Check the disclosures.
Do you suspect the HVAC systems and ducting are poorly maintained?
Is there sufficient ventilation in basement areas?
Are there any plumbing defects or leaks?
Any of the above conditions can lead to, or be evidence of, a mold problem. But should you be concerned about mold? The EPA does not have set standards for levels of mold spores in the home, however, in 2004, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found that there was “sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.” See the CDC site for more information at http://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm#indoor.
So if you are concerned about the possibility of mold in a property you are buying, or the home you live, Kemp Home Inspections can help. We are trained to perform mold investigations, collect mold samples, and run air quality tests necessary to assess mold conditions. Our experience with structural design and moisture intrusion problems allows our expert Maryland inspectors to assist you with your mold concerns. If mold is found during the inspection, the results of our sampling can be used by your doctor to help you assess the risks.
And remember, just because you don’t see mold doesn’t mean it’s not there. Hidden sources of mold can contribute to deterioration of building materials. It can also get into the breathable air. That’s why we conduct air tests with all of our mold inspections. If the laboratory report shows species of mold indoors that is not predominant outdoors, this indicates a mold source inside the home, a condition no one wants.
What to do if you there is mold?
Don’t let mold scare you away from an otherwise excellent property. Mold is treatable! Water problems can be corrected. The damaged materials can be replaced. In many cases, the source of mold is readily visible and can be cleaned up at little cost.
More information on can be found at http://www.epa.gov/iedmold1/moldbasics.html.
