Mold can grow into a deadly problem
Mold is the new hot issue at both the National and California Association of Realtors
By Jean Newton
Household mold has become the newest hot topic in the real estate industry. A simple microscopic organism, mold can be found everywhere indoors and outdoors. Most people are familiar with the kind of mold often found in the shower, but recently one type of mold, "Stachybotrys," has hit the headlines as the cause of some severe health problems, including respiratory ailments, asthma, shortness of breath, skin irritation and even memory loss.
"Mold is the new hot issue at both the National and California Association of Realtors," said Jeff Barnett, president of Silicon Valley Association of Realtors. "Although I haven't seen any cases yet, it's something homeowners need to know about, especially in light of the new disclosure legislation in California."
The California State Assemble recently passed the Mold Disclosure Act of 2001, Senate Bill 723, requiring landlords and sellers of both residential and commercial property to disclose the existence of mold to potential tenants and buyers.
Realtor Kathy Stakey, a certified residential and condo townhouse specialist, with Coldwell Banker in Saratoga, said she knows of one deal that fell apart because of an issue with mold, but has not experienced any problems herself. "I have been getting buyers to read and sign the disclosure form for the past three to four months with no concerns or negative responses," she said.
According to the California Department of Health Services, homeowners should be concerned about mold in their home if the contamination is extensive. Airborne mold spores can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections and other respiratory problems. In addition to people developing allergies to mold, untreated mold can also cause structural damage in a home. Although the kind of mold that causes the most severe health problems isn't as common as the kind of mold often found in the bathroom, homeowners need to be aware of what causes mold and learn how to prevent mold contamination.
The main mold generator is moisture. Areas that may cause problems include leaky roofs, humidifiers, damp basement or crawl spaces, plumbing leaks, over watering of houseplants, steam from cooking or in the bath or shower, and clothes dryers that are not vented outside
To discover if there is a mold problem, homeowners need to check for moisture, the physical presence of mold, and to see if there is an earthy or musty odor. Previous water damage may cause mold growth behind walls or underneath surfaces, indicated by discoloration or leaching.
The California Department of Health Services doesn't recommend testing for mold as a first step for a mold problem since testing for mold can be expensive. Determining the acceptable level of mold depends on the sampling process and the susceptibility of the individual, so results can vary widely. Once a mold problem is detected, a homeowner can take certain steps to control the mold growth. Obviously, if there is a severe problem, companies that specialize in environmental cleanup can be called in for a professional opinion.
Before burning down the house as one couple from Foresthill, a small community in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, did to remove a deadly mold problem that was making them severely ill, homeowners can take some simple precautions to control mold.
While the United States Environmental Protection Agency says there is no practical way to rid the environment from mold, the key to controlling mold growth is to control moisture. Mold growth will continue to recur unless the source of moisture is removed and the area is cleaned and disinfected.
Homeowners can lessen the chances of mold growth by reducing humidity and venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture generators to the outdoors. Using air conditioners and dehumidifiers, increasing ventilation and using exhaust fans when cooking can also help control moisture. By adding insulation, homeowners can reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces such as windows, piping, and exterior walls, roofs or floors.
To begin a cleanup process for mold, the first step is to identify the moisture source, then clean, disinfect and dry the moldy area. Dispose of any moldy material or items that might contain mold residue such as rags, paper, leaves and debris. When removing moldy materials and cleaning and disinfecting moldy surfaces, the California Department of Health Services recommends wearing gloves.
Before disinfecting surfaces, the state Health Services Department suggests cleaning the moldy area using a non-ammonia soap or detergent, or a commercial cleaner along with hot water. Use a brush or cleaning pad for uneven surfaces. Then, the area should be rinsed with clean water before disinfecting. To disinfect a moldy area, the Health Services Department recommends a solution of 10 percent household bleach or 1 1/2 cups of bleach per gallon of water. The disinfected areas should be allowed to dry naturally overnight.
Homeowners can also be on the alert for conditions that grow mold. Check regularly for condensation on windows, cracking of plasterboard, drywall tape loosening, wood warping or a musty odor. Fixing leaks or seepage immediately can help keep mold at bay. Deadly molds such as Stachybotrys can develop when water is left to saturate an area, even for 24 hours.
Mold is everywhere since mold spores are found in the air as well as growing on damp surfaces. Everyone is exposed to some mold on a daily basis, usually without harmful effects. For some people, a small number of mold spores can be toxic. Homeowners who are aware of mold problems can take the appropriate action to control mold growth before it becomes deadly.
For more information about mold, check out the Environmental Protection Agency's website at www.epa.gov/iaq.
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