What are molds? What makes molds grow in my home? Can I be exposed to mold? Do molds affect my health? When is mold a problem? When should I sample for mold? Can I control mold growth in my home? Should I paint over mold? Must landlords tell tenants about mold?
What are molds? Molds are tiny microscopic organisms that digest organic matter and reproduce by releasing spores. Molds are a type of fungi and there are over 100,000 species. In nature, mold helps decompose or break-down leaves, wood and other plant debris. Molds become a problem when they go where they are not wanted and digest materials such as our homes.
What makes molds grow in my home? Mold enters your home as tiny spores. The spores need moisture to begin growing, digesting and destroying. Molds can grow on almost any surface, including; wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, carpet, sheet rock, and insulation. The mold grows best when there is lots of moisture from a leaky roof, high humidity, or flood. There is no way to get rid of all molds and mold spores from your home. But you can control mold growth by keeping your home dry.
Can I be exposed to mold? When molds are disturbed, they release spores into the air. You can be exposed by breathing air containing these mold spores. You can also be exposed through touching moldy items, eating moldy food or accidental hand to mouth contact.
Do molds affect my health? Several molds do not harm most healthy people. But people who have allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to molds. Sensitive people may experience skin rash, running nose, eye irritation, cough, nasal congestion, aggravation of asthma or difficulty breathing. People with an immune suppression or underlying lung disease, may be at increased risk for infections from molds. Proper lab testing is the only way to tell if the mold is 'toxic'. When is mold a problem? You know you have mold when you smell the "musty" odor or see small black or white specks along your damp bathroom or basement walls. Some mold may be hidden growing behind wall coverings or ceiling tiles. Even dry, dead mold can cause health problems, so always take precautions when you suspect mold. Mold is often found in areas where water has damaged building materials and furniture after flooding or plumbing leaks. Mold can also be found growing along walls where warm moist air condenses on cooler wall surfaces, such as inside cold exterior walls, behind dressers, headboards, and in closets where articles are stored against walls. Mold often grows in rooms with both high water use and humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. If you notice mold or know of water damaged areas in your home, it is time to take action by calling 559-835-3224 to test for toxic mold and gain knowledge on how to control its growth.
When should I sample for mold? Even a clean, dry house will have some mold spores, enough to cause health problems in some instentances. If you smell mold it may be hidden behind wallpaper, in the walls or ceiling or under the carpet. If you suspect you have hidden mold be very careful when you investigate, protect yourself from exposure and call 1CallDone Inspections at 559-836-3224 for consolation.
Can I control mold growth in my home? Yes you can. Dry out the House and fix any moisture problems in your home 1st: • Stop water leaks, repair leaky roofs and plumbing. Keep water away from concrete slabs and basement walls. • Open windows and doors to increase air flow in your home, especially along the inside of exterior walls. Use a fan if there are no windows available. • Make sure that warm air flows into all areas of the home. Move large objects a few inches away from the inside of exterior walls to increase air circulation. • Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. • Ventilate and insulate attic and crawl spaces. Use heavy plastic to cover earth floors in crawl spaces. • Clean and dry water damaged carpets, clothing, bedding, and upholstered furniture within 24 to 48 hours, or consider removing and replacing damaged furnishings. • Vacuum and clean your home regularly to remove mold spores. • Check around your windows for signs of condensation and water droplets. Wipe them up right away so mold can’t start to grow. If problem persists contact us.
Should I paint over mold? No. Don’t paint or caulk over mold. The mold will grow under the paint and the paint will peel.
Must landlords tell tenants about mold? Yes! In 2005, the WashingtonState legislature approved Engrossed Senate Bill (ESB) 5049 (See especially Section 2.12) (http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2005-06/Htm/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5049...) that requires landlords to notify their tenants about mold. A mold inspection report and lab results may assist you in dealing with landlords by providing results and recommendations.
Who can I contact for more information? For more information, see the 1CallDone Inspections Web page or contact a staff member below listed below for questions and testing:
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