(360) 301-2035 james@rsinspect.com

Frequently Asked Questions on Mold

by | Jul 7, 2017 | Issues That Affect Your Home

Mold

What is mold? We answer several questions concerning the topic of mold, discussing several issues that affect the overall health of the home.

 

Why is mold growing in my home?Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Does it cause health problems?Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances.Allergic reactions to mold are common and include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.
How do I get rid of it?It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors, but indoor mold growth can be controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and also fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don’t fix the water problem, the mold problem most likely will return.

Mold, Home Inspection

Mold on an interior wall

Book a Home Inspection

Who should do the cleanup?

If the area is less than about 10 square feet, you can probably handle the job yourself. However:

In situations where a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult the EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types.

It’s important when choosing a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, or the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

Consider first if heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold, consult the EPA’s Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold – it could spread mold throughout your home.

Determine what the cause of the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.

When health concerns are present, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.

For more information, read the EPA’s A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home. 

Call Now ButtonCall Now