Mold and Your New Home
Mold in Central Florida Homes is Serious Business -
Because the issue of mold has entered the mainstream so quickly, science has yet to catch up. Guidelines for mold measurement and exposure have not yet been established, but one thing is clear. As the financial toll of mold continues to increase dramatically, measures need to be implemented in order to minimize your financial risk and liability exposure.
Defining Mold
The presence of mold, water damage, or musty odors should be addressed immediately. In all instances, any source(s) of water must be stopped and the extent of water damage determined. Water damaged materials should be dried and repaired. Sampling is then recommended to determine the type and extent of the existing mold. Mold is a structural, health and environmental problem. Some mold defects can't be seen and will only be detected through sampling.
What Is Mold?
Molds are simple, microscopic organisms whose purpose in the ecosystem is to break down organic materials. They can be found wherever there are organic materials and moisture, which are the necessary ingredients for mold growth. Molds are found both indoors and outdoors, and in any area of the country. Some are visible, some are not.
Health Effects of Mold Exposure
The health effects from mold exposure may be: Respiratory failure/asthma, Flu symptoms/headaches, Nose bleeds/bleeding lungs, Neurological disorders, Memory loss, Dizziness, Learning disabilities, and Death.
Types of Mold
There are approximately 100,000 genera of mold species known today, with approximately 80 genera suspected of causing some form of illness. Only a fraction of the 80 genera are considered toxic. Molds are organized into three groups according to human responses: Allergenic, Pathogenic and Toxigenic.
Conducive Conditions For Mold Growth
There are many conditions for mold Growth. Moisture, Food Source, Raw Materials, Minimal Air Circulation, and HVAC Systems
Conducive Conditions For Mold Growth are:
Moisture. When looking for the source of a mold growth, look for moisture. Spores can survive in as little as 65% humidity.
Food Source. Food sources for mold are the organic materials in a structure, such as wood, drywall, insulation, and natural fibers, which may have been exposed to moisture.
Raw Materials. Even before a new home is built, it’s raw materials can collect moisture and mold. Especially if it is exposed to the weather.
Minimal Air Circulation. An example of minimal air circulation is two pieces of wood coming together, such as where a floor joist meets a band joist.
HVAC Systems. HVAC systems and ductwork often contains porous materials, moisture, and dirt.
Mold Exposure Standards
No scientific exposure standards currently exist for mold. Some believe that the development of exposure standards could be years away. According to the EPA’s report on Indoor Air Quality, the EPA has not established uniform air quality standards covering airborne biological substances such as fungal spores. This is due to a lack of convincing epidemiological evidence.
Mold Screening
Although there are no defined standards or exposure limits, it is possible to identify houses with mold contamination by comparing the indoor and outdoor levels of mold spores using the air sampling method. A review of the recommendations by the nation’s leading testing laboratories shows air sampling to be the method of choice for residential mold screening.
Mold In The Media - Hype vs. Reality
Even though molds have been in existence for thousands of years, only recently have they been in the spotlight. This is largely attributable to the media, which has generated a significant amount of hype among homeowners and the real estate community.
Lee Rosa is an ABR® Specialist in Orlando, Florida. You can search Orlando Homes for Sale at his website. Lee Rosa considers Dexaco Home Inspections a Mold Specialist and recommends Dexaco Home Inspections, they can be reached @ 407.439.3763.