Mold is caused by fungi or bacteria that grow indoors when adequate moisture is present. It is a contributor to indoor air pollution and, although rare, can result in a grave illness.
The microbes that develop into mold spores only require the nutrition provided by the average amount of dust and dirt in homes. These little fungi can reproduce rapidly and enter the air exposing the entire household. You can’t always see fungi, so having a mold inspection is well worth the cost.
Where does the water come from? Aside from leaking faucets or flooding, it can be as simple as incoming air supplies. If it is rainy or snowy outside, just opening the door and having moisture on your boots can be enough to start the growth.
One deterrent to growth is using the proper, easy to clean materials that reduce moisture absorption. The frames of the windows, especially if they are metal, form condensation with typical air-conditioner usage. Poor insulation is another contributor that can be easily fixed.
There are three common mold types discussed here, and they all require a mold inspection to be identified. The first one is Aspergillus, and it is everywhere and inhaled by people daily. There are over 180 species, but most of them don’t harm humans. However, there are forty of them that can cause infections in people with a weak immune system or chronic illness.
The second fungus is the ever common Cladosporium, and it loves grout lines, subfloors, and sheetrock. This fungus is why intensive care units of the hospital do not permit cut flowers; they can grow mold once the plant matter starts to decay. The spores can be a concern to critically ill patients. It is considered a form of black mold and the average person experiences a bout of hay fever, upper respiratory problems, or asthma if they suffer from that disease.
The third and most concerning is the Stachybotrys Chartarum, which is toxigenic, not to be confused with a toxic substance. It means they can but don’t always produce toxins. The symptoms are the same as other household molds but with rare exceptions. There seems to be an unsubstantiated link to lung hemorrhaging in infants exposed to this. People that are already sick would also be subject to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia.
If there is a concern, a proper mold inspection would include thermal imaging and topical samples for testing in the laboratory. Air samples should be taken as well. Clients should expect a written report detailing the findings and recommendations for remediation if needed. Don’t buy a home without first having a mold inspection, and if renting a home know that the owner is accountable for any mold problems and related illnesses of occupants.
