What is mold?   Mold is a generic name for over 200,000 different kinds of fungus. Molds exhibit hundreds of different colors and textures. Molds reproduce by releasing spores – regenerative cells surrounded by a very tough coating that can survive detergents, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.

How does mold affect human health?      Molds are known to cause allergies to trigger asthma attacks. Medical science does not fully understand how molds affect us, or why some individuals appear to be more sensitive to molds than others.  

What is “Toxic Mold”?  Many types of molds produce chemicals during their normal growth that are considered to be toxins or poisons. These molds, especially certain kinds that appear to strongly affect human health, have been given the name “toxic mold”. However, doctors and scientists generally do not accept this term because it has not been clearly defined.

Does the presence of indoor mold always result in sickness? No. Those who have mold allergies or asthma may be affected. And people with severely compromised immune systems are at risk for developing internal fungal infections if they are exposed to airborne mold spores. But many without allergy or asthma ailments will feel no ill effects from mold. However, there are a growing number of case studies that suggest mold may contribute to non-specific symptoms such as long-term respiratory damage, chronic headaches and nausea, and possibly neurological damage in certain individuals.

Currently, none of these claims have been linked to mold by acceptable scientific research. But in the majority of these cases, mold has been suspected because doctors have not been able to offer a suitable alternative explanation.

How does mold get inside of buildings?  Mold grows when there are moisture problems that result in building materials being constantly dampened by water. Poor air circulation or inadequate ventilation can also contribute to excess moisture. One of the best sources of food for mold is cellulose, which is the primary constituent of wood and paper products. Modern building materials such as gypsum wallboard, acoustic ceiling tiles, wallpaper, fiberboard, and particleboard are all likely to encourage mold growth if they become exposed to high humidity levels, condensation, or water.

Can I buy a test kit and test my home myself?   Test kits are available from hardware stores and are inexpensive. The problem with doing so is that mold is everywhere, inside our homes, cars, clothes, etc. I can open one of these test kits anywhere and grow mold. This may give you false-positive/false-negative results which can be detrimental to your health and well being. The standards and protocols that are followed and the experience of a certified indoor environmentalist will help to ensure that the information that is received from testing can be used to correct your problem. The bottom line is, if you have a situation regarding mold that is of concern enough to consider testing it should be of concern enough to use a professional.

Can’t I clean up mold myself?   Many considerations must be examined before attempting to self-clean mold amplification. Improper removal of large mold infestations can disturb the mold and cause the release of large amounts of excess spores and toxic chemicals into the air. The amount of visible mold, the health of all the occupants and future occupants, and the source of the mold amplification must be examined. These are only a few factors to be considered. If you have concerns about mold in your home it is best to seek a professional.  

Can I use chemicals to kill mold?   Certain chemicals called biocides, which kill living molds, are available. However, biocides are poisons and if used incorrectly they can be more harmful than the mold itself. Also, dead mold still contains spores and irritating chemicals and can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma attacks. Mold must be removed, not just killed.

Can’t I just use bleach to clean it up?    NO!  DO NOT USE CHLORINE BLEACH TO KILL MOLD! IT IS DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH & IS TOTALLY INEFFECTIVE AGAINST KILLING MOLD!  (click HERE for more info)

Do I have to move out of my home if it contains mold?  No. Abandoning a property is usually advised only if occupants are exhibiting severe allergy or asthma-like symptoms that may likely have been caused by mold. Moving out is also advised when there is mold growth or water damage significant enough to have caused major structural problems. You should consult with both a physician and a mold professional before abandoning a property.

 Should I report mold to my insurer?  Most homeowners and commercial property insurance only covers mold if it is the result of a sudden or accidental discharge of water. Most insurers have also included specific exclusions for mold and fungus, which severely limit or eliminate any coverage for mold removal, regardless of cause.

If you decide to file a claim, document the damage with photographs and keep a record of each conversation you have with the insurance company, including the date, time, and the name of the person that you spoke with.

Will mold or water damage claims affect my ability to buy insurance?  Some insurers may consider properties with a history of water damage or mold claims to be “high risk”. Consult with your insurance agent about the procedures of your insurance company for evaluating underwriting risk.

High levels of fungi in an indoor environment as compared to normal outdoor levels are of particular concern.

In the event that fungal contamination is determined within a dwelling, a professional investigation is essential to thoroughly evaluate the occupant space and determine appropriate clean-up measures.

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