Questions and Answers:

Common Questions and Answers about Mold:

1.  What is mold?

Mold and/or mildew are microscopic fungi that are present virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors.  They grow on a variety of organic materials, including wood products

2.  How do molds get into the indoor environment and how do they grow?

Mold spores may enter a house through open doorways, windows, HVAC systems.  Spores in the air outside also attach themselves to people and animals, making clothing, shoes, bags, and pets convenient vehicles for carrying mold indoors.

3.  I heard about "toxic molds" that can grow in homes and other buildings.  Should I be concerned about serious health risk to me and my family?

The term "toxic mold" is not accurate.  While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically Mycotoxins), the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous.  Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins shouyld be considered the same as other commons molds which can grow in your house.  There is always a little mold everywhere in the air and on many surfaces.  There are very few reports that toxigenic molds found inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss.  These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of the toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven.  The common health concerns from molds include hay fever like allergic sysptoms.  Certain individuals with chronic respiratory disease (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), may experience difficulty breathing.  Individuals with immune suppression may be at increased risk for infection from molds.

4.  Are there circumstances where people should vacant there home because of mold?

These decisions must be made individually or through a trained professional. (Physician, or Industrial Hygienist)  If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold, consult with a trained professional.

5.  Who are people most at risk for health problems associated with mold?

People with allergies may be more sensitive to to molds.  People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptable to fungal infections.

6.  How do you know you have a mold problem?

Large mold contamination can usually be seen or smelled.  In most instances where water damage has occurred or moisture is present, mold will be found.   

7.  I have recently had a water leak - what ia the potential for mold growth in the leak area?

Materials that are exposed to a constant leak or have been soaked and not dried thoroughly can support mold growth.  Some molds can form a new colony in one to two days on damp materials.  Additionally, molds do not require sunlight and can continue growing indefinately without light.

8.  What about moisture in the crawlspace?

Crawlspaces should have ground covers to prevent moisture for moisture control.  These should be installed properly to limit evaporation from the soil.  Most crawlspaces are soil or sand based and usually present some type of problem, whether its mold or odors emitting from the ground.  Vapor/moisture barriers, cleaning of wood materials, and a proven anti-microbial encapsulant are the answers. 

9.  If someone thinks they have mold in their house, should they test for it?

According to the EPA, sampling is unnecessary in most cases where visible mold is present.  Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check for compliance with "federal" mold standards.  The only industry "standard" currently in place is usually comparing the levels within the house to levels outside of the house.  There are some problems with that conclusion also, such as: temperature variations, humidity levels, and wind conditions.  When a remediation project follows the proper guidelines and procedures, testing becomes almost a means of comfort for the homeowner, although beware, that some companies do not follow these procedures!  It is important to find a reputable Certified Mold Remediation contractor to ensure the work is completed properly.  It is recommended, where mass mold growth remediations have been completed, that testing be done to ensure procedures have been followed.

10.  How do you determine whether a mold is toxic?

Unfortunately, it is impossible for homeowners to detinguish between so-called "toxic" and "no-toxic" molds because they all look like black or gray sooty patches.. Press coverage about lawsuits and health studies involving mold has been focused on one type of mold called "Stachybotrys chartarum", which is often refered to as "the toxic black mold".  There is no particular reason why this mold should be singled out.  All molds should be treated with caution as most can cause health problems to those who are susceptable.

11.  What is Stachybotrys chartarum and what should people do if they determine they have Stachybotrys in their buidings or homes?

Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish black mold.  It can grow on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint.  However, it is not necessary to determine what type of mold may be present-all molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal.  There are no different remediation procedures for the different types of mold. 

12. How can mold be prevented?

The key to preventing mold growth is a simple one, keep the home dry. 

* Keep humidity levels below 50% in the house or structure.                                                 

*Use air conditioner or a dehumidifer during humid months.

*Be sure home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms.

*Use paints that include mold inhibitors.

Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.

*Do not carpet bathrooms.

*Remove and replace flooded carpets.

13.  How do I get rid of mold?

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will always be found floating through the air and setting with house dust.  The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present.  Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture levels indoors.  If there is mold growth in a home, the mold must be remediated and the water p[roblem corrected.  If the mold is "cleaned up", but the water problem is not fixed, then the mold will return.  Basic mold clean up of a few items is easy enough, mass mold growth should only be remediated by a Certified Porfessional.  Wiping of some contents with a mild mixture of bleach and water, one part bleach 9 parts water, will handle small isolated problems.  Be careful when using bleach, it can burn your lungs if the mixture is to high!  Most Remediation companies will not use bleach, but a EPA approved broad band biocide for mold contamination.

14.  I have an odor in my basement but don't see any mold?

An odor is an indicator of a problem.  A qualified remediation inspection should be able to determine the issue is.  If a determination can not be made, than air or bulk testing may prove to be the only answer.  Most inspections will reveal the problem source.

15.  I see a white/gray substance on my block basement walls, is this mold?

Usually found on cinder block or concrete block, the white powdery substance is the lime, calcium, and other minerals "bleeding" through the wall.  Older homes were not waterproofed on the outside to prevent this event from happening.  The water table in the area is the easiest indicator.  This "bleeding" will show approximately where the saturation point of the ground is for the water.  This in itself is not mold, but the fact that moisture is penetrating the structure could cause a problem if introduced to a food source for mold, in addition, if the walls are painted, the paint may provide a food source for surface mold growth.