Is There a Fungus Among Us?

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 by: Wallace Conway

Mold has taken hold! Not that the microbes have reached
out and grabbed us, but rather they have captured our attention. A rash
of recent high profile media stories have petrified many people with
concerns for both their health and finances. While it is true in some
situations that variations and concentrations of mold can kill us both
physically and financially, in the vast majority of cases mold problems
can be remedied simply and economically.

Molds exist naturally all around us. Molds play a vital
role in the decomposition of organic waste such as in a compost pile.
Other molds are essential in the creation of some of our finest foods,
such as wine and cheese. But, when mold growth occurs in an
inappropriate place or in extreme concentration, the health of our home
and family can be at risk.

All molds need two basic ingredients to grow, food and
water. The favorite food of mold is cellulose. In our home, cellulose
is a common constituent. Wood, paper, cotton, and drywall are plentiful
in construction and are great sources of cellulose. Water is everywhere
in our homes, both on the surfaces and in the air.

As the tightness of our homes has increased in response
to a desire to conserve energy, the unintended consequence has been the
trapping of moisture. The increase in moisture in our homes has in some
cases resulted in a relative humidity above the 60% level needed to
sustain mold growth in interior spaces. In some cases, the moisture
level of the interior spaces is below the mold growth threshold, but
the exterior wall cavities retain the required moisture level for rapid
mold growth within the walls. To make matters worse, this condition is
also perfect for accelerated wood rot and termite infestation.

So what is a reasonable person to do? Much like a
physical exam is the first step in a plan for personal health, a home
inspection is the first step in a mold survey. The intent of the
inspection is to seek out all sources of moisture that may contribute
to an environment that is attractive to mold and to visually identify
any existing mold colonies. Roof leaks, plumbing leaks, and improper
sprinkler positioning are among the more common sources of mold-causing
moisture problems. After identification of the moisture source, a
reasonable and practical remedy can be prescribed.

Areas with visible mold colonies can be thoroughly
cleaned with detergent, followed by wiping with a bleach and water
solution. Porous materials such as ceiling tiles and carpet are
difficult to clean and often require removal and replacement in all but
the most minor of outbreaks.

In most cases, testing to determine mold species is not
necessary to solve the problem. If an individual has an extreme or
specific health risk factor, testing may be of value in assisting the
medical professional in addressing the specific health situation. If
the outbreak of mold is extreme, testing maybe wise in ensuring safety
during remediation. The choice to test or not should always rest with
the homeowner or potential homebuyer, but the decision should be an
informed one made with the assistance of an ASHI certified home
inspector who has received additional training specific to mold
management.

With a basic understanding of the management of
moisture, household mold maintenance is simple. Molds have been around
forever and will never be gone, and it is good that they are here. But
like so many things, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Stay
informed, but don't get caught up in the hype. Remember, it's about
knowing!

Copyright © Florida HomePro, Inc. and Wallace J. Conway. All rights in all media reserved.

About the Author

Wally Conway is President of Florida HomePro Inspections, and is featured regularly on HGTV's "House Detective". As a speaker, writer, instructor, and host of The Happy Home Inspector radio show every Saturday at 5 PM on WOKV 690, Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application. Visit http://www.wallyconway.com and http://www.gohomepro.com for more information!

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