Your House Doesn't Have to Be Old to Be Moldy
By Teresa Ambord
You've probably heard a lot of talk about toxic mold in homes. It's an issue that homebuyers need to be aware of before making a purchase, even with a brand new home. Nobody is immune from it. Celebrity Sandra Bullock and activist Erin Brockovich both have been plagued by mold, and Ed McMahan contends it was house mold that killed his beloved dog. If you are buying an existing house be sure to ask your agent if there has been a mold inspection, especially if there is exterior brickwork.
Mold can occur in any climate and any type of building. All it takes is the right combination of conditions and anybody can have a mold problem.
This is not an issue to be taken lightly. Numerous health issues have been linked to mold, from minor to fatal including: including sleepiness, irritability, dizziness, allergies, asthma attacks, and even brain damage. Mold can make some people unable to fight off viruses, and those who are already subject to poor health are even more likely to succumb.
Mold growth depends on three conditions:
- A moderate climate
- Moisture
- Food. Food for mold can be many things, wood, paper, leather, natural fabrics, or anything that is or once was living.
New houses are just as susceptible. During construction such problems as wet wood, inadequate caulking, loose fiberglass insulation, a poorly installed vapor barrier, and lack of ventilation in the crawl space are all contributors to the possibility of mold growth in a brand new home. But one of the worst culprits is brick. If the masonry is not done with great care, it can turn a home into a petri dish for mold. The porous nature of brick causes it to hold water like a sponge. If the brick was applied to the home without enough space between the bricks and the wood, mold may be the result.
Whether your home is new or old, you can take steps to protect it from mold growth. Here are a few:
- Moisture control is key. Take care of leaks and spills immediately.
- Ensure that air conditioner drip pans are clean and drain lines are able to flow freely.
- Check to see if the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation to prevent water build-up in that area.
- Make sure roof gutters are clean and in good repair.
- Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent. You can buy an inexpensive humidity or moisture meter at a hardware store to track the level.
- If you notice condensation on windows, walls, or pipes, dry them quickly and investigate the source of the water.
What should you do if you suspect mold?
Mold damages whatever it grows on, so if you think you have a mold problem, act quickly to get it under control. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has specific guidelines for cleaning up small areas infected by mold.
Steps to Take:
- First, evaluate the problem. If the mold is related to a sewage problem, is in the heating/air conditioning system, or is larger than 10 square feet, you'll probably need to hire a professional to do the clean up.
- For smaller areas of mold: Start by fixing any plumbing or drainage issues that may be causing or exacerbating the problem.
- Wear safety goggles equipped with ventilation holes.
- Avoid touching the mold with your bare hands. Wear long gloves, at least up to the elbow. If you are using a biocide wear gloves that are made of rubber or neoprene.
- Use detergent and water to scrub the mold off the area, then let it dry completely.
According to the EPA, if the sight and smell of mold are gone and remain gone, and if no one is displaying symptoms of illness when in the area, the problem may have been eradicated by your clean-up efforts. But this is a judgment call you or a mold clean-up specialist will have to make.
If you have concerns or questions call the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse IAQ INFO at (800) 438-4318.