Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. These spores will begin to grow when they come into contact with something wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Do I have mold in my house? The answer is yes. All houses have mold. Only a few of these molds cause reactions. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. The two steps to eliminating mold are find and fix the water problem and second clean up the mold.
Can mold make me sick? Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). All mold seems to look blackish to the naked eye. So seeing mold cannot tell you what type it is. If you see mold and are concerned, then you should have a mold test. Testing starts at $200 and can go to the thousands of dollars. Research on mold and health effects is on going. The good news is that molds can be controlled.
Here are some tips on controlling water in your home. When water leaks or spills occur act quickly. If wet or damp materials are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow. Clean and repair roof gutters regularly. Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation. Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60%. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, that can be picked up at most hardware stores. For more information on mold e-mail a request to ncsinspections@comcast.net. A sixteen page guide can be sent via e-mail.
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