Get the facts about MOLD from a Naples Home Builder
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We recently received a call from a customer that purchased a condominium from us a few years ago. The condo was purchased as an investment property and after his tenant moved out, visible mold was discovered growing on the drywall adjacent to the bedroom windows. We inspected the property to determine the cause of the mold. After we ruled out any water infiltration or plumbing leaks we learned that the tenant did not like air condition and did not run the A.C. system during his occupancy of the condo. That is not a good idea in a tightly constructed building in Florida. The A.C. in addition to cooling the air de-humidifies the property. Humidity in excess of 60% will support the growth of mold. Following is a short description of some basic regarding mold.
Mold is a natural substance in the environment.
Where Does Mold Come From?
Mold is a form of fungus. Other examples of a fungus are yeast and mushrooms. Molds have an important role in ecosystems by decomposing dead organic material like fallen logs. However, we want to avoid allowing mold to grow indoors. Mold can grow indoors when their reproductive component, microscopic spores, land on wet surfaces. Moisture is a necessary ingredient to allow the spores to grow.
When and Where Should We Be Concerned about Mold?
Molds are all around us and they are not usually a problem. Molds have the potential to be problematic when they land on moist surfaces and begin to grow. Molds produce substances that can cause irritation and allergic reactions in people and animals. In some cases molds produce potentially toxic products. Any of these irritants can cause responses such as cough, sneezing, red eyes, skin rashes, even asthma. Some people experience severe allergic reactions to mold.
Is It Important to Get Rid of Mold that is Growing?
You can not get rid of all the mold and mold spores that exist inside a building. But you can control mold. Mold will not grow without moisture. So if there is a mold problem there is a moisture problem. If you discover mold in a home and clean it up but do not fix the moisture the mold will grow back.
Are There Statutes That Govern Mold Remediation?
There are no state or federal statutes or regulations regarding mold. Therefore, test sampling for mold does not provide a measurable value that is useful. If visible mold is present, clean it up and fix the moisture problem.
There are several publications and websites provided by public agencies regarding mold. One of these papers is “Mold, Toxic Molds and Indoor Air Quality” by Pamela J. Davis (www.library.ca.gov/crb/01/notes/v8n1.pdf)
provides relevant information about this topic. The U.S. EPA Indoor Air Quality website states “Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores have not been set. Currently there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants.” See www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html )
Is Testing To Determine Toxicity Worthwhile & How Is Mold Cleaned up?
Not according to the government agencies. Testing is expensive and regardless of the type and concentration of the mold this information is not necessary for clean up.
It is important that proper measures are taken when removing mold to avoid creating adverse health issues for the clean up personnel. Also efforts should be taken to minimize the spread of the mold spores to other parts of the building. Large mold infestations are probably best left to professionals for clean up. Refer to the EPA website listed above for directions on how to clean concentrated areas of mold.
What About Insurance for Mold?
Many insurance policies exclude coverage for mold. However, if the mold growth is the result of an insurable act such as a broken pipe or weather event the mold remediation may be covered by the policy. You may want to read your policy and ask your agent for an interpretation of the coverage.
Make sure you protect your property by keeping mold in check. This includes keeping your mechanical systems in good working order and making sure they are utilized. If you have a rental property, you may want to specify in your lease that the tenant is obligated to use the A.C.
Mold is a source of debate and disputes. Do you have any controversies related to mold?
Michael Stein, The Gentleman Builder, is a home building and remodeling expert located in Bonita Springs, Florida. Michael has over twenty-seven years experience in the home building and real estate development business and has built thousands of home throughout the United States