Nasty-sounding stuff, isn't it?

Stachybotrys Chartarum, Penicillium and Aspergillus - toxic, health-threatening molds found in homes, businesses and schools near you.

These molds can be found anywhere that dark and dank conditions permit them to grow.  When you try to kill them, they take to the air, spreading with no forethought to the damage they can cause.  They’re just trying to survive.  And they’re good at it.

Remember the story of the opening of King Tut’s tomb?  Mold was reportedly thick and pungent.  The treasure hunters and laborers took ill after spending long days inside, and many died, but we now know it was not because the tomb was “cursed."

Only in the past decade have we begun to understand the potential health risks associated with exposure to mold contamination.  Spores can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin or ingested with our food.  And, because some people are more susceptible than others, one person may become debilitated by exposure to mold in a home, while another person sharing the same environment is essentially unaffected.

Infants, the elderly and anyone with immune system deficiencies due to disease, chemotherapy, etc. are particularly susceptible to serious illness following exposure to microbial contamination.

Many species of mold and mildew (or the mycotoxins they produce) can cause or aggravate a number of ailments.  Common effects from molds include asthma, pneumonitis, upper respiratory problems, sinusitis, dry cough, skin rashes, stomach upset, headaches, disorientation and bloody noses.

Infacts, the elderly and anyone with immune system deficiencies are particularly susceptible.

Numerous species of mold and mildew are also toxic, and many mycotoxins are known carcinogens.  Severe exposure can lead to internal bleeding, kidney and liver failure and pulmonary emphysema.

Contamination of residential properties by toxic mold and mildew is becoming more and more prevalent.   Although mankind has been aware for thousands of years that mold thrives in damp conditions, only recently have we begun to understand how dramatically its presence can affect us.  Toxic molds are not discerning, attacking both old and new buildings.

The odor or appearance of mold can signal a variety of problems.  The moisture that gives life to fungal growth in older buildings can be either a moisture problem created by occupants’ use, or water intrusion due to leaky components, or both.  In new construction, it could also indicate the existence of construction defects.

Health risks due to the presence of mold in a dwelling are a serious concern to occupants, and can pose potential liability for building owners, vendors, Realtors and home inspectors.

While all serious defects and deficiencies should be addressed promptly, timeliness regarding water damage is especially critical.  A prompt response and an immediate commencement of cleanup and drying are essential in reducing further damage, particularly by mold.  The sooner water is removed and the property dried out, the less the damage there will be.  Water damage not addressed with 24 to 72 hours may result in the growth and spread of mold.

The general rule of thumb is very simple:  If you can see mold or smell mold, you have to remove it.  Once you find and start removing the mold-damaged or contaminated materials, such as drywall, you should keep on removing the material until you find no more mold, either on the face of the drywall or on the back-side of the drywall next to the studs.  If the studs have mold contamination, you must consider the edge of the stud on which the other, or exterior wall is attached.

Removal of the mold-contaminated material is only the first step.   A specialist in this field should decontaminate structures and any personal property involved.

Depending upon such variables as the length of time from the initial water damage, the amount of water in the structure, the cleanliness of the water and the type of property involved, it may be necessary to remove carpets, pads and any other wet items (especially clothing and other soft goods) from the premises for proper drying, cleaning and treatment.  Damp or wet carpets, pads or other items may provide a medium for potentially dangerous mold growth.

Vendors, Realtors and home inspectors should take note of mold issues, before they are faced with numerous losses because of it. 

One of the reasons is the high cost of mold remediation, which should be done only by trained and experienced professionals.  Proper remediation and removal of contaminated building materials is about 10 times as expensive as regular tear-out and replacement.  In some cases the cost is more than $150 per square foot.

Mold in dwellings is a serious concern for occupants, and can pose potential liability for building owners, vendors, Realtors and home inspectors

While mold does not develop in every damp location, vendors, Realtors and home inspectors must be aware of the potential for mold and its inherent costs.  All parties must be sensitive to the presence of mold when the circumstances warrant and must call upon appropriately qualified experts for guidance as needed.

Water damage not addressed within 24 to 72 hours may result in the growth and spreading of mold which could be toxic.

Mold remediation may be expensive, but failure to remediate a property listed for sale may be even more expensive, in terms of health as well as dollars.