Allergies - Don't Make These Top Five Toxic Mold Mistakes

It is that time again, Summertime and the rains have begun. All individuals with Asthma and Allergies must protect their health by not making the following five toxic black mold mistakes that are frequently made in Home Inspections, Mold Inspections, Microbial Testing Inspections, and Microbial Remediation.

1. This is primary regarding Microbial Growth, be aware that it can affect your health especially if you have an Asthma and Allergies. We have been doing inspections for over 15 years and are amazed at what we see. The latest disaster is from another incompetent Home Inspector who told the homeowner that the area where the black stains on the closet wall were an old water leak that dried up. The homeowner bought the home because of this incompetent Home Inspector and the problems began as soon as the rain started. By the way, the incompetent Home Inspector did the Roof Inspection also. We inspected the area and the roof leak covered a bedroom, two closets and a bathroom that have to be remediated because of this incompetent Home Inspector. Estimated costs with roof replacement is over $10,000. That is a pretty steep bill in this type of economy.

2. Failure to inspect for visible signs and clues of toxic mold infestation on a regular basis, especially when it is the Summertime and it is raining on a regular basis. Check out your house for roof leaks, plumbing leaks, water damage, musty odors or visible microbial growth and high humidity. Get a good quality Hygrometer and monitor your humidity. It should be below 55% per the Air Conditioning Industry recommendations. We encourage our clients to maintain levels below 50%. The reason is if it gets above 50%, you know a problem is starting to develop with the A/C System or there is a leak somewhere in the home. People with Asthma and Allergies require lower humidity levels.

3. Assuming that simply drying wet building surfaces or areas is sufficient to prevent mold infestation. This is the biggest problem people seem to misunderstand. When the Microbial Growth runs out of moisture to grow in, it simply goes dormant but does not die. It will wait patiently for years for high humidity or a water leak to begin growing again where it left off. It will come back quickly when you add water. There are some mold sensitive individuals who can detect mold in walls that can make them sick, even though there is no moisture for it to grow with. Air currents can make the microbial spores move to other areas of the home or office building.

4. Bleach is ineffective on killing toxic mold on porous surfaces such as building materials like drywall, wood and plaster board etc. Removal is the best solution where possible. It is also not an EPA-registered fungicide. An important item to remember, just spraying an area for mold is insufficient. The damaged microbial contaminated areas and surfaces need to be removed by a licensed Remediation Contractor who is trained to do it right.

5. The final step is adequate Microbial Testing before the job and Final Clearance Testing when the job is over. Avoid all Microbial Testing Companies who offer free inspections (nothing is free, there is always a gimmick). These companies can make their free inspection fee by charging you more for the remediation work. Remember, nothing is free. Always have the remediated areas sufficiently tested (minimum is 3 samples per area is ideal) We prefer more because you will get a better picture of the damaged area.

In conclusion, try to follow these recommendations to prevent mold problems in your life. There are other tips but if you need more information, call us. If you suspect you or any member of your family are having health problems due to mold, contact your Doctor immediately.

For more mold inspection, microbial testing and remediation information, please call or visit our website.

To learn more about your home, visit our website at Safe Homes or Air Testing