Although mold’s impact is still unclear, most people who have experienced it can tell you that it not only impacts your home, but your finances, your insurance coverage, your health, your work, and even your emotions. Mold may seem rather benign, yet it is one of the deadliest conditions that could be lurking somewhere in your home.

As a potential homebuyer, you’ll want to hire an environmental specialist to test for mold before signing on the dotted line. When changing ownership of a home, inspection mold inspection is not required currently but this may change in the future.

MOLD COMES IN THOUSANDS OF SPECIES
Once mold gets into your home it is no small task getting rid of it. Molds, which are a form of fungi, are found indoors and outside, come in thousands of species and thrive in warm, wet conditions and can also grow under cold conditions. When airborne, mold spores can land on damp spots and grow. They digest whatever they are growing on—wood, paper, carpet or drywall.  The key to controlling it is drying water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours to stop growth. If mold is allowed to grow unnoticed it multiplies like a cancer.

CHECK YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE
As a general rule mold and other problems caused by a lack of maintenance or wear and tear are not covered under homeowner’s policies. But water damage or mold as the result of a sudden rupture such as a burst pipe would likely be covered. If you suspect water damage anywhere in your house, get out your policy and read it closely. See what it says about mold damage and consult with the company immediately. As soon as you experience a loss or damage and determine that you want to file a claim, do it promptly, preferably within a couple of days of the damage. Your policy may exclude coverage if the insurance company can prove that you were aware of water or dampness and did not take reasonable steps to protect the property.

MANY UNKNOWN HEALTH EFFECTS
It is still a mystery as to exactly what the negative health effects are. Symptoms include breathing problems, nasal and sinus congestion, irritated eyes, coughing and rashes. Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nose bleeds, body aches and pains and fevers have also been connected with mold cases, but doctors still do not fully understand the cause. People with asthma should avoid contact with or exposure to mold.

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.  
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Mold does not necessarily mean that you cannot sell your home once the problem has been addressed. You must disclose anything that may affect the value or desirability of your home, but once a mold has been identified and remediated the house does not necessarily lose its value as long as the work is done right and the problem is completely corrected. The key is to catch it early.

If you are experiencing a possible mold problem in your home, there is help at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov/iaq/molds and the American Industrial Hygiene Association at www.aiha.org.