MOLD, The Other Four Letter Word

     Mold is the new most misunderstood word of the century.  It ranks right up there with termites and lead paint, so let's cut right to the chase.  Mold is a living organism that requires food and water and usually flouishes outdoors.  it really seems to like eating wood and wood substrates like cardboard and paper, and can often be found living in colonies on the back of places like sheetrock.  Without a source of moisture it becomes dormant (not dead).  Add water, or high humidity, and it becomes active.

     When mold grows outside it is part of our ecosystem.  When it comes indoors, however, it can result in a myriad of problems.  If enough moisture is available it can result in mold spores, which float in our air and can cause health and breathing problems leading to illnesses that often are misdiagnosed as alleries or the common cold, as it's symptoms are often similar. If you, or someone in your household, has a pre-existing condition like asthma or bronchitis the results can be disastrous, even deadly in some cases.

     Now that I have your attention, let me explain that mold inspection and mold remediation are a big business.  Mold professionals go through extensive traning and are tested and licensed by government and industry approved associations.  They are usually connected to the disaster and restoration industry. Since this is an introductory blog to a real issue in our business and personal lives, it is only meant to alert rather than alarm you.

     An old friend from high school days, who is one of my favorite home inspectors, is a licensed mold inspector as well. He gives clients many tips on how to control moisture in homes to minimize potential mold growth,  It is just a part of what is known as IAQ (Indoor Air Quality). For more information it may be a good idea to Google the EPA site and type in Mold.

    As I continue to research in more detail please look for my future blogs on this topic, and feel free to comment with any concerns.  My family has a history of asthma and am eager to know all that I can about controlling mold.