How do I know if MOLD is growing in my home? Should I get the MOLD tested to find out what kind it is? If you can smell a musty odor or see mold, you have a mold problem. Reliable sampling for mold can be expensive since it requires special equipment and training. Testing is not generally recommended as a first step. HOME INSPECTOR USA offers free Mold screening when conducting a comprehensive home inspection. If there is an indication of active organic microbial present during the visual home inspection, the inspector will be recommending testing (Air, Bio-tape, or Swab) to determine the concentration of organic microbial spores present. This process will take several days since samples will have to be taken, cataloged, sealed and FedEx to a certified laboratory for analysis.

    Now Remember: Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a humid or wet surface and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Mold produces allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).  Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition,  mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.  Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. 

   No Home is Perfect: Keep things in perspective. Don't kill your deal over things that don't matter. It is inappropriate to demand that seller address deferred maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure, or nit-picky items.

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