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Mold in Rentals: What Are Your Rights as a Tenant?

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Indoor Environmental Testing, Mold Illness Mold Sickness, Mold Inspection, Mold Prevention.

Mold in a rental home is a serious issue that can pose health risks and damage property. If you’re a tenant dealing with mold, it’s essential to understand your rights and the steps you can take to ensure your living environment is safe and healthy. Remember: a safe home is a right, not a privilege.

Here, we’ll explore the professional, scientific, and legal aspects surrounding tenant rights concerning mold.

Steps to Identify Mold and Its Health Risks

Mold can thrive in damp, humid conditions, often found in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Signs of mold growth include:

– A musty odor
– Visible mold patches (often appearing as black, green, or white spots)
– Water stains on walls or ceilings, delamination on wood, bubbling paint, cracks in drywall, discoloration of paint
– Signs of water damage like leaks, water seepage, decay on wood material

Mold exposure can lead to various health issues, especially for individuals with respiratory problems or compromised immune systems. Symptoms may include allergic reactions, headaches, skin irritation, and respiratory difficulties. Some mold can affect the  neurological system and cause brain fog, dizziness, tremors,  migraines/headaches, etc. These symptoms are similar to microwave radiation poisoning from wi-fi, wireless printers, cordless phones, etc. so make sure you keep these appliances at a distance.

What are your legal rights as a tenant?

In many jurisdictions, tenants have specific rights when it comes to hazardous living conditions, including mold. Here are some general legal protections you should be aware of:

1. Implied Warranty of Habitability: Most states require rental properties to meet certain health and safety standards. This means that if a property is uninhabitable due to mold, you may have grounds to request repairs or even terminate your lease. Always do this in writing!

2. Duty to Notify: Tenants are typically required to inform their landlord of any problems with mold or water damage as soon as they are discovered. Documenting your communication—through emails or written notices—can be vital if legal action or mediation becomes necessary later.

3. Right to Withhold Rent: In some cases, if a landlord fails to take action after being notified of a mold issue, tenants may have the right to withhold rent until the problem is resolved. However, this action comes with risks and should be pursued with caution and preferably with legal advice first because the landlord can start eviction proceedings for non-payment.

4. Retaliation Protections: If you report mold issues, your landlord cannot retaliate against you by raising rent, evicting you, or refusing to renew your lease. If you feel you are being retaliated against, document each incident carefully.

Taking Action Against Mold

1. Document Everything: Keep records of mold sightings, health issues, and communication with your landlord. Photos, emails, and written notices are invaluable.

2. Request Repairs: Formally request your landlord to address the mold issue. This should be done in writing and detail the potential health impacts. How the landlord reacts to your request will tell you how to proceed. If they respond in a responsible and professional manner, they will hire a mold professional to investigate. Let them know you would like a copy of the inspection report. 

TIP: Beware of Mold Inspections that consists of simple air sampling in the middle of a room or “tape lifts” from general surfaces. Hidden molds inside ducts, in carpeting or inside wall cavities are rarely detectable with this methodology.

3. Seek Professional Help: If the landlord or Management Company doesn’t respond appropriately, or if you are not able to sufficiently document the mold problem, consider hiring a professional mold inspection company like Indoor Environmental Testing to provide an objective assessment and help bolster your case if you need to pursue further action. This step would likely be necessary if you plan to pursue legal action so confirm that the inspection company offer litigation support. The advantage here is that you will receive the inspection reports with the inspector’s findings.

If a mold problem is found, ask for reimbursement for your expenses related to the mold. Request that the mold problem be addressed according to the recommendation outlined in the inspection report.

The biggest and most common mistake landlords make at this point is to have their maintenance staff handle the remediation. This is a high risk step for all because improper handling of mold contaminated materials can cause cross contamination to the HVAC system and severe damage to the tenant’s furnishing and belongings. If this happens, cover all your belongings and furniture with plastic and have a mold professional test them when the remediation has been completed to verify that your things were not contaminated.

4. Legal Consultation: If your landlord does not respond appropriately, seek legal advice. A lawyer specializing in tenant rights can guide you on how to proceed, whether that involves mediation or filing a lawsuit.

Conclusion

Mold in your rental apartment, condo, town home or house is more than just an annoyance; it’s a potential health hazard that demands immediate attention. Understanding your rights as a tenant is crucial in addressing this issue effectively. By documenting your situation, communicating with your landlord in writing, and taking appropriate action, you can work towards ensuring a safe and healthy living environment. Always consider consulting a legal professional if you’re unsure about your rights or the best course of action.

For further assistance or to discuss your situation, feel free to reach out. Let’s ensure your living space stays safe and healthy! For a mold inspection, contact us at 1.800-692.4783 (serving Madison, WI, Knoxville and Nashville, TN)

Here are some possible contacts for legal advice.

Nashville:

  • Ann Peldo Cargile: Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP.
  • Connie Chadwick
  • Robert E. Lee Davies, Jr.: Puryear, Newman & Morton
  • Freeman & Fuson
  • Davis Law Firm

Madison:

  • Linda Monroe, Monroe Law Office
  • Community Justice, Inc (CommunityJusticeInc.org)
  • Steven C. Wheeler, Wheeler Equal Rights Law
  • Damon Etawlyah & Marin Smith, Small Axe Cooperative (Sliding Scale Available) 

Knoxville:

In Tennessee, contact

  • Tennessee Consumer Affairs Division for mediation services
  • Tennessee Fair Housing

In Madison, WI, contact The Tenant Resource Center Rental Rights Hotline 608-257-0006
Toll-Free: 877-238-RENT (7368)

For reliable information about mold, visit these websites:

  • https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home
  • https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/clean-up.html

How many of these mold myths do you believe?

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Air Quality Testing, Mold Illness Mold Sickness, Mold Inspection.

Myth #1 If I had mold in my house I would see it

Molds prefer to grow in dark places with little air flow like behind the wall, underneath cabinetry, underneath hardwood floors, inside the furnace, etc. It’s impossible to see mold in these places.

Myth #2 If I had mold in my house I would smell it.

The musty smell we associate with mold is produced when molds are actively feeding and digesting. During that phase. they produce a gas called Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds or MVOCs. Some MVOCs are not perceptible so they could easily be missed. Once the area dries, molds stop feeding and no longer produce the gas so there is no smell however, the mold is still there, drying up and becoming more volatile, more likely to become airborne and travel in air spaces.

Myth #3 Ozone kills mold

Ozone has its place, for example to disinfect kitchen surfaces or remove odors once the source is gone. However, studies have shown that it’s never 100% effective on mold and mycotoxins. The goal with mold is removal not “killing”. Mycotoxins are not an organism they are a chemical, no need to kill chemicals but they should be removed.

Myth #4 The EPA says there is no need to test so I don’t need a mold inspection.

The EPA is referring to testing visible mold, of course everyone knows mold should be removed, no need to test.  But if you clean up only the mold you can see, there is a very high chance that you’ll miss some. For example, your dishwasher leaked and you cleaned the area underneath and in front of it but testing may show mold is also growing underneath your kitchen cabinets on both sides, underneath the flooring, in the wall behind the dishwasher and in the basement ceiling below.  It all depends on where the water travelled and a mold inspector who tests cavities is your best bet.

Myth #5 Mold is everywhere so finding mold in someone’s house is not a big deal

Yes there are common, harmless mold everywhere. What a mold professional does is look for water-damage molds that are toxigenic and allergenic, which means molds capable of producing toxic substances or allergens/inflammatory compounds. A mold professional is trained to recognize the difference.

Myth #6 I’m sick but nobody else is, so it’s probably not mold

Approximately 25% of the population has a genetic deficiency in the HLA-DR gene on chromosome 6. Missing HLA genes or a deficiency in function of these genes makes those individuals at risk when exposed to mold. This is why in a household of 4, only 1 or 2 may be sick. In addition, more than 40% of the population is sensitive to mold in some form but many don’t know it. Who would think that trouble sleeping, nightmares, urinary issues, memory loss, irritability and anger could be related to mold exposure??! Also, individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Lyme Disease, Mast Cell Activation or PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are very sensitive to mold and can have severe reactions when exposed to mold, immediate or delayed. For example, one of our clients said that his child (diagnosed with PANDAS) would start screaming for no reason when entering his playroom in the basement which was later found to be infested with Stachybotrys and Chaetomium molds. 

Myth #7 If I buy a newer house or build a house, I won’t have a mold problem

In more than 20 years of inspecting well over 5,000 homes for mold, I only found a handful of them that didn’t have a mold issue somewhere. We have found mold in brand new apartments, condos, multi-million dollar homes, etc. Flooding happens during construction, rain happens during construction, plumbing errors happen during construction…We even find mold in walls of newly renovated bathrooms and kitchens because the renovation crew never noticed they were disturbing toxic mold and they just swept debris in the wall cavity before installing the new drywall!

Myth #8 Air samples will tell me if I have mold in my walls

Unfortunately it’s not that simple. Again, 20+ years of testing and tens of thousands of air samples have shown repeatedly that an air sample taken in a room will not detect mold behind the wall. The wall cavity itself has to be tested.

Myth #9 Fogging gets rid of mold

Fogging has become “a thing” lately. It’s much cheaper than typical mold removal and seems like a magic pill. Problem is, it doesn’t remove mold. Fogging will cause airborne particles to get wet and heavy so they will fall and land on surfaces where they can be wiped off but mold growth is not removed by fogging. Even if the fog could reach inside walls, it would only reach the top layer of mold. Extensive field testing has shown no reduction of mold counts and no direct effect on mold inside wall cavities, under vanities, inside the furnace, etc.

Myth #10 Once a house is infested with mold, you have to throw away everything

There are plenty of stories on social media of people who felt they had to leave everything behind after a water incident. There are many reasons for this. In some cases, the testing was incomplete and didn’t find ALL the mold, in some remediation was inadequate and left too many mold fragments or mycotoxins behind, in others, the person didn’t clean the house enough after remediation. There are a few cases where the person was poisoned so severely by mold that they may never be symptoms free in the home but these cases are very rare. With proper remediation and post remediation cleaning, a house can be perfectly safe and most folks do fine in their house afterwards. Some items may need to be discarded if mold grew on them or if the surface was porous and affected. Testing of furnishings is key to find out what to keep and what to discard. 

I Had My House Tested For Mold By A Professional. No Mold Was Found, but I Can Smell it!

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Mold Inspection, Uncategorized.

If you continue to smell mold in your home even after professional testing showed negative results, you’re not crazy, and you’re not alone. There are different types of mold testing available to home owners, and some are better than others at finding hidden mold growth.Unfortunately, many current mold-testing methods are simply limited and often miss the mark. The most common types of testing employed by professionals today involve using “spore traps” or “tape lifts.” These types of tests focus on mold spores only. They ignore other substances produced by molds that can make you feel awful such as mycotoxins, microbial VOCs, beta-glucans, and often bacteria and their toxins (endotoxins).

Other common testing techniques focus on ambient air rather than where mold usually hides, such as inside walls, ceiling cavities, HVAC systems, under basement stairs, in closets, and in carpeting and insulation. We’ve even found it in C-Pap machines, in refrigerator ice maker dispensers and drip pans, and in mattresses.

What if a window leak is causing water to drip inside a wall cavity, and mold is growing on the back of the drywall, studs, and fiberglass insulation? Will the mold spores come out of the wall and float in the air to be captured by an air test? This is unlikely but, depending on airflow currents inside walls, the other compounds produced by molds might. Like the VOCs that produce the unmistakable musty odor. Oftentimes, the ambient air in the room tested “normal,” but when you sniff the electrical outlets in that room, you can smell the mustiness.

This is an example where wall-cavity testing (often called a wall check) is in order. Twenty-plus years of testing and tens of thousands of air samples have shown me repeatedly that an air sample taken in a room will not detect mold behind the wall. The wall cavity itself has to be tested.

Some professionals argue that wall cavity testing is unreliable because some walls that tested high on mold tests looked fine when they were opened. Often that’s because the spores are in the fiberglass insulation. The mold causes a musty odor, but you can’t see the mold because it’s hiding in the fiberglass insulation on the back of the drywall. Sometimes it is underneath the bottom plate (bottom stud), and there is no way to inspect that stud’s underside.

The same applies to carpeting, especially in basements, where carpeting is installed on concrete. Mold in carpeting is rarely visible and will not show up in an air test. Concrete slabs emit moisture, which over time, may cause mold growth in the carpet. At Indoor Environmental Testing Inc, our process begins with scanning walls and ceilings with an infrared camera, and conducting a walk-through of the home with special attention to areas around plumbing or water appliances (dishwasher, fridge ice maker, showers, vanities, laundry, etc.).

Using our specialized equipment, we scan walls and suspected areas for damp spots, temperature differentials, and particle counts, which may indicate potential mold growth. A visual and olfactory observation are also used to detect problem areas during the survey.

Finally, we use sampling equipment to collect samples of air or dust throughout the indoor environment. If a carpeted area is identified as a source, we will take samples of the carpet dust. When the IR camera indicates a suspicious spot, we may sample the air inside a wall cavity (this requires drilling a small 1⁄4” hole in the bottom of the wall, behind or right above the baseboard).

All samples taken from the indoor environment are sent to the lab for microscopic evaluations (2-3 days) or cultured at the lab and analyzed with a microscope to identify mold species (7-10 days).

If you are concerned about hidden mold growth in your home and especially if your intuition and nose tell you there is still some lurking — don’t give up. Consider doing your own testing through Indoor Environmental Testing Inc. You deserve a healthy, peaceful home.

Martine Davis is CEO of Indoor Environmental Testing, Inc and has been testing homes as a certified Building Biologist for over twenty years. She has dedicated her life to helping others get to the bottom of their indoor environmental issues, especially those who are suffering from health complications due to mold toxicity, air pollution, and electro-magnetic radiation.

 

 

DNA Testing Changes How We Detect And Treat Mold

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Air Quality Testing, Indoor Environmental Testing, Mold Inspection.

Mold has recently become a hot-button issue, with horror stories appearing on the news of unsuspecting people suffering from devastating illnesses caused by harmful fungi. Lawsuits against landlords and builders are increasing as more people seek legal help for compensation for mold-related sickness. It begs the question, “Why now?”

Since ancient times, humans have lived with mold, with texts like the Bible referencing the toxic substance. If mold has existed for thousands of years, why is there so much interest in it now? Has it become more toxic than 10, 20, or 50 years ago? What’s changed?

The Impact of Scientific Research on Understanding Mold

While some scientists have theorized that mold is now more toxic than it was in the past, the most likely answer is that improved detection techniques make it easier to find hidden mold. The days of searching for mold spores in air samples are behind us. We now know ingestion isn’t the only way this fungus can cause sickness. Some strains are more harmful than others, and we now have the tools to identify and address mold and mycotoxin exposure. As more studies come out, we find that mycotoxins in buildings can be inhaled or absorbed through skin contact with mycotoxin-rich dust.

Mold Detection and Symptom Identification

It’s now possible to detect elevated mold counts and toxic species in a variety of areas, including:

  • Household dust
  • Furniture
  • Carpet
  • Furnaces
  • Mini-Splits and air conditioners
  • Heating and cooling systems
  • Ductwork
  • Air purifiers
  • Dehumifiers
  • Mattresses
  • C-PAP machines
  • Car ventilation systems, upholstery and carpeting

Mold spores were likely present in these locations before but were untreated due to a lack of understanding of the signs of mycotoxin poisoning. Research into the topic unveiled unexpected symptoms previously unknown to scientists. For example, toxic black mold under the kitchen sink may cause dizziness or shortness of breath while cleaning the dishes. Sufferers would seek medical help only to receive a diagnosis of a vague ailment like hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a lung inflammation, or vertigo. For many, the symptoms would continue as they underwent unsuccessful treatments that failed to target the real culprit.

Exciting Advancements in Mold Detection

Advanced DNA extraction techniques like MSqPCR (Mold-Specific quantitative PCR) have improved mold awareness and solved mysterious illnesses. While we already knew that mold and mold toxins caused sickness, including liver and kidney damage, cancers, and even death, inspectors lacked the necessary lab tests to identify the fungus in indoor spaces.Now, however, healthcare workers can test a patient’s blood for mold exposure markers, opening doors to effective treatments that were once closed. Armed with these new testing techniques, our knowledge of mold and its effects has skyrocketed.

More than a decade after implementing this new technology, we can better understand and link occupants’ symptoms with mold contamination in buildings and even identify which mold species cause the strongest reactions.

The History of Mold Detection

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine released a report titled ” Damp Indoor Spaces and Health,” which would pave the way for modern-day advancements in mold detection. It outlined the results of a study showing the connection between damp indoor spaces and mold to illness. The report recommended developing better measurement methods for specific microorganisms using DNA-based and other advanced technologies.


As a result of this report, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed a DNA-based test called the ERMI (Environmental Relative Mold Index) that provides a straightforward, objective, sensitive, and standardized method of assessing mold markers in indoor spaces. The test uses dust samples collected from homes and provides highly accurate results. It is important to note that the EPA considers the ERMI a research tool and doesn’t recommend it as the sole testing technique for residential or commercial spaces.

As time progressed, air-quality professionals began using a similar DNA-based testing technique to identify mold in buildings. These techniques drastically improved the ability to discover mold in areas where previous air sample tests could not. These discoveries led to a more comprehensive understanding of what happens when mold is disturbed. It also answered the questions of why people were becoming sick during mold remediation and whether a person transports mold when moving from one contaminated space to one without mold (the mold spores attach to their belongings, contaminating the new space.)

In 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that dampness and mold in interior spaces led to a 30% to 50% increase in respiratory and asthma-related sickness. They also found a correlation with higher ERMI values in homes and a greater likelihood of asthma among occupants. Understanding proper cleaning techniques and the best way to remove mold fragments, mycotoxins, and other mold by-products greatly impacted how professionals treated mold infestations.

Conclusion

Recognizing water damage, moisture, and visible mold remain important aspects of mold inspections, but new technologies allow us to see once-invisible spores. We now understand why some people exhibit symptoms even when mold isn’t easily identified. As in law enforcement, DNA technology is an increasingly powerful forensic tool changing the game for mold inspectors and healthcare workers alike.

 

Why mold testing is especially important for high-humidity areas

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Mold Inspection, Mold Prevention.

Mold is a serious issue that affects many homes and buildings, particularly those in high-humidity areas. High humidity levels provide an ideal environment for mold growth, which can have severe consequences for both the building’s occupants and the structure itself. This article will explore why mold testing is especially important for high-humidity areas, the dangers of mold growth, and prevention methods for avoiding mold growth.

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp environments. It reproduces by releasing spores into the air, which can spread quickly and easily throughout a building. There are many different types of mold, some of which can be toxic and pose a serious health risk to humans and animals. Mold can grow on almost any surface, including walls, floors, and ceilings, and can cause significant damage to the structure over time.

High-Humidity Areas

High-humidity areas are those with a relative humidity level of 60% or higher. Examples of high-humidity areas include bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements and crawlspaces. These areas are more susceptible to mold growth because moisture on surfaces provides an ideal environment for mold to thrive. High humidity levels can also lead to health issues, including respiratory problems and allergies.

The Importance of Mold Testing

Mold testing is the process of identifying the type and amount of mold present in a building. This is done by taking air and/or surface samples and sending them to a laboratory for analysis. Mold testing is important because it can identify hidden mold growth that may not be visible to the naked eye. It can also identify the type of mold present, which can sometimes be important from a medical standpoint.

Signs of Mold Growth

Visible signs of mold growth include black, green, or white patches on walls, floors, or ceilings. Another sign of mold growth is a musty odor, which is caused by the release of microbial gases released in the air by molds. Health symptoms associated with mold exposure include respiratory problems, allergies, headaches, dizziness, brain fog/confusion and fatigue.

Prevention of Mold Growth in High-Humidity Areas

Preventing mold growth in high-humidity areas involves controlling humidity levels, ensuring proper ventilation, and regular cleaning. Humidity levels should be kept below 60% by using dehumidifiers and air conditioning systems. Proper ventilation can be achieved by using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and opening windows to allow fresh air to circulate. Regular cleaning should include wiping down surfaces with a solution of soap and water, to remove dust (mold food) and mold spores. Additionally, any leaks or water damage should be repaired immediately to prevent mold growth. Vinegar and bleach should be avoided as they release toxic fumes into the air (acetic acid and chlorine respectively). 

Hiring a Professional Mold Testing Service

While it is possible to test for mold on your own, hiring a professional mold testing service is highly recommended. These services have specialized equipment that can detect even small amounts of mold that may be hidden from view. They can also provide a detailed report on the type and amount of mold present, as well as recommendations for remediation.

When choosing a mold testing service, it is important to do your research and choose a reputable company with experience in testing for mold. Look for companies that are certified by organizations such as the IICRC or ACAC. interview the prospective mold inspector and find out if the HVAC components will be tested, if walls and plumbing cavities will be tested. Field experience has now shown that air samples are not effective at finding mold in homes. The cost of mold testing can vary, depending on the size of the building and the extent of the testing required.

During a mold inspection, the professional tester will take air and/or surface samples from various areas of the building (under kitchen sink, behind dishwasher, under vanities, inside ducts, from carpeting, etc.). The samples will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the results will be provided in a detailed report. This report will include information on the type and amount of mold present, as well as recommendations for remediation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mold growth is a serious issue that can have significant consequences for both the building’s occupants and the structure itself. High-humidity areas are particularly susceptible to mold growth, making mold testing especially important in these areas. Prevention methods such as controlling humidity levels, proper ventilation, and regular cleaning can help prevent mold growth. Hiring a professional mold testing service is highly recommended to ensure the most accurate and comprehensive results. By taking these steps, you can protect your home or building from the dangers of mold growth.

For more information about mold testing in high humidity areas, contact Indoor Environmental Testing, Inc. at (800) MY-AIR-TEST.

The mold is inside the wall so it can’t hurt anybody … or can it??

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Air Quality Testing, Indoor Environmental Testing, Mold Illness Mold Sickness, Mold Inspection, Mold Prevention.

“It’s inside the walls so it can’t hurt anybody”

As mold inspectors, we hear this almost daily …  This phrase has been uttered by countless builders, landlords, property managers, maintenance personnel, handymen, homeowners, even doctors and mold inspectors themselves!!

So what’s the story on mold inside walls?

People wrongly assume that mold spores are what makes people sick. There are many more components of mold that can be harmful. Yes, it’s true that, in most cases, mold spores do not come out of a wall and into the occupied space, however molds produce toxic gases called MVOCs (Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds) and poisonous mycotoxins, like Trichothecenes for example.

These gases and chemicals CAN easily travel out of wall cavities in the same way sewer gas or carbon monoxide can. They can circulate through electrical outlets, small cracks and under the baseboard. They CAN and DO affect occupants, sometimes in a major way.

For example, an office worker complained of severe headaches, flu- like symptoms, and brain fog when she was in the office. Symptoms went away during weekends when she was home. Her boss was skeptical that anything was wrong with the office but a cavity test of the wall behind her desk revealed Stachybotrys (aka Toxic Black Mold). A roof leak has caused water to drip into the wall cavity and water was pooling behind the baseboard causing active growth. In another case, a woman complained of dizziness any time she was at the kitchen sink. Testing of the area underneath and behind the sink revealed a large quantity of Stachybotrys, aka “toxic black mold“.

Microbial gases are responsible for the musty smell that we associate with mold. If we don’t see mold, sometimes the musty odor is the only sign that mold is present in a room but sometimes, there is no odor to warn us so we can be exposed unknowingly.

With advances in technology, we can now test household dust to confirm that mycotoxins are indeed produced and coming out of wall cavities by matching the mold in the wall with the mycotoxins found in the home dust. The old thinking was that you had to ingest mycotoxins from foods for them to make you sick but we now have evidence that touching or inhaling mycotoxins can poison people and animals.

If the water intrusion has stopped and mold has dried up, what happens?

Mold is no longer active (it is dormant) and may not produce a gas so all is good right? Not so fast! When mold dries up, it becomes more brittle and lightweight and a few spores can become hundreds of microscopic mold fragments that are very inflammatory and able to easily travel and get out of the wall. How do we know this? Because air samples show no abnormalities but DNA testing of the dust in that room will reveal its presence in the room dust! Mycotoxins hitch a ride on dust an these can be found in the room dust too. In addition, molds inside walls could reactivate any time the temperature and humidity are just right so as a precaution, it’s best to safely remove moldy materials.

Mold growth is often accompanied by bacterial growth and mycotoxins production. Bacteria produce toxic by-products called endotoxins which have been shown to cause chronic airway disease in mice. Some scientists believe these are even more poisonous than mycotoxins and mold-literate doctors are now asking patients to test their homes for both mycotoxins and endotoxins.

So mold inside walls should never be ignored unless the quantity is minute. It must be removed with proper controls by a professional mold remediation contractor who will use plastic containment, air scrubbers with negative air pressure and make sure mold will not be dispersed into the rest of the home. Once the mold is removed, the surfaces will then be disinfected and dried.

For more information about mold’s health effects visit the US EPA Mold Page

For information about Biological Pollutants in your home, see this article https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/biological-pollutants-impact-indoor-air-quality#Health_Effects and this information from the CDC about biotoxins

 

Hiring the right mold inspector

Written by Martine Davis on . Posted in Mold Inspection.

Do you know the difference between a bad mold inspection and a good one? Most homeowners don’t and this may lead to disappointment or worse, missing some important mold issues in your home. Here are some questions to ask to get the best mold inspection.Lab Testing

How long should it take?

Some inspectors will check the basement, take one air sample on every floor and call it a day. This is a good business model with a high profit margin but is it sufficient and where does this leave you? A good mold inspection takes a lot of time – 3 to 4 hours for the average house. I’ve had some that took 5 or 6 hours, depending on  the size of the home and how many problems I found. If several technicians conduct the inspection, they might split the work so a 6 hour inspecton can become a 2 hour inspection and that’s ok. The time spent also depends on how many instruments are used and which ones. Check out this page for more on what goes on during a mold inspection. The bottom line is, this can’t be rushed.

What tools or instruments will be used? 

Inspector using the Instascope machine to detect mold in a home
Inspector using an Instascope to instantly detect mold

For example, a home inspector using an Instascope, the latest technology to instantly detect mold, can get a lot of information about the house in less than 1 hour. More investigating is then needed to follow-up on areas where the machine alerted. Will the inspector use a moisture meter and an infrared camera to detect hidden moisture?

These tools are not all necessary. The best mold inspectors can detect a lot with just a flashlight but extra tools may detect something not visible like a leak in the ceiling or under the toilet.

If one is using spore traps, several hours may be required to collect samples in all the suspect places. Spore traps collected in the middle of a room rarely glean valuable information. If mold is inside a wall cavity or under your bath tub, air samples collected from the middle of the room will rarely give you the necessary clues.

What questions should you ask?

Before hiring a mold inspector, ask these questions to gauge the inspector’s depth of knowledge and experience:

      • Will you be testing my carpeting and how will you test it?
      • Where do you typically collect samples?
      • Will you be testing my HVAC system(s)? Evaporator coil? Air returns? Supply vents?
      • What technology do you use to test for mold ? Spore trap, culture plates, DNA testing, dust analysis, mycotoxins testing, Instascope …
      • What tools do you use to inspect the house? Infrared camera, moisture meter, borescope?
  • Will you test under the kitchen sink shelf? behind the dishwasher? inside my ice maker?  under the fridge (there is a nasty drip tray under there that often harbors molds and bacteria which the fridge fan blows your way!). How will you test these?
  • Will  you test under the bathroom vanity shelves, under the tub, behind the shower plumbing?
  • Will you test my bedding (pillows, mattresses)? C-Pap machine? furnace? air conditioner coil? humidifier? How will those be tested?

All of these items can and should be tested if the occupant has biotoxin illness!

Check reviews, references and Better Business Bureau complaints

Other important questions are: How many mold inspections have you conducted? How long have you inspected homes for mold? Do you charge per hour or a flat fee? Are lab fees included?

Educational offerings and mold training in the US are limited. Mold inspector classes cover only the basics. It then takes years of attending professional conferences and continuing education to get the competency homeowners need. Anyone can obtain a mold inspector certificate in a few days and these require little time or knowledge to obtain therefore consumers are left to fend for themselves in a sea of bogus claims and empty promises. So ask a lot of questions and listen to your instincts before hiring!