Even the spore: Attack mold on its home turf

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Even the spore: Attack mold on its home turf

Saturday December 01, 2001, 06:00:10 PM

Indoor mold. There's been a lot of news reports about this topic lately. As

a homeowner, is this something you should be concerned about? What about as

a home buyer? The answer is yes.

Mold, which can be found virtually everywhere in the home -- from bathrooms,

carpeting, plants and food -- is formed when there is a combination of

moisture and organic matter to feed upon, such as leaves, wood, paper,

plants or dirt.

In most cases mold is harmless, such as the small amount you may see in

between your shower tiles, which can be easily cleaned up. However, it's

when there is extensive contamination that you should be concerned, because

it can cause problems to your health and property. Airborne mold spores can

cause allergic reactions such as respiratory problems, nasal and sinus

congestion, sore throat, reddened and burning eyes, and aches and pains. And

if it gets into the walls, floors or roof, it can cause structural damage to

your home that may be costly to repair.

How do you detect mold?

The most common ways to detect mold growth is by sight and smell. You may

smell a musty odor or see visible mold growth with discoloration ranging

from white to orange, and from green to brown or black. In addition, there

may be discoloration of building materials in areas where previous water

damage occurred, or rotting material.

But mold can also flourish in areas where there are no visible signs of mold

or musty odors. There are some red flags that alert you that there may be a

problem. (These are extremely important if you are a home buyer.)

* Stains or signs of leaks indoors

* Mold on landscaping bordering the home

* Water damage or seeping in basements (standing water breeds fungi and

bacteria)

* Stains on carpet, especially over concrete floors

What to do if you find mold

If you are a home buyer, you may want to consider getting an inspection if

there is a strong indication that the mold problem is severe. This can save

you from expensive repairs if you decide to purchase the home.

If the mold is in your home, you first want to control the source of

moisture. The Environmental Protection Agency makes these suggestions:

* Fix leaks and seepage.

* Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawl spaces to prevent moisture to the

outside. Be sure crawl spaces are well ventilated.

* Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchen to remove moisture to the

outside.

* Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.

* Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates.

* Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can absorb

moisture and serve as a place for mold to grow.

* Maintain and clean all appliances that come in contact with water. Mold

can develop in standing water, often making improperly maintained

humidifiers or condensation trays particularly dangerous.

Cleaning it up

Now begins the cleanup. If the mold is less than 2 or 3 square feet, it can

be cleaned without professional help. Health House, a national education

program created by the American Lung Association of Minnesota, recommends

washing the area with soap and water first. Then disinfect the surface using

a solution of 10 percent household bleach and 90 percent water (about 11/2

cups bleach per gallon of water). Add a little detergent to help with the

dirt and oil. Let the cleaned areas dry overnight. Remove, bag and discard

any materials affected by the mold. You should also wear rubber gloves and a

mask or respirator to protect you from breathing airborne spores.

For more information on mold and how to detect and treat it, visit the

following Web sites: Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov), the

Health House (www.healthhouse.org) or California Department of Health

Services (www.cal-iaq.org/mold9803.htm).

Don I. Cohen, MBA, JD can be reached at 334-4052. Prudential America West

Real Estate is an independently owned and operated member of The Prudential

Real Estate Affiliates Inc.