Mold Inspection

Molds and mildew occur naturally and are found everywhere. Most are benign and helpful to us, but some can be deadly or could render the house uninhabitable or very expensive to correct. High humidity, flooding, proximity to water, or poor drainage are the basic culprits that can result in mold.

One half of American homes contain dangerous molds and mildew. Symptoms of mold related illness range from chronic sinus infections and asthma to nosebleeds, extreme fatigue, severe headaches, dizziness, rashes, and central nervous system problems.

Medical studies have documented that mold & mildews are the #1 cause of allergic symptoms. The black mold, stachybotrys found in home, office and school environments has been linked to fatal pulmonary disorders. Mold testing searches for insidious contaminants which cannot be seen, tasted or smelled. Just because the current owner of a home appears healthy, no assumption concerning the healthy nature of the house can or should be made. |

Mold testing should be performed by a Certified Residential Mold Inspector (CRMI). Jon Turner is a member of the Indoor Environmental Service Organization and is certified in this field.

It certainly behooves any buyer at least to consider mold testing as part of the home inspection process. Mold testing cannot prove that adverse conditions do not exist, only that they were not visible at the time of inspection. However, it can help safe-guard your investment, and give you peace of mind for your family.

Health effects range from mild to severe, vary between people and usually effect children worse. General malaise, headaches, sore throats, and immune problems are some of the results of mold and mildew allergies.

Obviously not all surfaces can be seen or tested. Normally testing is done only in those areas which exhibit mold. Swab sampling of any affected areas will allow the lab to establish the actual types of mold.

Here is the good news. Recent studies have shown that the majority of people who suffer from allergies and unknown illnesses (often referred to as "black mold syndrome") really have never been exposed to "black mold" or "toxic mold". They do have real health problems and often the problems are related to high moisture in the home. If there is any presence of moisture, water, or mold then a test should be done to rule out serious potential problems.

A certified mold test should be performed simply to satisfy any questions that a buyer may have.