Eight Mold Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring the poor health symptoms from possible poor air quality in family members or co-workers.  Be concerned about possible mold problems if one or more occupants are suffering from unexplained health problems such as flu-like symptoms, difficulty in remembering things and/or chronic fatigue.  Some occupants may experience health symptoms, while others may not.

2. Ignoring home maintenance and clues to mold intrusion.  Do not ignore water intrusion events such as; roof, plumbing and sewer leaks, the smell or sight of mold, condensation, high humidity, a damp basement or crawl space.  Change the air filters according to manufacturer’s suggestions.

3. Assuming that there is no mold growth since there is no mold visible.  The worst mold infestation problems are often hidden; inside floors, ceilings, walls, basement, attic, crawl space, and the HVAC equipment and ducts.  Mold spores are invisible to the eye and are easily carried in air currents.

4. Assuming that a new home is mold/moisture free.  New homes often come with built-in mold infestation problems.  Examples are: moldy building materials from the supplier, failure to cover the home with plastic sheeting at the end of each construction day to protect the materials, failure to inspect the home for mold growth while it is being constructed and at completion; construction defects.

5. Assuming that dried areas are now mold free.  Mold needs moisture to grow.  If mold dries, it does not die.  It become dormant, and can wait many years for the proper growth conditions.  Dormant mold can make mold-sensitive persons sick.

6. Believing that bleach or “Kilz” or sprays will kill mold.  Do not expect bleach to kill mold growth and mold spores.  “Kilz” contains organic material that is food to some molds.

7. Trusting that mold remediators and Indoor Air Quality experts know what they are doing.  Make sure that an Indoor Environmental Hygienist (IEH) that is certified through a respected organization inspects your home.  The remediators should also be trained and certified.  If the IEH is from the same company as the remediation team, do not use that company.  This is a conflict of interest.  In addition, the laboratory should be a third party company with no interest in the IEH or remediation team.

8. Trusting government agencies to know about your specific situation.  Currently there is no state or federal certifications for mold inspectors or mold remediators.  The trade industry is monitoring itself.  There are several trade organizations that are doing an excellent job of training and certifying, including; American Industrial Hygienists Assoc. (AIHA), National Assoc. of Mold Professionals (NAMP), American Indoor Air Quality Council (AIAQC), Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO) and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Eng. Inc. (ASHRAE), among others.