Frequently Asked Questions About Mold - Virginia Inspection Service, LLC

Q: What kind of mold do I have and is it toxic?
A: There is no scientifc evidence that mold of any type will be present in sufficient concentration to be toxic. "Black Mold", "Toxic Mold" are, according to the scientific and industrial health communities, terms blown way out of proportion by the media and fostered by companies that sell test equipment, "certification" classes, and lab services.

Q: How did the mold get in my house?
A: You opened a door or window, spores were on the building materials in an inactive state when the house was built.

Q: How can I tell if there is mold in my house?
A: All homes have mold in them. It's an active growth that can cause problems. Active mold growth will smell musty and given sufficient time and moisture, it will be visible.

Q: How can I stop mold from growing in my house?
A: To prevent mold and mildew build up inside the home, especially in bathrooms, basements and laundry areas, reduce dampness:

Put an exhaust fan or open a window in the bathroom.
Quickly repair any plumbing leaks.
Remove bathroom carpeting where moisture is a concern.
Scour sinks and tubs at least monthly. Fungi thrive on soap and other films that coat tiles and grout.
Fungicides may be added to paint, primer or wallpaper paste to slow fungus growth on treated areas.
Clean garbage pails frequently.
Clean refrigerator door gaskets and drip pans.
Repair basement or crawl space plumbing leaks, blocked drains, poorly vented clothes dryers and water seepage through walls.
Vent clothes dryers and bathroom fan exhaust to the EXTERIOR OF THE HOUSE, not into a crawl space, attic, or soffits.
Use an electric dehumidifier to remove moisture from the basement. Clean the condensation coils and collection bucket regularily.
Raise the temperature in the basement to help lower humidity levels.
Polyurethane and rubber foams seem especially prone to fungus invasion. If bedding is made with these foams, it should be covered in plastic.
Throw away or recycle old books, newspapers, clothing or bedding.
Promote ground water drainage away from a house.
Remove leaves and dead vegetation near the foundation and in the rain gutters.
Completely shaded homes dry out slowly, and dense bushes and other plants around the foundation often promote dampness.
In the winter, condensation on cold walls and windows encourages mold growth

(Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA))

Q: How is mold tested for and measured?
A: Mold testing includes air sampling, lift-tapes, swab wipes, vacuum pickup. Reported as the number of spores per square meter (area) or cubic meters (volume).

Q: What level of mold spore concentration is considered unhealthy?
A: there is no specific mold spore concentration established by the EPA, the medical or health communities that is considered a health threat. Unlike a Radon Gas concentration.

Q: How can we clean up the mold?
A: First - the source of moisture has to be eliminated. According to the EPA, affected areas up to 10 square feet may be cleaned with normal household cleaners. For larger areas, the EPA recommends hiring a licensed and certified mold remediation contractor.

Q: How can we prevent it from returning?
A: Keep the house dry as possible inside and under. Use dehumidiers in areas with high relative humidity. Indoor mold growth can be prevented by maintaining proper humidity and hygiene.

Q: What are the risks?
A: According to the EPA and Industrial Hygenists, not much risk unless you have a compromised immune system or severe allergy. Of course, very heavy infestations and very high concentrations of spores in the air may be of concern.

Q. If mold or black mold aren't such a big deal, why do we see TV ads and stories about it on the Internet?
A: $$$$, Advertising, Ratings, $$$$. The odds are pretty high that the web sites promoting TOXIC BLACK MOLD hysteria are connected with testing or removing mold.