Why should I test my house for Mold?
Mold spores travel in the air. When they land on a moist, wooden surface, they grow. They're helpful when outside in nature. If molds are present in your new house, they can make all those living in the house ill. Most homes have moisture-related problems, therefore it's likely that mold is present.
Most health care professionals would agree that a relationship exists between allergic reactions (sometimes severe allergic reactions) and the presence of mold in the indoor air that you breath.
So, here is a partial list of reasons to test for mold:
- Visible mold (or possible mold stains) are observed.
- A musty odor is present.
- Water leaks from wet basements, plumbing, air conditioning, or roof.
- Ventilation problems in attics or crawl spaces are known to exist.
- The house has finished basement walls or ceilings where moisture may be concealed.
- Your 'Agreement of Sale' makes you responsible to discover the mold problem.
- You or some family member has already been identified as being sensitive.
- Mold remediation is costly and you don't want to pay for it.
- And the number one reason to test for mold is to determine if any potentially toxic molds are present.
Medical professionals and scientists haven't established minimum 'safe' levels because of the varying effects on humans. Some molds or their sub species are known to be toxic. Any mold has potential to cause serious allergic reactions especially if the mold counts are above the level of outside air. It's now possible, to measure and compare airborne molds in your house.
The decision to mold test is really up to you. Repairing all moisture problems is always the first step to control mold. It's true; simple, mold-related problems can be remedied.
But, if you don't choose to test your house for mold, you really don't know!