Our job as your professional home inspector is to alert
you, to the extent possible, to unknown issues and potential environmental hazards in your current or potential house. Ours
is a non-invasive visual inspection of your property. While we may be able to alert you to possible issues, our basic inspections
are no substitutes for specialized contaminant testing.
MOLD
Mold (fungi) is present everywhere, indoors and outdoors. There are more
than 100,000 species of mold, at least 1,000 of which are common in America. Species of Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus
are some of the most commonly found species. Mold most likely grows in bathrooms, basements, and anywhere else where there
is dampness or water. Many types of mold routinely encountered aren’t hazardous to healthy individuals. Too much exposure
to mold may cause a worsening of such conditions as asthma, hay fever, or other allergies. Fevers and breathing issues in
a vulnerable individual are possible but unusual. When moldy material becomes damaged or disturbed, spores, which are reproductive
bodies similar to seeds, can be released into the air. Exposure can occur if people inhale the spores, directly handle moldy
material, or accidentally ingest the spores. Since all molds need water to grow, mold can grow almost anywhere where there
is high humidity, dampness, or water damage. Most often molds are confined to areas near the water source. Removing the source
of moisture through repairs or dehumidification is crucial in preventing mold growth. Correcting underlying water damage and
cleaning the affected area is the best way to treat mold. If mold contamination is extensive, a professional abatement company
may be needed.
Excerpts from The New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, Environmental & Occupational
Disease Epidemiology, “Facts About Mold”.
