Is There a Fungus Among Us?

Article by: Wallace Conway

Mold has taken hold! Not that the microbes have reached out and grabbed us, but rather they have captured our attention. A rash of recent high profile media stories have petrified many people with concerns for both their health and finances. While it is true in some situations that variations and concentrations of mold can kill us both physically and financially, in the vast majority of cases mold problems can be remedied simply and economically.

Molds exist naturally all around us. Molds play a vital role in the decomposition of organic , Lawn Mower Parts Overview waste such as in a compost , Orchid Flowers Basics pile. Other molds are essential in the creation of some of our finest foods, , Security gives you that peace of mind such as wine and cheese. But, when mold growth occurs in an inappropriate place , How to Grow Snow Peas or in extreme concentration, the health of our home and family can be at risk.

All molds need two basic ingredients to grow, , Transplanting Tips food , Clay Soils Planting Tips and water. , The Joy Of Gardening The favorite food , Paving Stones of mold is cellulose. In our home, , Green Thumb Gifts: Beyond Gardening Gloves cellulose is a common constituent. Wood, , Murder in the Foliage paper, cotton, and drywall are plentiful in construction and are great sources of cellulose. Water , Five Wall Décor Solutions for Your Child’s Bedroom is everywhere in our homes, , Saving Energy by Planting Nursery Stock as Windbreaks both on the surfaces and in the air. , Gardening - Using Bulbs in Your Landscaping

As the tightness of our homes , The Joy Of Gardening has increased in response to a desire to conserve energy, , The 10 Most Important Rules of Choosing and Dealing With a the unintended consequence has been the trapping of moisture. , Problem Free Patios, Paving And Paths The increase in moisture , Summer Gardening Tips in our homes , How Much Your Appliances Cost to Operate has in some cases resulted in a relative humidity above the 60% level needed to sustain mold growth in interior , People in glass houses have greenhouses spaces. In some cases, the moisture , Gardening - Using Bulbs in Your Landscaping level of the interior , Soy Candles? What Will They Think of Next? spaces is below the mold growth threshold, but the exterior wall , Tips on How to Plant Roses cavities retain the required moisture , Burning Bushes Do Well In Hilltown Township, PA level for rapid mold growth within the walls. , Tips on How to Plant Roses To make matters worse, this condition is also perfect for accelerated wood , People in glass houses have greenhouses rot and termite infestation.

So what is a reasonable person to do? Much like a physical exam is the first step in a plan , July Garden Chores for personal health, a home inspection is the first step in a mold survey. The intent of the inspection is to seek out all sources of moisture , Getting Your Electrician License that may contribute to an environment , Finding The Right Window Treatment In Los Angeles And Chicag that is attractive to mold and to visually identify any existing mold colonies. Roof , How To Avoid Pitfalls In The Sale Of Your Home leaks, plumbing , The Joy Of Gardening leaks, and improper sprinkler positioning are among the more common sources of mold-causing moisture , Murder in the Foliage problems. After identification of the moisture , Paving Stones source, a reasonable and practical remedy can be prescribed.

Areas with visible mold colonies can be thoroughly cleaned with detergent, followed by wiping with a bleach and water , Paving Stones solution. Porous materials such as ceiling tiles , Candles and the Bedroom and carpet , Paving Stones are difficult to clean and often require removal and replacement in all but the most minor of outbreaks.

In most cases, testing to determine mold species is not necessary to solve the problem. If an individual has an extreme or specific health risk factor, testing may be of value in assisting the medical professional in addressing the specific health situation. If the outbreak of mold is extreme, testing maybe wise in ensuring safety , Here is Why You Should Use Gypsum in Gardening during remediation. The choice to test or not should always rest with the homeowner or potential homebuyer, but the decision should be an informed one made with the assistance of an ASHI certified home inspector who has received additional training specific to mold management.

With a basic understanding of the management of moisture, , Tips on How to Plant Roses household , The 10 Most Important Rules of Choosing and Dealing With a mold maintenance is simple. Molds have been around forever and will never be gone, and it is good that they are here. But like so many things, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Stay informed, but don't get caught up in the hype. Remember, it's about knowing!

Copyright © Florida HomePro, Inc. and Wallace J. Conway. All rights in all media reserved.

About The Author

Wally Conway is President of Florida HomePro Inspections, and is featured regularly on HGTV's "House Detective". As a speaker, writer, instructor, and host of The Happy Home , Problem Free Patios, Paving And Paths Inspector radio show every Saturday at 5 PM on WOKV 690, Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information , Bare Root Roses, what to look for when buying with just the right amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application. Visit http://www.wallyconway.com and http://www.gohomepro.com for more information! , Summer Gardening Tips

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