What Is Mold
Mold is a fungus. It reproduces through tiny spores, which can remain suspended in the air for a long time. When inhaled, the spores can trigger a variety of respiratory-health problems.
When conditions in a home are warm, damp and still, the spores settle and start to grow. The mold dissolves and ingests organic matter such as fiberboard, drywall, carpet backing, paper, wood and cloth. On exposed surfaces, mold may be seen or smelled, but often it is hidden and difficult to detect. Once entrenched, mold is a challenge to eliminate.
Home Troubles Grow When Mold Moves In
Mold is a fact of life in subtropical areas like Central Florida. But homes in foreclosure or suffering hurricane damage are especially vulnerable to mold contamination.
In a hot, humid house with no air circulation, it takes just 48 hours for mold to start growing and spreading. If the air conditioning is off and the house is not airtight or leaks exist, the growth will be rampant.
When buying a home that has been closed for any length of time without air conditioning, it may be worth having a mold test done – especially if you can see or smell mold. The cost for an inspection depends on the size of the home but usually runs from about $400 to $1,600. Homeowners insurance against mold that is unrelated to accidental water damage is not available in some areas, including Florida.
Health Problems
About 15 million Americans are allergic to mold. The most common reactions are flulike symptoms and asthma.
Those with chronic lung or immune problems are at risk for more serious reactions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Although indoor mold is not a major health hazard to most people, it can cause irritation of eyes, skin and throat,” said Vincent Hsu, an infectious-disease specialist at Florida Hospital in Orlando. “Reactions will be more severe in asthma sufferers and people with sensitivity to mold. In people with decreased immune systems or chronic lung illnesses, mold could cause serious lung infections, sinusitis or hypersensitivity pneumonia,” said Hsu.
“There are no specific tests to determine whether an ailment is mold-induced,” he said. If symptoms are aggravated when you’re around mold, but diminish when you’re not, then mold is the likely cause.
- Florida Association of Realtors®, The Orlando Sentinel, October 2009 -