Toxic Mold in Your Home - The Hidden Danger

The toxic type of mold is known as stachybotrys chartarum, and it can cause health problems that are very serious. This threat can grow in a home undetected, so it is essential to have some knowledge about mold as you embark upon the home buying process. The toxic type of mold is slimy, black and green. It grows on wood, drywall, and paper. It will grow in damp, humid areas, but will not grow on cement. The other location that this type of mold can be located is in a bathroom that has not been vented in the correct manner, or in a laundry room with a dryer that has faulty venting. Another place that mold pops up is anywhere that has experienced water damage from flooding or a leaky water pipe. Living in a home with toxic mold can make your very sick. It will also cause permanent damage to whatever surface it is currently growing on. Additionally, the smell of mold can permeate a home and be difficult to remove. Keep all of this in mind as you look at homes on the market, particularly older candidates.

A home that has been infiltrated with toxic mold is not a healthy environment in which to live. Mold is a fungus that reproduces itself through airborne spores. These tiny spores will float through the air until they find somewhere moist to land and begin to grow. The problem with toxic mold is that it also produces a byproduct known as mycotoxins. Studies have shown that mycotoxins can magnify breathing problems, such as asthma, in individuals that are already suffering with a respiratory ailment. Also, normally healthy individuals can develop respiratory illnesses after prolonged contact with mycotoxins.

Surprisingly, you may not be able to spot or smell an unsafe mold problem when you walk through a home. In fact, it is not unnatural for a homeowner to remain unaware of a mold problem until after they or someone they live with starts to experience health problems. This means that you need to protect yourself from the possibility of purchasing a home with mold. Have your agent add an addendum, if there is not one already in place, that addresses mold issues in the purchase contract. Luckily, testing for the presence of mold is available. If you are considering an older home, make sure to have it tested for the presence of this health menace. If the test comes back positive for mold, you don't have to abandon your prospect. If your persist in wanting to buy the home, you'll want to require that the mold problem be treated before you finalize the closing. If only a small area of mold is found, this can be dealt with without contracting for professional assistance. The biggest issue is to prevent the mold from spreading. Most mold that has not spread can be handled with soap, followed by bleach and water. After you purchase a home, make sure you keep any areas prone to dampness well ventilated. You may want to purchase a dehumidifier if you continuously struggle with mold and damp.

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