What is mold?
Mold is found almost everywhere --both indoors and outdoors. Molds use spores to reproduce. The spores are invisible to the naked eye, but float through the air. Mold begins to grow after spores land on wet surfaces. Everyone is exposed to some amount of mold on a daily basis without harm.
Does mold cause health problems?
Yes, exposure to high concentrations of indoor mold can cause health problems. Mold spores produce substances that can cause allergic reactions. Allergic responses include skin rashes, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems. A person who is allergic to molds is likely to react more severely than a person with no known allergies.
How to test for mold?
There are currently no federal or state standards and regulations for mold testing. Due to this, LCHD does not usually recommend testing for mold. No matter what type or quantity of mold is present, you should remove it. LCHD does not perform mold investigations or provide testing services. However, LCHD is available to assist with questions about mold, the effects of mold and mold growth, and mold prevention.
When considering legal action, do not focus on the mold, focus on the CAUSE of the mold. If the mold was caused by a contactor/landlord negligence, there may be legal steps you can take. Check with your local building officials for further guidance. You should also read
Mold & Renter Disputes.
How should I clean-up my mold problem?
Typically, if mold is present in a home, there is a source of moisture (i.e. historical or current leak, inadequate ventilation, too much moisture in the air, etc.). Indoor mold growth can be prevented or controlled by addressing the moisture source. If mold is cleaned, but the water problem still exists, the mold will likely grow back.
Steps for Cleaning Mold
If you have a severe mold allergy, hiring a mold
remediation contractor may be the best solution. A listing of local mold remediation and testing companies can be found at
Mold-Remediation.