Mold a Killer?

Is Mold a Killer?

It Can Be a Serious Health Risk for Some People and
a Huge House Risk For All

     Mold in your home is certainly an annoyance, but it can also be a serious health hazard for certain individuals and cause substantial damage to your resident.  More bad news:  Your homeowners’ policy may not provide coverage for damage to your house caused by mold, which has been found in residences in all 50 states.  Mold can grow in areas of a home that are constantly wet, whether it’s a result of leaking roofs or plumbing, or overflowing washing machines or showers/baths.

     There have been a few cases in which the presence of toxic molds in homes has reportedly caused people to cough up blood or lose their memories.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of the toxic mold and these conditions has not been proven.”  There have, however, been high-profile cases in New York, Texas, Ohio and California where toxic molds are alleged to have caused serious injuries or even death.  The CDC does warn that individuals with chronic breathing difficulties such as asthma or immune disorders are at increased risk for health problems related to mold.

Structural Damage Could Be Severe

     While the health risks associated with exposure to mold are not definitive at this time, there’s no doubt about the structural damage mold can cause.  Mold around wood can lead to dry rot, which can have a domino effect on wooden areas of a home, spreading throughout the wood fiber and weakening the structural integrity of your home.

     The Insurance Information Institute has compiled a list of symptoms of mold damage:

                1.  There are sunken areas in baseboards or trim, or baseboards are separated                     from the floor.

                2.  There are whitish areas under carpet or linoleum, or behind furniture.

                3.  There are mushroom like growths or “fruit bodies” – flat, as much as half             an inch thick, and a pale olive gray, brown or black – that are present on                      the underside of flooring or cabinets.

                4.  Plaster or sheetrock is swelling or crumbling.

                5.  There are vine like branches from the soil to the foundation, framing or the          underside of flooring.  The branches are typically white, brown or black.

     If mold is found in your home, you should clean as soon as possible and try to eliminate its source by fixing whatever problem is causing an area to be constantly wet.  When you clean the mold, make sure you are not experiencing any symptoms of allergies.

     Wear a mask and rubber gloves.  Concoct a solution of water and bleach (a 10 to 1 ratio), as well as soap to cut any dirt and oil.  Make sure the area is well ventilated by opening as many windows as possible.

     You can also take several steps to make your home as mold-free as possible.

                1.  Keep areas of the house where moisture is present well ventilated.

                2.  If necessary, use air conditioning and dehumidifiers.

                3.  Fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible.

                4.  Make sure there’s adequate insulation for windows, pipes, exterior walls, the                     roof and floors.

                5.  Don’t install carpeting over areas that are constantly damp or wet, such as         bathrooms or concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation.