Carreras Home Inspections

	Mold Inpections
	Since there has been so much media hype surrounding mold, prospective home buyers want a home that has been mold inspected. Mold sampling has become a standard practice during a home inspection. You should not buy a home with mold, sell a home with mold or live in a home with mold. A MOLD inspection is your first line of defense!

	How are Mold inspections conducted?
	Visual Inspection: A visual inspection is the initial step in identifying possible contamination problems. It will identify any visible water leaks or moisture stains on ceilings, walls, floors or under counters. The air conditioning and heating systems, the attic and crawl spaces under homes will receive a visual inspection as well. The use -of equipment, such as a boroscope, to view spaces in ductwork or behind walls, and moisture meters are used to help identify hidden sources of mold growth and the extent of the water damage. Mold sampling will be recommended if there is any noticeable mold growth, musty odors, visible water damage or stains, poorly maintained HVAC systems or construction defects. By combining a visual inspection with air, tape or swab sampling, the Inspector can help identify the hidden source of mold, allergens and indoor pollutants and the extent of any acute or chronic water or moisture damage.

	Air Sampling: The purpose of air sampling is to determine the type and amount of airborne contamination in a building. Air sampling may be necessary if the presence of mold, allergens or toxins is suspected (e.g.: musty odors, allergies) but cannot be identified by a visual inspection. When air sampling is performed, both the indoor air and outdoor air are sampled, so the results can be compared to see if a problem exists. Typically, the indoor sample is taken while the heating and/or air conditioning unit is operating; this will ensure the interior air is effectively tested.

	Tape/Swab Sampling: Tape/Swab samples are usually collected from visible moldy surfaces by wiping the area with a sterile swab. This type of sampling is used to identify specific mold types.

	Samples of MOLD in the home:


	Recommendations and Laboratory Results: Once the home has a visual inspection and the mold circumstance evaluated, action can be planned to clean it up and prevent future contamination. Based upon site evaluations and sampling lab analysis results, your inspector can provide a detailed written report that can be used for disclosure and references. In all situations, if mold exists, the underlying cause of the water damage must be corrected.

	Can MOLD cause health problems?
	Mold has the potential to cause health problems and even make a home uninhabitable. However, everyone is affected differently when in contact with mold. The mold that may not bother the seller may severely affect the buyer. Some mold can produce allergens, irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic chemical substances known as mycotoxins. People who are sensitive and exposed to mycotoxins can become ill. Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. People diagnosed with allergies and asthma may be very sensitive to mold. Mold can cause asthma attacks. Others at risk may include: infants, children, the elderly, immune compromised patients, pregnant women and individuals with existing respiratory conditions.
	With exposure, even in small amounts, mold may cause:
	Itching or irritation of the nose, eyes, throat or skin Mysterious skin rashes Sinus infections or congestion / sinusitis (runny nose) Respiratory problems (sneezing and coughing) Upper or lower respiratory infections Fatigue Frequent headaches Trouble concentrating, memory lapses, confusion Mood swings, anxiety, depression Chronic aches and pains Digestive problems

	Where is MOLD found in the home?
	Mold can be found in several areas in the home environment. It appears most often in moist areas as little black circles or thread-like white objects. It is usually accompanied with a musty-type odor. Outdoors, mold plays a natural part in the environment by breaking down dead organic matter such as dead trees or fallen leaves. Mold reproduces by means of microscopic spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through the indoor and outdoor air. Mold begins to grow indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet or damp. Mold will not grow without water or moisture. Therefore, it is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
	Some examples of places where mold can be found inside the home include:
	Basements, kitchens (bottom of fridge), around bathroom vanities, washer/dryer area The underside of carpets and pads The surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms) Ceilings and the top side of ceiling tiles Front and back side of dry wall, wall paper or paneling Inside HVAC systems and duct work Clothing Food

	To schedule your mold inspection, please feel free to contact us and we will be more than glad to schedule an appointment.

	Research on mold and its health effects is a science work in progress. The information provided by Carreras Home Inspections, Corp. is just a brief overview; it does not contain or describe all of the potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more information, you may wish to contact your local health department.