Investigating black mold is evidently of more interest to residents now than ever before. Mold, whether black or some other color, is perceived as a health danger, particularly if members of the household suffer from respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Seeing black spots (which could be mold growth, but not necessarily) on curtains and walls, homeowners fret. Sometimes they fret even more about what they can\’t see, suspecting a microbial monster lurking behind walls, spawning toxic spores.

That mold is black is not significant. One sees various colors, black simply being the most common. All strains derive from the same conditions, and all are effectively eradicated using the same techniques.

Toxicity is more significant than color. Mold is technically not toxic, but a microbial growth might spawn toxic spores (known as mycotoxins). These are what can lead to health problems. Some people have no patience for even the potential presence of any kind of microbial growth, mildew, or mold, regardless of its toxicity. Others are more reactive, responding only when a microbial substance somewhere in the house is making inhabitants sick.

When an investigation uncovers mold, it is vital to find its cause. Microbes are always in the air but require the right conditions to take root and grow. These conditions are excessive moisture, food (usually cellulose), and no or hardly any ventilation. Of the three, moisture is key. So long as whatever is causing moisture to accumulate remains, mold removal is pointless in that new air-borne microbes will replace the old. Inadequate ventilation not only facilitates microbial growth, it might be responsible for heavy condensation and the moisture supply. Darkness is another good facilitator, for light and heat help damp areas to dry out.

Should condensation not be the cause of accumulated moisture, the source must be a roof or plumbing leak. An underground spring is another possibility. In this case it might be beneficial to seek help from a professional who is trained in leak detection, especially if it entails accessing hidden areas behind walls and the like.

When there is evidence or suspicion of mildew or mold growing inside the house, calling in professional help is recommended, if only to make sure that all activity of an unhealthy microbial nature, some of which may be hidden, is found. One approach is to arrange for a standard home inspection. Another approach is to hire someone qualified to sample the air for unusually high percentage of mold spores. Neither approach may be ideal.

Most home inspectors are not qualified to identify mold, and to avoid potential liability they take care not to label microbial activity as mildew or mold. They are qualified to investigate moisture, however, and this skill may be sufficient to obtain a comprehensive assessment. Using the vague terminology \”microbial growth,\” they cannot provide specie or toxicity information.

Air sampling services have received mixed reviews. Their techniques are generally based on comparing inside levels of mold spore concentrations with outside levels, and yet the differences are influenced by many dynamic factors, including infiltration and climate.

Licensed pest inspectors (some of which may offer home inspection services) are trained to find the conditions that foster microbial activity, being identical with those that lead to infestations of wood-destroying organisms. They are also more likely to have the biological background to better equip them to identify specific mold strains.

John W. Gordon is a licensed home inspector who also provides pest inspection servicing in northwest Washington State. He regularly blogs about many topics, including black mold, at www.HomeInspectionWA.net/blog. Visit John’s homepage: HomeInspectionWA.net.

John W. Gordon is a licensed home inspector who also provides pest inspection servicing in northwest Washington State. He regularly blogs about many topics, including black mold, at http://www.HomeInspectionWA.net/blog. Visit John’s homepage: http://www.HomeInspectionWA.net.

Author Bio: John W. Gordon is a licensed home inspector who also provides pest inspection servicing in northwest Washington State. He regularly blogs about many topics, including black mold, at www.HomeInspectionWA.net/blog. Visit John’s homepage: HomeInspectionWA.net.

Category: Real Estate
Keywords: black mold,mold,mold spores,toxic mold,home inspection,pest inspection,air sampling,home inspector