Some sorts of mold are toxic to human beings. One type of toxic mold is stachybotrys chartarum, and it can be found in homes. This particular example looks slimy and is greenish/black in appearance. It establishes itself on wood, drywall, or any kind of paper. Although it will not become established on a cement surface, it can thrive on anything that is damp or humid. If a home has had any type of water damage such as caused by broken or leaky pipes or flood, mold often grows as a result of the water damage. This threat can grow in bathrooms that are not vented or in laundry rooms where the dryer is not vented correctly. The toxic type of mold can have grave health consequences. The other issue with mold is that even if it is not toxic, it can ruin the surface that it is growing on. Floorboards, drywall and other surfaces can suffer severe damage. Furthermore, mold can result in an odor that is very hard to get rid of. All of these possibilities make mold a serious thing to consider when you are purchasing your home.
Living in a moldy environment is not a good choice for your overall health and well being. Since mold is a fungus, it produces airborne spores. These spores will continue to float around the house until they find a damp spot. Once a damp spot is located, they settle in and begin growing and reproducing on their own. As mold grows, it creates a byproduct called mycotoxins. These mycotoxins have been found to be very dangerous. If you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma, the mycotoxins will exacerbate breathing problems. If you are healthy, long term exposure can lead you to develop respiratory problems. Once again, living with mold is not a safe option.
Although mold can have a very identifiable smell, it can also remain completely unobserved by a homeowner until after members of the household begin to have health problems. It can also be a challenge to notice a mold problem when you are viewing a home before purchase. You can have a home tested before buying to ensure that there is not a mold issue. If a home is older, you should definitely have it tested before you buy. If mold is found in the home, you can still purchase the house, but you first need to insist that the property is professionally treated for the mold problem. You can have the issue addressed in the contract and if there remains a problem, you will not be legally obligated to buy. If only a minor mold problem is found, the affected areas need to be washed in soap and water and then disinfected with a bleach solution. This will prevent the mold from spreading. After you move into the house, keep all damp areas ventilated to prevent infiltration. If an area is subjected to a water leak, clean the water spill as quickly as possible. If needed, utilize a dehumidifier to control dampness. These steps can reduce the amount of mold growth in your home.
