What is mold?

• Mold is a type of fungus that grows in multicellular filaments called hyphae. It can be found both indoors and outdoors and thrives in damp, humid environments. Mold’s role is to break down and digest organic material, such as dead leaves and trees. Indoors, however, its growth can cause the breakdown of our home’s structure and materials. 

How does mold grow?

• Mold grows through the release of spores, which are tiny reproductive particles. When these spores land on a suitable surface with moisture and organic material, they can germinate and form new mold colonies.

Is mold commonly found indoors?

• Mold spores are found indoors from floating in through the air, but mold growth is not normal inside our homes, as mold growth is a sign of a moisture problem that needs to be addressed and resolved. Mold growth does not occur unless moisture has been present indoors for at least 24-48 hours. 

Why is mold found indoors any different than mold that is found outdoors?

• Mold exists naturally in outdoor environments where it's kept in check by a well-balanced ecosystem. Factors like airflow, sunlight (UV light), and the presence of bacteria and other pathogens prevent mold from overtaking its natural surroundings. However, when water damage occurs indoors, particularly in residential or commercial buildings, the natural controls found outdoors are absent. This absence of checks and balances plus the addition of favorable food sources like dust, drywall, insulation, and other materials allows indoor mold to proliferate, posing potential health risks to occupants. 

What are the health risks associated with exposure to mold? 

• The most common answer is that mold exposure can cause various health issues, including but not limited to allergic reactions, respiratory problems, skin irritation, neurological issues, and in some cases, more severe conditions for individuals with compromised immune systems. 

What are the symptoms of mold illness or mold exposure?

• The most common symptoms of mold illness or exposure may include but are not limited to nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, skin rash, headaches, and fatigue. However, more severe cases of prolonged exposure can result in brain fog, anxiety, POTS, insomnia, neurological changes, PANS/PANDAS, urinary tract infections, weight loss, weight gain, vertigo, dizziness, muscle pains, loss of speech, cognitive decline, digestive issues, mast cell activation, histamine intolerance, hormonal changes, multiple chemical sensitivity, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer. This is by no means a complete list and many other symptoms can result from exposure to toxigenic molds. We advise those impacted by mold, to speak with a mold literate health care provider to further explain symptoms that may be a result of mold exposure and mold illness.

How does mold affect indoor air quality?

• Mold releases spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into the air, which can decrease indoor air quality and potentially lead to respiratory problems and other health issues. Also, because mVOCs often have strong or unpleasant odors, they can be the source of the "moldy odor" or musty smell frequently associated with mold growth. A moldy odor suggests that mold is growing in the building and should be investigated. Molds can also produce toxic chemicals called mycotoxins, that act as the mold’s defense mechanism and which can attach themselves to spores and/or other particles and float through the air.

What are the most common places where mold can grow indoors?

• Mold can grow on surfaces that are damp or have high humidity levels, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, crawl spaces, attics, air conditioning units or vents, and areas affected by water leaks, condensation or flooding. In some cases where indoor humidity is too high, growth can occur on furniture, fixtures, and other items in the building.

How can I identify mold growth in my home?

• Mold growth can often be identified by its musty odor and looking for signs of moisture issues such as paint peeling, buckling of the floor,  visible patches of discoloration on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces, and sometimes by the presence of water damage. The best way to confirm if mold growth is present in your home is to verify using third party lab testing, and/or hiring a licensed mold inspection professional to thoroughly inspect your home. 

What should I do if I find mold growth in my home?

• If you find mold growth in your home, it's important to address the underlying moisture issue creating habitable conditions for mold to grow, contain the affected area to prevent spreading, and contact a mold inspection professional to identify the sources of moisture and create a mold remediation protocol if one is necessary.

What is mold remediation?

• Mold remediation is the process of removing mold growth from indoor environments and addressing the underlying moisture problems to prevent its return.

Can I remediate mold myself, or do I need to hire a professional?

• While small areas of mold can often be cleaned with appropriate precautions, extensive mold growth or mold in hard-to-reach places may require professional remediation to ensure effective removal and prevent health risks. When in doubt, it is best to hire a mold inspection professional to provide guidance and to identify the types of mold that are present. 

What precautions should be taken during mold remediation?

• First and foremost, verify the remediation company that will be completing the remediation is fully licensed and carries certification with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, also known as IICRC. Verify that you have received the mold remediation protocol written by your licensed mold inspection professional, and verify that you have received a copy of the work plan drafted by the remediation company. Precautions that should be taken by the remediation company hired during mold remediation include wearing personal protective equipment (such as gloves, masks, and appropriate full body protection), containment of the affected area including secondary containment and decontamination area, and using proper ventilation and negative air pressure to minimize exposure to mold spores. Additionally, the remediation company should ensure that negative air pressure is maintained until clearance testing is to be performed, and dehumidification remains constant until clearance is achieved and containment comes down.

How long does mold remediation typically take?

• The duration of mold remediation depends on the extent of the mold growth, the size of the affected area and what is being remediated. Remediating a whole bathroom where you have to potentially replace cabinets, countertops, tile ect. compared to two walls in a bedroom would take longer. The timeframe all depends on the factors above and also the contractor you choose. It can range from a few days for smaller projects  to several weeks or even months for larger projects.

How much does mold remediation cost?

• The cost of mold remediation varies based on factors such as the size of the affected area, the severity of the mold growth, the materials being remediated or replaced and the location of the mold. It's advisable to obtain quotes from multiple remediation professionals for accurate pricing. Small areas in a wall may only cost a few thousand, while larger scale projects like HVAC remediation, whole bathrooms/kitchens, or large swaths of flooring may cost in the tens of thousands or more. It is important to note the quote from the remediation company does NOT include the cost to rebuild the space impacted. 

How can I prevent mold growth in my home?

• To prevent mold growth, it's essential to both know and control indoor humidity levels and ideally stay below 60%, which may require the use of inexpensive hygrometers and/or dehumidifiers. It’s also imperative to fix water leaks promptly, improve ventilation in damp or low air flow areas (think closets), and regularly clean and maintain your home. In warmer climates, it’s also important to have your HVAC system cleaned and maintained frequently to prevent growth on the coils or vents (note that most “AC Tune Up” services do NOT clean or check for mold in your system).

What is mold testing?

• Mold testing involves sampling indoor air or physical surfaces to detect the presence of mold spores and identify the type and concentration of mold present. Mold testing can be performed by collecting air samples from a room, air samples from a wall cavity or other small area like a supply plenum to your heating and cooling system, or by using a swab to collect spores on surfaces. Another form of mold testing is called ERMI testing which is a common form of DIY testing using a cloth to collect dust from around your home. This test is a DNA analysis of collected dust to determine the types of mold present in a home or building. Note that home tests like ERMI are not a replacement for professional mold inspections, as their data can be skewed due to incorrect collection methods, prior cleaning, and use of air purification systems, and does not tell you where mold colonies might be existing in the building.

When should I consider testing for mold in my home?

• You should consider testing for mold if you suspect mold growth but cannot visually confirm it, if you have experienced unexplained health issues possibly related to mold exposure,  if you're buying or selling a home and want to ensure the property does not have a hidden mold problem and before the expiration of your one and two year warranty on a new construction home. It is important to note that in the state of Texas, only a licensed mold assessment consultant can legally assess mold, so if you are hiring a home inspector, they will not be able to assess the presence of mold, but they may be able to confirm the presence of moisture.

Are DIY mold testing kits reliable?

• DIY mold testing kits can provide some indication of mold presence, but their accuracy and reliability may vary. For more comprehensive and accurate results, it's recommended to hire a mold inspection professional. For example, testing using an ERMI is not advisable in a new construction home, a home that has recently been deep cleaned, or a home that regularly uses air purification systems. Dust needs time to accumulate, and the cleaner a home is, the less data you will be able to gather from a dust test like the ERMI. Every situation is different, so speaking with a licensed professional can help you determine what course of action is best for your situation.

How long does it take to get mold test results?

• The time to receive mold test results depends on the testing method used and the laboratory's processing time, but it typically ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks. Your mold inspection professional will advise you on testing turnaround times, and expedited tests may be available at a higher price point.

What do I do if mold test results come back positive?

• If mold test results come back positive, it's important to address the underlying moisture issue, contain the affected area, and consider hiring a professional for mold remediation.

Can mold return after remediation?

• Mold can return after remediation if the underlying moisture issue is not adequately addressed. Often, mold in the home is a result of a building or design defect, and so you also need to prioritize your build back plan to ensure the same mistake is not repeated. Proper remediation techniques and preventive measures can help minimize the risk of mold recurrence. 

What are some long-term solutions for preventing mold growth?

• Long-term solutions for preventing mold growth include maintaining indoor humidity levels below 60%, fixing water leaks promptly and ensuring all areas impacted by the leak have been removed and/or dried thoroughly, improving ventilation, using mold-resistant materials, and conducting regular inspections and maintenance. 

Is mold covered by homeowner's insurance?

• Whether mold damage is covered by homeowner's insurance depends on the policy terms and the cause of the mold growth. Some policies may cover mold remediation if it results from a covered peril, such as a burst pipe, while others may exclude mold-related damage. It is important to note that mold caused by “homeowner neglect” is usually NOT covered or covered at a very minimal amount, which may include places like HVAC systems, or slow leaks that have been ongoing. It is important to ask your insurance provider before you agree to a policy, what coverages are offered, and to ask questions about mold coverages prior to any water damage events taking place in the home. Know your policy well before you need to address situations that may arise. 

Are there any regulations or guidelines for mold remediation?

• Regulations and guidelines for mold remediation vary by state. Texas and Florida are examples of two states that regulate contractors in the mold industry.  For states with no regulations, organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) provide recommendations and best practices for mold remediation. It's important to follow local regulations and hire licensed or certified professionals when dealing with mold issues.