With every real estate transaction there are perils that must be considered. Mold is becoming a growing concern. Learn about potential problem areas, health concerns, and problems associated with the sale of a home with a mold issue.
Perils in Real Estate: Mold
A growing concern for potential homebuyers is the presence of mold in the home they are pondering the purchase of. Arming yourself with information is the only way to limit the pitfalls associated with particular molds.
Mold is a fungus that is associated with decaying vegetable or animal matter. It often appears as a black film, found in dark moist regions of the home. Areas that should be checked for mold are around sinks, tubs, basements, bathrooms and any other area where there has been moisture.
Fortunately most household molds are mild, but research has linked some molds to chronic sinus infections, asthma and other ailments. Stachybotrys atra is particularly dangerous; it has been associated with breathing difficulties, dizziness, memory loss and bleeding in the lungs. This mold produces micro-toxins and prolonged exposure to these toxins proves harmful.
Unfortunately modern construction techniques may be a significant contributing factor. Homes are being made increasingly airtight. Furnaces and air conditioning units compound the problem by re-circulating contaminated air. This means that moisture is trapped within the shell of the home re-circulating and providing an ample breading ground for mold spores.
The simplest way to deal with a suspicion of mold contamination is, if you see or smell mold then there is likely a mold problem. Mold growth is likely to recur unless the source of the moisture that has allowed the mold to grow is eliminated and the area is cleaned.
Cleaning mold contamination can be hazardous to your health, so if you are considering a property that you believe has an issue with mold contamination, then you should realize that you may be exposed to mold, strong detergents and disinfectants. During the cleaning process mold levels can be significantly higher than base levels, because you are disturbing the mold spores.
I would recommend that if there were a suspected mold problem in the home that you continue your home search. However if you were determined to make an offer I would first attempt to encourage the current homeowner to rectify the issue. If this is not possible then look at getting the mold professionally removed. If you have experience or expertise in mold removal attempt to remove it yourself, making sure that you research and use all proper safety precautions.
http://buyingsellingahome.suite101.com/article.cfm/perilsinrealestate
