Some of my readers have expressed that I provide information about mold in homes and whether or not it is dangerous and potentially deadly to humans.
From articles, information and personal experiences with a few homes with mold, I have ascertained, that there is an enormous amount of misinformation about mold, some from our industry and some from the “so called” experts; but especially from those companies that remove mold.
Generally speaking, mold will not cause your death, which is the fallacy that has apparently been passed around.
I call this scare tactics and is provided by those who are in the “money-making” business of charging and not educating, advising and consulting. The “old adage” ABC, Always Be Closing, seems to be the “business as usual” of the “scam and con artists” who prey on those with less knowledge, our older audience and their fear of not being able to sell their homes; if they don’t remediate and get rid of that “nasty mold.” But the truth is, one must be practicing my motto, “Always Be Consulting” and that mold is only an issue with those that may have allergies and respiratory issues, but unless someone has a life threatening illness, mold will not cause someone to die. There are remedies that can be taken to address the mold issue.
However, I would not suggest you do this work yourself, unless you are qualified, using Personal Protective Equipment have an Occupational Safety & Health Administration approved respirator, plastic gloves, goggles and the proper disposal bags, etc. as well as the proper knowledge and correct methods to remediate the problem.
There is a process called psycho metrics, which is a drying process to eliminate the mold.
You always want to hire someone that is Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification.
Prevention is obviously the best path one can take and the following are the best ways to minimize and eliminate mold:
• Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building envelope as soon as possible.
• Watch for condensation and wet spots. Fix source(s) of moisture problem(s) as soon as possible.
• Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).
• Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
• Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible.
• Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60 percent relative humidity, ideally 30-50 percent, if possible.
• Perform regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled.
• Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
• Don’t let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation.
Unfortunately, along the North Shore of Long Island’s “Gold Coast” water does not always percolate and drain properly down through the clay type soil structure that is inherent in those areas and so a dehumidifier is many times is mandatory, to keep basements and crawl spaces, drier so mold will not grow and accumulate; and also minimize that “moldy” smell one might experience in some basements.
By eliminating moisture and shade or low light, and have fresh air as opposed to stagnant air, mold will not proliferate and grow.
However, many of us accumulate stuff in their basements and over time, those items can absorb moisture, causing mold to begin and grow.
That is why periodically, one must declutter and remove all those items that are not wanted and either sell at a garage sale or dispose of; so there will be less of an opportunity for mold to begin and expand.
It is especially crucial, when one or several members of your family has allergies and adverse reactions to mold, dust or any type of pathogens, making breathing uncomfortable and creating an unhealthy environment within your home.
I will address the ways, methods and other factors in cleaning up remediating mold in my next week’s column and also the costs associated with its removal.
Phil Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 7 Bond St. in Great Neck. He has earned designations as a Graduate Realtor Institute and Certified International Property Specialist.
He can be reached by email: Phil@TurnkeyRealEstate.Com or by cell (516) 647-4289.
