An ugly four letter word ... MOLD

I recently had the opportunity to attend a mold course sponsored by Servpro. Servepro is a professional cleaning and restoration company. This class was tailored for those in the real estate industry and was geared to give Realtors a better understanding of mold. Of course a three hour class does not make anyone a mold expert but it helps with understanding. If you have a mold problem or suspect you might have a mold problem you should seek professional advice.

Mold needs the right environment in order to grow. Mold is present everywhere and to have a mold free environment is nearly impossible. What makes mold an issue in the concentration. When is the concentration dangerous? Great question, at the current time the EPA has not come out with a level at which they consider dangerous. Different molds at different concentrations have different health effects. The effect of mold can also vary from person to person. The very young, elderly, and those with suppressed immune systems have a higher susceptibility to mold.

Which molds are dangerous? Again, it depends on the concentration. Again, this is why the consumer should consult professional advice.

What does mold need to grow? Mold needs four items in order to grow. Mold needs a food source, the right temperature, water and time. The homeowner can control only two of these items: water and time. Typically in the Midwest there are 20-30 common household molds.

What are some mold read flags? Of course, visible mold or a "musty' smell are the most obvious, evidence of water penetration or evidence of conditions that allow water penetration, and construction defects. Two other red flags include a dirty or poorly maintained HVAC and improperly vented appliances. When in doubt, it is best to seek professional advice.

The class was FANTASTIC however it also brought back many unpleasant memories when I attended UNO as an undergraduate. Practical classes on mold that are three hours long are fine. A semester of microbiology was just too much.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate