Toxic Mold in California

About seven or eight years ago, when the subject of mold first started rearing its head in relation to buying, selling and renting real estate, I remarked to my husband something like, “Oh, boy, another useless item to worry about and another useless form to fill out”.

No more. Since that time I have personally been involved with mold five times in properties that I was buying, selling, or renting. Also, it turns out I am like the proverbial canary in the mineshaft. Supersensitive. In the presence of mold I immediately start to itch, my eyes get red and irritated, and I develop a cough and runny nose. Longer exposure will actually cause my ears to become clogged and start bleeding. All this while others around me may have only mild symptoms.

But mold, especially certain kinds of mold, is insidious, and with ongoing exposure almost everyone is adversely affected healthwise. Mold is a fungal infection which, in severe cases, can even result in death. My mother died of an aspergillus fungal infection!

The real estate community and insurance companies have quickly come to recognize the problem. Now just about every insurance policy, be it homeowners, commercial or even renters insurance carries a mold exclusion. If you’ve got it, you pay for it. When we buy, sell or rent property, one or more mold related forms are normally included, relating to disclosure, inspections and responsibility.

When mold is suspected, here’s the process: a certified mycologist is called in to do testing. He or she will usually take air samples to see the type and amount of mold spores in the indoor air. He will also take what are called “bulk samples” which are small pieces removed from areas suspected of being the mold source. These samples are then analyzed in a lab and a “mold report” is issued describing the results and giving recommendations to get rid of the mold (known as “remediation”).

Normally specialized companies are called in to do the remediation, which often requires special equipment and handling, and may involve tearing out walls, plumbing fixtures, etc. to get at the contaminated areas. After that is completed, the mycologist is called back to test again and, hopefully, issue a mold clearance. Only then can the contractor or handyman be called in to put everything back together again.

Believe me, it’s an experience you want to avoid if you possibly can.

So, what should you do?

First of all, be preventive. Make sure there are no leaks or dampness accumulation that could cause mold to form. Periodically wash down shower stalls and other areas where mildew might get a start with a 50/50 solution of water and bleach (always use rubber gloves, be careful of fumes and never use bleach and ammonia in the same location). If an area in the house, such as under a sink cabinet, continues to be damp, find and eliminate the reason.

Before you rent I always advise asking whether there is or has been any history of mold, and if so, what has been done about it. If you own rental property it is a good idea to hold periodic inspections (we do it every six months) to see if there are any leaks or damp spots, along with any other maintenance needs that your tenant may be ignoring.

If you are planning to purchase, it pays to have a specific mold inspection in addition to the usual home inspection and/or to have the seller certify that there is no mold in the property. Make it part of your purchase offer that if mold is discovered the seller must pay for professional remediation and clearance or you have the right to cancel the transaction.

In short, then, mold is serious business both from a health and economic standpoint. Pay attention to prevention if you are an owner or renter, and if you are a purchaser make certain you do your due diligence.