Mold Tips for Realtors^®

Be Careful What you Say About Mold...

There are many that would like you to believe the current 'mold crisis' is nothing but hype and hysteria, and on the opposing side, there are people who fear every spore.  Like most topics where complete, clear-cut evidence is lacking, the truth is often somewhere in-between.

To help avoid liability on the topic of mold, real estate agents should be aware of both sides of the debate and use caution in making explicit statements.  
 

But this statement does not describe mold's behavior...it simply illustrates the organism's experience at adapting to life on our rugged planet.  

Mold, like many substances, become troublesome when mankind learns of adverse health impacts.  And as mycologists will tell you, the list of what we don't know about mold is longer than the list of what we do know.

The bad behavior of a few types of mold was recognized centuries ago when outbreaks of ergotism killed thousands who consumed mold-infested rye in Europe.  Even the Old Testament describes avoiding mold.  

Things such as lead, mercury, asbestos, Salmonella, E. coli, Legionella, Cryptosporidium, and many more have also been here for millions of years and as we gained knowledge of their impact on humans, we changed how we dealt with them.  

Don't be fooled into thinking that just because it's been around forever, it can't be a problem.
 

"Mold is everywhere..."  
Yes, mold grows virtually everywhere in our outdoor environment...and outdoors is where it should stay.

Unfortunately, many types of mold reproduce by releasing spores into the air.  Since spores are naturally in the air, and air is in buildings, mold spores are in buildings as well (unless you have 'clean-room' construction).

The topic of indoor mold is not so much what Mother Nature has put into the air, but rather conditions that allow mold to grow indoors.  It is important to differentiate between ambient mold spores and growing colonies.  Indoor mold growth is not appropriate and is generally the true focus of the 'mold issue'.  

Another way to look at it:  Rattlesnakes are everywhere in Texas, but that doesn't mean they should be living in your bedroom. 
 

We do know that the toxins generated by some molds can be very nasty chemical compounds, and furthermore, if the wrong kind of mold is ingested, serious health problems can result.    

Short of eating them, we don't know if just being exposed to mold creates a significant toxic exposure, how much of these toxins the human body can tolerate, what specific damage is done by this exposure, and similar issues unique to toxins. 

Science simply has not yet provided the answers.  

Numerous studies, including one conducted by the Council of Scientific Affairs of the Texas Medical Association, have searched medical and scientific literature for proof of adverse health effects from inhalation of Stachybotrys spores in water-damaged buildings and concluded such exposure has not been supported by published reports.  

However, most all such studies support the need for continued scientific research regarding the impact of molds on human health, especially the effects of mycotoxins.

Taking a position that it's not a problem until it's proven to be a problem can be damaging.  Conversely, assuming it is a major problem until proven safe may create an unnecessary financial burden.  

Until science can provide answers to the myriad of health related questions on mold, it's best to refer health issues to the appropriate healthcare professionals.
 

For one, people now spend an average of 90% of their time indoors.  If indoor pollutants are present, an increased time of exposure results.

Secondly, materials and construction techniques have changed.  The use of paper-faced drywall, vinyl wallpaper, synthetic stucco, house wraps, etc. has changed the way moisture moves through a structure.  Still other materials result in off-gassing of chemicals.  Buildings are tighter for energy reasons which decreases the dilution of indoor air pollutants by infiltration of outdoor air.  Air conditioning systems also play a significant role in indoor air quality.  

Third, medical research such as Mayo Clinic's testing on mold and sinusitis provides new insight into identifying causative agents.

Add to the mix an increased prevalence of respiratory disorders such as asthma, more resistant microorganisms, an increase in the number of immune-compromised individuals, etc. and even more health-related problems can surface.

Things just aren't what they used to be...
 

"It's not the toxic black mold so you don't have to worry."
Using the label 'toxic black mold' might get you in trouble since it has little scientific significance.  

The press had a lot to do with Stachybotrys receiving this label, but it isn't the only mold that is toxigenic...it just got the media choice award.  

There are many molds that can produce toxins, however, toxins are just one aspect of mold's adverse behavior.  If someone has a compromised immune system, Aspergillus mold, which is commonly found indoors, might be considered equally significant to that individual.  

Just remember, not all black molds are toxic and not all toxic molds are black.  In addition, the overall health impact of indoor mold should be considered.

Basically, consider any type of mold growing indoors as inappropriate.  
 

Mold growth is a result of conditions and its cause must be determined and corrected in order to rectify the situation.  If the cause of growth is not handled, it will generally grow back, regardless of biocide use.
 

Sellers of real estate would probably like to minimize the significance of mold and buyers would probably like to maximize it.

Such opposing views often create a minefield of liability issues for the real estate professional.
 

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