Facts about mold
Richard Cunningham • Dec 07, 2019
Facts about mold.
What is mold?
Molds are a group of microorganisms that are a part of the Kingdom fungi and reproduce by spores. (The Fungi Kingdom also includes yeasts, mushrooms, etc.). It is estimated that there are over 100,000 mold species globally, most of which have not been classified, and at least 1,000 different species common in the United States.
All mold is bad, right?
Not necessarily! In fact, mold serves an essential part of our ecosystem to break down dead organic matter such as dead leaves, trees, etc. Without mold, the earth would be covered in biomass. Mold is also engineered to make certain cheeses and antibiotics like Penicillin.
Mold is a part of the natural environment. It is found outdoors and indoors in just about every environment, including your home and office. (There are notable exceptions where mold would not be found such as a sterile hospital room for organ transplants.). Yes, mold is in your home, my home and everyone else’s home. It is only when mold is found in elevated or concentrated levels that it can become a problem.
Ok, you said that mold is only a problem when it is found in elevated amounts. How much mold is considered “elevated”?
There are currently no federal guidelines or national standards determining what levels of mold risk pose a health risk. Every person responds to mold differently.
But there is a general consensus that mold counts should be lower indoors than outdoors (i.e. lower than the outdoor air that you breathe in everyday). However, this is just a general rule and there are many, many factors – such as the weather outdoors which influence mold counts and the occupants’ health profile (i.e. some people are more predisposed to symptoms of mold such as asthmatics) – that make it impossible to determine if there is a risk associated with mold from identifying mold count levels alone.
That said, you should not see visible mold growth in your home. Once it becomes visible on drywall, wood, etc., mold counts are elevated beyond a “normal” indoor environment. But also keep in mind that mold can be hidden behind walls, in duct work, etc. and you can have elevated mold counts without actually being able to see visible mold growth with the naked eye.
What is required for mold growth?
Mold requires three things to grow:
- Organic food source. (Includes most building materials such as wood, drywall, insulation, etc.)
- Water source. (e.g. flooding, leaks, condensation, etc.)
- High relative humidity (Above 60% is ripe for mold growth. Keep below 50% to be safe.).
Since organic food can be found just about anywhere, the easiest and most effective way to control mold growth is by eliminating any unwanted water sources.
Mold growth can occur in as little as 24-48 hours under the right conditions.
How do I know if its mold or if I have a mold problem?
Mold can be many different colors: yellow, green, white, gray, black, brown, etc. It may look furry, slimy, or powdery.
Usually, you can see or smell mold. If you can see it or smell it, this normally means you have elevated amounts of mold.
But mold growth can also be hidden. If you are not sure, contact a mold professional.
All molds are toxic, right?
Not all molds are toxic and some molds serve a useful purpose such as breaking down biomass, as noted above. But there are molds that can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), which can pose a health risk.
It is virtually impossible to tell what type of mold you see without using a microscope and proper training. Mold comes in a variety of shapes, and colors. So called “Black Mold” that is often discussed in the media is not a species or specific kind of mold. There is also not a “Toxic Mold” species either. When the media talks about “black mold”, they are often referring to molds that can produce toxins (mycotoxins), such as the groups (genus) of molds known as Stachybotrys.
Why do molds stink?!
Molds can produce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These VOCs often have strong and objectionable odors. A moldy odor indicates that mold growth is occurring and should be investigated.
What are common health effects for individuals exposed to elevated mold?
The effects of mold exposure to individuals in indoor environments are relatively a recent concern. Thus, further research is ongoing to understand the impact of mold on humans. That said, typical symptoms of mold are thought to be:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Eye irritation (Watery , itchy or red eyes)
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Skin rash
- Difficulty breathing
This list is by no means comprehensive, as there is still quite a bit about mold and its effects that we do not know. Consult a physician if you believe you or someone close to you is experiencing health problems from mold exposure.
Who is most at risk for elevated mold exposure?
- Pregnant women
- Children and infants
- Elderly
- Individuals with immuno-compromising diseases or conditions (e.g. those with HIV, certain cancers, etc.)
- Individuals with respiratory disorders (e.g. those with Asthma, allergies, etc.)
Anyone who thinks they have symptoms of mold should see a doctor.
This Red Day, KW will be honoring our Veterans. Your generous donation will help us provide a nutritious meal to 500 deserving men and women. These brave vets have served our country, and now it's our turn to serve them. Any amount of donation can make a big difference. Please use QR code to donate. here Thursday May 9th 11am-1pm Main parking lot at The VA Wilshire Federal Building 11000 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
An area homeowner contacted me recently requesting advice on which paid service I recommend for identifying potential real estate fraud activity on their Beverlywood area single family residence.. My response was, “NONE! IT’S A SCAM. Your tax dollars enable you receive this important information for FREE.” Here is an explanation of how the service works. Below you will find a link to the website to register. The Los Angeles County Assessor’s e-Notification service gives homeowners the opportunity to register their e-mail to be alerted whenever a foreclosure, transfer of title, or mortgage is recorded on their property with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. This notification allows property owners a means to identify potential real estate fraud activity, such as a fraudulently recorded lien or deed. What is the Property Owner e-Notification Alert? Currently, the Registrar-Recorder will, within 30-days, mail a copy of a Grant Deed, Quit Claim Deed, Deed of Trust, or, within 5-days, mail a copy of a Notice of Default, or Notice of Sale to the property owner upon its recording. Now, homeowners can also opt-in for e-mail notifications. Once a homeowner registers, they will be sent an e-mail of any activity on their property within 48-hours. How does a homeowner enroll in the Property Owner e-Notification? To enroll in Property Owner e-Notification Alert, the homeowner simply creates a profile on the Los Angeles County Assessor’s portal website at https://assessor.lacounty.gov/news-information/ enotification, click on Register Today, fill in the information, check the box for Opt-In for AIN/Recorded Document e-mail notification and click submit. Once they have created an account, log in to the portal and select “Property Owner e-Notification Alerts” on the landing page. Enter the AIN (Assessor Identification Number) on the “Property Owner e-Notification Registration” page and select “Add.” Once added, they will begin to receive electronic notifications when a document is recorded with their linked AIN. A homeowner may repeat this step to register any other LA County properties on their account. There is no limit and there are no fees. Why does the LA County Assessor offer E-Notification? The service allows property owners the opportunity to seek free, legitimate assistance and helps them avoid falling victim to real estate scams. Also, if a property owner suspects erroneous or fraudulent activity, they can report it to the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at (800) 593-8222 , online at dcba.lacounty.gov , or by e-mail at homehelp@dcba.lacounty.gov . Dan May is among the leading real estate professionals in Los Angeles County. He can be reached at (310)739-8647 and dan@danmayrealestateteam.com Give Dan a call to confidentially discuss your options, your home’s value and/or for a list of local vendors.
Market Snapshot: 16 Single Family homes sold within the Beverlywood HOA and Adjacent boundaries (area 9 in the MLS) during the entire month of April 2024 compared to 15 in March and 9 in February. The 16 single family homes that sold in April were on the market for an average of 23 days and sold for an average of $1026.61 per sq. ft. of living space and 97.45% of the OLP (Original List Price). As of May 1st there are currently 22 Single Family homes for sale within the entire Beverlywood HOA and adjacent boundaries, down from 23 the prior month and 27 in February. The 22 single family homes currently For Sale have been on the market for an average of 59 days at a average price of $2,310,272 and $1122.87 per sq. ft. There are currently 15 Single Family homes “under contract” which means in escrow, likely closing soon. I study the market every day. Call Dan May today for local knowledge, flexible commission and proven results at (310)739-8647 .
Market Snapshot: 15 Single Family homes sold within the Beverlywood HOA and Adjacent boundaries (area 9 in the MLS) during the entire month of March 2024 compared to 9 in February, a 67% increase. The 15 single family homes that sold in March were on the market for an average of 36 days and sold for an average of $950.34 per sq. ft. of living space and 98.81% of the OLP (Original List Price). As of April 1st there are currently 23 Single Family homes for sale within the entire Beverlywood HOA and adjacent boundaries, down from 27 the prior month. The 23 single family homes currently For Sale have been on the market for a median of 39 days at a median price of $1,995,000 and $1024 per sq. ft. There are currently 21 Single Family homes “under contract” which means in escrow, likely closing soon. Analysis: With just 23 homes for sale and 15 sold last month alone, that calculates to less than 2 months supply of homes. Fewer than 6 months supply is considered a SELLER’s market. The unofficial start of the Residential Selling Season is the day after the April 15th Income Tax Deadline, April 16th. Contact area specialist Dan May today for a confidential, no obligation consultation at (310)739-8647 , you will be glad you did!
Each year, homeowners planning to make a move are faced with a decision: sell their house during the holidays or wait. And others who have already listed their homes may think about removing their listings and waiting until the new year to go back on the market.
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