Mold Advisory Notice
There has been alot of concern regarding the existence of toxic and non-toxic mold in homes, apartments and commercial buildings. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This statement provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause severe health problems. Molds also produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).
If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold (it is part of an identified moisture problem, for instance, or there is mold near the intake to the system) . Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold throughout the building.
You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).
Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.
A buyer should consider having mold test and inspections done by a trained enviromental professional if any inspection reports or disclosure documents may indicate that there were past or present evidence of standing water, moisture, past water intrusion, or flood damage.
All inspections, including one to detect lead, mold, or anything else of suspect should be completed within the inspection period established in the purchase contract.