9.7 Molds and Fungi

Molds that have a food source and adequate moisture will grow in an indoor environment, even in arid climates. Evidence of mold can be seen in the form of discoloration ranging from white-to-orange and from green-to-brown-to-black growing on various materials found inside and outside the house. Mold needs food and moisture sources to grow. The most common indoor food sources for molds are:

• Wood

• Paper

• Surface coatings, such as paint

• Soft furnishings, such as furniture, carpet, draperies

• Soil in potted plants

• Dust

• Shed skin scales

• Cooked and raw foods

In order to grow and survive, all molds require moisture. Hydrophilic types of fungi need conditions close to saturation, or at least very damp conditions. The Xerophilic types of fungi will grow in drier conditions, requiring only minimal moisture. The most common indoor sources of moisture for molds to grow are:

• Damp basements

• Damp crawl spaces (usually due to inadequate moisture barriers)

• Improperly installed or maintained rain drain systems

• Flooding

• Backed-up sewers

• Failed sump pumps

• Leaky roofs

• Humidifiers

• Mud or ice dams

• Constant plumbing leaks

• House plants (if watered too frequently)

• Cooking steam

• Shower/bath steam and leaks

• Indoor clothes drying lines

• Clothes dryers that are improperly vented

Types of Exposure

Molds and fungi are found everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. Much of the mold found indoors comes from outdoor sources. Therefore, everyone is exposed to some mold on a daily basis; usually without ill health effects. Ill health effects from fungi usually depend on the dose and duration of exposure to the mold source. The methods of exposure are inhalation, exposure to skin, and ingestion.

• Inhalation: Since mold spores can be airborne, exposure can occur through the lungs. Mold spores get into a house through windows, doors, cracks, and crevices. They also can be carried into a house from the outdoors on shoes and clothing, or on numerous other objects that may be brought home.

• Skin: Some humans experience skin irritation if their skin touches a moldy surface, noted by localized redness or swelling.

• Ingestion: A number of toxic fungal species can be found on spoiled food and agricultural products. These toxins can cause serious food poisoning. In some cases, severe liver damage or death can result.

Health Problems

• Infections: May be either localized internal or external infections. These infections are treated with drugs that target the specific area of the body where the infection resides. Often, external infections will lead to an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by redness, itching, and oozing vesicular lesions that become scaly, crusted, or hardened.

• Respiratory Problems: Includes difficulties inbreathing, a dry hacking cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Existing conditions, such as those relating to hay fever and asthma, can be severely aggravated by fungi exposure. Exposure can also lead to hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which is a form of lung disease characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue.

• Nasal Passage Problems: Includes nasal and sinus congestion and nose and throat irritation. In some cases, nosebleeds may occur.

• Eye Problems: Watery, burning, or reddened eyes. In some cases, vision may become blurred and the eyes become extremely light sensitive.

• Central Nervous System Problems: Memory and verbal problems, vertigo, dizziness, depression, malaise, mood changes, or constant headaches.

• Fever

• Possible Death: In some extreme cases of exposure to extremely toxic fungi and mycotoxins, death can result. Death, however, is usually due to the toxin attacking a vital organ such as the liver or heart.

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Detecting Mold**

The most obvious way to detect mold is to visually inspect the structure for visible mold growth. Special attention should be paid to basements and lower rooms, crawl space areas, and rooms where there has been water or flooding damage. Window frames should be checked and carpets in areas where dampness is suspected should be pulled backed and examined. Since certain types of construction materials provide an excellent host for mold growth, ceiling tiles or any current or formerly damp material made of fibrous cellulose (such as wallpaper, books, papers, shredded newspaper, insulation, etc.) should be examined. Accessible areas of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems should also be checked for possible mold growth. As a rule, if you can see or smell mold, there is a problem.

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Company Policy for Licensees regarding Mold and Fungi**

The following policies should be followed by residential real estate agents in dealing with residential properties of one-to-four-units:

• All houses have the potential for a mold and fungi problem; climate is not a factor. The licensee should conduct a reasonable visual inspection of the property and identify any visible discoloration on surfaces that may be due to mold or fungi growth**. The agent should also be sensitive to musty or damp smells** within the structure. The listing agent should also determine if the seller has any knowledge of prior mold or fungi problems.

• The seller and licensee must disclose to the potential buyer any knowledge regarding current or past mold and fungi problems. The Seller must make the disclosures in the seller’s disclosures statements. If the Seller fails to make such disclosures and the agent has knowledge because of his visual inspection of the property, the agent must disclose to the buyer the results of the inspection.

• The buyer’s agent should advise clients regarding the health risks of molds and fungi, if they are found present in the structure. The agent should also direct the client to pamphlets and state agencies where additional information can be obtained for a mold and fungi health risk evaluation. You can visit this website for more details. https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_report.cfm?dirEntryId=56220&Lab=NERL (opens in a new tab)

• If mold or fungi is found to exist on the property, the agent should discuss potential mitigation procedures and options with the buyer. The buyer’s agent should advise the buyer to evaluate the mold and fungi problem identified in the house and the potential abatement costs. While the licensee should not recommend to the buyer the actual course of action that should be followed, the licensee may be able to help the buyer evaluate the mold and fungi hazard found to exist in a specific property and direct the buyer to information that would be helpful for abatement.