What is mold and where is it found?
Molds (fungi) are present EVERYWHERE -indoors and outdoors. They serve an important, positive role, by helping to break down organic matter. There are more than 100,000 species of mold. At least 1,000 species of molds are common in the U.S.
Some of the most common molds found are species of Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. Mold is most likely to grow where there is water or dampness -- such as in bathrooms and basements.
How can molds affect your health?
The most common types of mold are generally not hazardous to healthy individuals. However, people who have asthma, hayfever, or other allergies or have weakened immune systems are more likely to react to mold. The most common symptoms are running nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, and aggravation of asthma. A small percentage of the population can develop more serious effects -- such as fevers and breathing difficulties -- but these effects are uncommon. Some types of mold can cause more serious health problems, but this is much more rare.
How can you be exposed to mold?
When moldy material becomes damaged or disturbed, spores (reproductive bodies similar to seeds) can be released into the air. Exposure can occur if people inhale the spores or directly handle mold-containing material and accidentally ingest it. Some molds can produce chemicals called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins may cause illness in persons who are sensitive to them (for example, persons who are prone to allergies) or when persons are exposed to large amounts in the air (typically associated with certain occupations).
What should I Do If I find mold in My home or apartment?
Contact a mold remediation specialist to perform a mold test and inspection. Mold tests can be conducted by any environmental consultant and/or analyzed by a laboratory specializing in microbiology, however, these tests can usually be very expensive -- from hundreds to thousands of dollars. At Next Generation, we have developed a standard process to determine the magnitude and location of mold problems quickly and inexpensively.
Will my health or my child's health be affected and should we see a physician?
If you believe that you or your children have symptoms that you suspect are caused by exposure to mold, you should see a physician. Keep in mind that many symptoms associated with mold exposure may also be caused by many other illnesses. You should tell your physician about the symptoms and about when, how, and for how long you think you or your children were exposed.
Who can I call if I suspect I have a mold problem or if I want more information?
For more information about the health effects of mold exposure and information on the safe removal of mold, please call Next Generation at (410) 455-6206 and speak with a certified mold remediation specialist.
How do molds get inside the home? How do they grow?
Molds naturally grow indoors. Mold spores may also enter through open doorways, windows, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Spores in the air outside also attach themselves to people and animals, making clothing, shoes, bags, and pets convenient vehicles for carrying mold indoors. When mold spores land on places where there is excessive moisture, such as where leak in roofs, pipes, walls, potted plants or where there has been flooding, mold will grow. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds. Other materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth and mold disease.
I just moved into a new home and think I have Mold. How can a "new" building have mold problems and who can help me learn more about the problem?
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that new homes are mold-free. There are a number of ways that mold can enter your new home: Building materials are stored outside without protection from moisture. There is no quality control to inspect moldy building materials. The builder fails to cover the building with plastic sheeting at the end of each construction day. Molds have a voracious appetite for drywall, plywood, and foam board. The builder doesn't test the home for mold while under construction or when finished. If you think you are suffering the effects of mold, contact a Next Generation Certified Mold Remediator (CMR) to perform an Inspection and Preliminary Determination (IPD).
I looked at my insurance policy and mold is not mentioned once. Do I have mold coverage?
Even if your policy appears to exclude mold as a covered risk, you may be able to collect on a toxigenic mold case if you can prove that the mold damage is a direct result of an insured hazard such as a sudden water pipe break, flood, or fire.
How about help from my insurance agent about the effects of mold?
Insurance agents usually are experts in their own field: selling insurance. They generally do not have the specialized knowledge or staff to prepare complete and accurate claims. Insurance companies rely on their adjusters, not their agents, to settle claims. It is also important to note that most adjusters are not "experts" on the effects of mold, you should contact Next Generation to remove the problem and a physician to obtain any medical information.
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