Mold - Common Myths, Lies & Scams

1. Toxic mold will kill you. According to the Center of Disease Control: There are very few reports that toxigenic molds found inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss. These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of the toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven. It is important to note however, people do suffer fatal mold infections.  This only occurs in individuals with highly compromised immune systems, such as bone marrow transplant patients.  These people must be kept in zero exposure, hospital clean rooms.
2. Mold has no health effects. This also is untrue.  Exposure to excessive mold can cause allergic reactions, asthma and sinus infections.
3. Preventative mold treatments and coatings. While enticing, preventative coatings are ineffective because within a short period of time, a layer of dust settles on the surface (even on vertical surfaces).  Unfortunately, this dust can provide more than enough food for the mold growth, thereby nullifying the effectiveness of the underlying treatment.
4. Black mold is worse than other molds. Black mold is little more than a media term.  Mold growth comes in a variety of colors; molds capable of producing toxins and allergens occur in species of every color.
5. Any amount of mold is bad and must be removed. Mold spores are ubiquitous in our indoor and outdoor environment.  The only areas free of mold spores are clean rooms within hospitals and specialized laboratories. For the everywhere else, a certain amount of mold growth is unavoidable.  Watch out for companies claiming to completely eradicate your home of mold.  It's a red flag and often a sign of a scammer.
6. Anyone can perform mold abatement. Mold spores are very easily aerosolized.  Once they are disturbed, hundreds of thousands of spores can fill the air within a short period of time.  Because of this, containment procedures are necessary to prevent contaminating the entire house or building.
7. Fogging and chemical mildicides are effective. While it is true, many chemicals are effective at killing mold, this treatment does nothing to address the underlying problem and prevent regrowth.  Responsible mold remediation contractors physically remove the mold through HEPA vacuuming (Exceptions are made for attic and crawlspaces).
8. Attic mold is caused by roof leaks. While, yes, occasionally a leak roof is the culprit, condensation is far more likely to cause a mold problem than a roof leak.  Roof leaks tend to flow directly into the living area of the home, allowing for quick identification. The water intrusion is usually dealt with before significant mold growth can occur on the roof sheathing.

Learn more about the mold inspection process here.