Is That Weird Smell in Your House Might Be Mold. Here's How to Check
WIRED July 7, 2022
Wet conditions and climate change mean the risk of spores is higher than ever. Here's how to know if you need an assessment and what you should expect.
AS CLIMATE CHANGE leads to increased flooding and more severe freezes, added moisture and humidity means that more homes and businesses are susceptible to mold growth. Mold can lead to a host of illnesses, ranging from asthma and upper respiratory tract symptoms to organ damage and cognitive difficulties. Michael Berg, technical director with Eurofins Environment Testing America, a company that does environmental testing for mold and other potential hazards, cited a research study finding that the economic cost to society of illness resulting from exposure to dampness and mold is over $22 billion.
With Atlantic hurricane season beginning in June, consumers need to know how to address water intrusion and mold in their homes. Since mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours, you should respond quickly to water intrusion by immediately removing wet materials (drywall, carpet, padding, etc.), using fans and dehumidifiers to dry out your home, and opening up areas with trapped moisture to airflow. Some lucky residents won’t have mold, but those who smell it, see it, or develop illnesses need to know what steps to consider, and that starts with a mold assessment.
The Importance of Proper Assessment
Because there are no national standards around mold assessment and remediation, standards vary from state to state. Only a handful of states have Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) laws that focus on mold, which leaves uneducated consumers at a disadvantage when facing water intrusion. Doug Hoffman, executive director of the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI), says NORMI has helped write mold legislation in several states. Hoffman said consumers should think of the “mold assessor as the architect” in charge of designing the scope and steps of the remediation project, while the “remediator is the contractor who does the work.” Hoffman says consumers shouldn’t try to save money on testing because testing dictates remediation, and incomplete testing can lead to incomplete remediation.
