This document discusses mold issues in real estate transactions. It provides information on identifying mold through visible signs and moisture indicators ("red flags"). It also discusses the health effects of mold, why mold is more prevalent today due to changes in home construction, and the importance of proper indoor air quality inspections and testing to identify mold and other contaminants. The document emphasizes using certified mold inspectors and proper documentation to help protect real estate agents and other parties from litigation related to mold issues.

1. Environmental
growing concern
Rx4CleanAir, LLC
www.rxcleanair.com
770-362-2690

2. Real Estate Deals Do Not Need To Be Broken!
Imagine you have found the perfect home for your client.
 Neighborhood
 Price
 School district
 Style
Then you discover
 Musty odors
 Visible mold
Now what?

3. Real Estate Deals Do Not Need To Be Broken!
 Most of the time it is blown out of proportion
 Sometimes its an easy cost effective fix
 Why not pre-handle if there is a concern
Certify the property before or after
you list from
Mold

4. Real Estate Deals Do Not Need To Be Broken!
During this presentation, we are going to answer
What is mold?
What are some of the health effects?
Why is mold more prevalent today?
How do you identify it?
How do you remedy the issue?
Why should you be concerned as an agent?
How can we protect all involved with the
transaction?

5. Understanding The Importance Of An
Environmentally Sound Home & Workplace
Properties that are clean and show well sell quicker!
Indoor air quality inspections & testing services will
identify airborne contaminants such as:
 Mold / Radon
 Chemical pollution
 Lead / Asbestos
 Allergens And more
Then cost effective solutions can be put into place.
Let us help you now!

6. How Long has Mold Been a Problem?
Mold is not a “New” Issue
Mold has been around for millions of years. It travels in and out of our
homes and work places through ventilation systems, doors and
windows.
 The “Ergot Epidemic”: Alkaloids, produced by the claviceps
purpurea fungus, which is deadly, called ergot poisoning.
 Leviticus 14: How to treat a molded dwelling.
An Old Contaminant Creates New Concerns
For Homeowners

7. What is required for mold growth?
 Moisture or high relative humidity (>60%)
 Temperature between 40-100 ˚F
 Organic matter
 Available mold spores
Q: What, exactly, is mold?
A: Molds are neither plants nor animals, but multicellular organisms
known as fungi. They can be found growing almost anywhere on
virtually any organic substance where moisture and oxygen are
present. Molds grow as filaments (hyphae) similar to plant roots. The
hyphae penetrate the surface of porous materials and reproduce by
making thousands of spores that can’t be seen with the naked
eye. These spores are dispersed into the air and can spread.

8. Why Is Mold A Problem Today?
 Since the 1970’s, home construction has changed.
 Allergies are on the rise.
 Insurance companies have changed policies
drastically, reducing their liability and coverage's.
 Mold Problems have been receiving a lot of
attention due to the vast amounts of sickness and
lawsuits that have been created.
 The legal cases are mounting and staggering.

9. Health Effects
 Respiratory system
 Immune system
 Neurological disorders
 Nose bleeds/bleeding lungs
 Coughing/Sneezing/Watery eyes
 Allergic reactions/rashes
 Death

10. Mold Questions
Q: Where can mold be found?
A: Mold can be found almost anywhere. In the home, mold can grow on wood,
paper (including wallboard), carpet, foods, insulation, or other organic material
with sufficient moisture and air. Whenever excessive moisture accumulates in a
home or building, mold growth will often occur.
Q: What problems do molds cause to homes or buildings?
A: If left unchecked, molds will digest whatever they are growing on, gradually
destroying the material. Molds also create unpleasant odors.
Q: What health risks do molds present?
A: Molds can cause allergic reactions in most people. Molds can cause more
serious problems for people with very heavy exposures, such as certain
agricultural workers. People with compromised immune systems or pre-existing
lung problems may suffer very severe or even life-threatening reactions to mold
exposure.
http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html

11. Mold Questions
Q: Is there a “safe level” for mold inside a home or building?
A: No. Although the (EPA) and a limited number of local health agencies have
issued guidance for remediation of mold in buildings, these agencies have not
identified a safe level of mold in the air or on building surfaces. What is the
reason?
Q: What conditions can lead to mold growth in homes?
A: Any source of water entering or collecting within the interior of a home or
building can lead to mold problems. Such as blocked gutters, leaking plumbing,
defective roofs, flooding, rain-soaked construction materials, absence of drains,
improper grading so rain water can flow away from the foundations. Windows
with plugged weep holes, and installation of wet or water-logged construction
materials are the most common causes of mold damage.
Q: How can I prevent mold growth?
A: The key is moisture control. Repair moist areas and plumbing leaks
quickly. Keep HVAC equipment, drip pans and collection troughs clean. Install
central dehumidification in the home and vent bathroom and dryers to the
outside. Keep gutters clean, open drainpipes, and inspect roofing and attics
periodically for leakage.

12. What is Mold?
 Molds are ubiquitous in nature, and mold spores are a
common component of household and workplace dust.
 Some molds also produce mycotoxins that can pose
serious health risks to humans and animals. The term
"toxigenic molds" refers to molds that produce
mycotoxins such as Stachybotrys chartarum.
Exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to
neurological problems.
 Prolonged exposure, e.g., daily workplace exposure,
can be particularly harmful.

13. What is Mold?
It’s simply a fungus.
Mushrooms, Mildew, Mold
Main purpose is to break down dead
materials
Such as wood and fibers (substances used in
building materials)
It’s the “bio” in biodegradable

14. Molds produce air-born spores and gases.
Molds like moisture.
On average molds like temperatures
between 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Typically molds do not die above or below these
temperatures, they go dormant.
What is Mold?

16. What Is Mold?
Molds are divided into 3 basic groups
Allergenic: Molds that can cause symptoms such
as coughing, wheezing, runny nose.
Pathogenic: Molds that can cause suppressed
immune systems.
Toxigenic: Molds that can cause serious health
effects in almost everyone.

17. Why is Mold More Prevalent in Homes Today?
Since the 1970’s home construction changed dramatically
because of foreign oil dependence which prompted
energy star programs, etc.
Heavier insulation of homes
“Wrapping” of homes with a vapor barrier
Creation of less outside air ventilation
Building materials
Wood products are not kiln dried due to supplier
demand
Other materials are more “platform” friendly for mold

18. Is It Possible To Have An Airtight, Insulated,
Energy Efficient Home And Be Healthy?

19. According to the statistics from the Bureau of the
Census, 35% of homes are damaged due to
water or moisture.
Water intrusion in basements
Sewer or septic breakdowns
Water supply leaks
Improperly vented fans and appliances
Bathroom exhaust fans
Dryer exhaust
Why is Mold More Prevalent in Homes Today?

20. Who is Liable?
Attorney
Realtor Agency Inspection Company
Home Owner
Home Owner Realtor
Previous Owner Contractor
Home Inspector
Appraisal Firm
Estimator

21.  Unfortunately everyone is drawn in.
 Most claims are based upon the allegation that
the companies (Realtor, inspection firms, etc.) should
have known about any possibilities of mold and
did not disclose it.
 Other claims are made when the mold is
disclaimed and the inspector did not report on
water damage/entry to the buyer or visible mold.
Litigation

22. Litigation

23. Litigation

25. How Do We Protect Our Business From Litigation?
Use of Risk Management Practices
Board Certified Mold Inspectors
Use of Qualified Accredited Labs
Thorough Indoor Air Quality Inspections
Identification of “Red Flag” areas
Proper Testing When Deemed Necessary
Documentation/Photos
Disclosure

26. Risk Management Practices
A Certified Mold Inspector will:
 Identify “Red Flag” areas
 Ensure limited testing if deemed necessary
 Write Protocol-Scope of work
 Recommend cost effective solutions if needed
 Document the source of moisture or water
intrusion
Have inspection agreements or disclosure
statements signed by the client

27. What is a “Red Flag”?
Visible Mold
Evidence of water penetration (Moisture mapping)
Conditions that could allow water intrusion
Musty odors (VOC’s)
Poorly maintained HVAC
Improperly vented fans or appliances
High relative humidity

28. Red Flag

29. Red Flag

30. Red Flag

31. Red Flag

32. Testing & Sampling
These are the most common types of mold
tests used for real estate transactions
Swab/Tape Lift Sampling
Carpet Sampling
Air Sampling
Other testing available
 Lead
 Asbestos
 Radon

33. Swab Sampling
 Swab Visible Mold
 Used in “red flag”
areas
 Identifies type of
molds present
 Used in guidance as
to remediation

34. Air Sampling
 Collection in “red flag”
areas
 Collection of indoor air
sample(s)
 Collection of a outdoor
sample
 Compare both results to
identify potential
problems
 Identifies types and
quantities of mold

35. Carpet Sampling
 Collection of samples
from the carpet
 Used when no “red
flags” are seen
 Provides historical
information
 Appropriate with air
sampling

36. Reports
The reports contain valuable information for the
client.
Written summary and lab report with photos
Spore counts CFU’s
Spore identification / description / speciation
Spore type
Allergic, Pathogenic, Toxigenic

37. Levels of Inspection Service
A limited indoor air quality inspection
 The limited indoor air quality inspection does not include a visual
examination of the entire home or building, but it is limited to a specific area
within the dwelling as indicated by the occupant.
 Temperature
 Relative humidity
 Moisture readings-walls, floors, and ceilings
 Particle allergens
 Visible mold
 Carbon dioxide
 Chemicals & VOC’s
This could require sampling if deemed necessary to support a hypothesis.

38. Full Indoor Air Quality Inspection
 A full indoor air quality inspection includes a complete and
comprehensive assessment of the entire home or building inside &
outside.
 Temperature
 Relative humidity
 Moisture-walls, floors, and ceilings
 HVAC systems
 Hot water heaters
 Proper ventilation and air exchange inside the building
 Carbon dioxide
 Particle counts
 Visible mold
 Chemicals (VOC’s)
 Radon monitoring (3) days
This could require sampling if deemed necessary to support a hypothesis.

39. Remember

41. Thanks for viewing our Presentation
Visit our website at
www.rxcleanair.com/agent
For services, pricing, specials, offers & link to this presentation.
Clean air is the best medicine!
Rx4CleanAir, LLC
www.rxcleanair.com
770-362-2690