It is a situation straight out of a nightmare for residents and landlords alike. Just after you move in and start to turn your new place into a home, you discover the dreaded black spots behind the toilets, underneath countertops and in other nooks and crannies. You have mold. Regardless of whether you rent your home or you are the landlord, you and other North Carolina residents may be interested in learning about the potential safety and financial impacts of residential mold.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold is more common in American households than many people think. Mold spores are practically everywhere, and they will grow in any place that has excessive moisture. Therefore, if you notice mold in your home, you will need to address the underlying problem by repairing whatever causes a spot to be pervasively damp – such as a leaky toilet tank, dripping pipes under a sink, or an overly humid bathroom after a shower.
Your first thought after discovering mold may be to call a mold expert, which can be helpful, but is not always necessary. There are many types of mold, including the dreaded “black mold,” which can exacerbate upper respiratory tract problems, asthma, allergies and lung disease. Many people successfully get rid of mold by cleaning with a soap or bleach solution and addressing the moisture problem. It may be best in extreme cases to contact an expert, who can tell you if your carpets should be replaced, if your personal items should be professionally cleaned, or if you would need professional help getting rid of the mold.
