While the housing crisis has been a nightmare for many, it’s presented other with the opportunity of purchasing a cheap foreclosed home.  However, it’s not always all good news for these buyers.  Lurking in these discounted homes can be hidden problems that can quickly eat up the money their saving.  An an article in Popular Mechanics listed mold as the top problem home buyers should look for when considering a foreclosed home.

We’ve blogged a lot about how easily mold can grow out of sight and cause real health problems.  All this occurs in occupied homes where families, whether they intend to or not, create inhospitable environments for mold.  Summer is a time for air conditioning and dehumidifiers, which combat the warm, wet environments that mold needs to grow.  Leaks are quickly dealt with, and if mold does rear its ugly head, homeowners are usually quick to deal with it.

With a foreclosed home, which usually goes unoccupied for months, the air conditioning, dehumidifiers, and vigilance all go away.  What’s left is a musty space where leaks can go unnoticed and mold can easily spread.  It can get into ductwork and then spread through the rest of the house.  Even then, a prospective buyer still may not notice it until it’s too late.

For sure, this sort problem is more common in Florida where the conditions are better for mold growth and there are many more foreclosed homes on the market.  However, last summer brought the story of a Rockville, MD home that sat empty after foreclosure, and became infested with mold.

The wise homebuyer will use some of the money saved from purchasing a foreclosure to have it inspected by a mold specialist before signing on the dotted line.  At Advance Mold Remediation, we’re ready to help you determine whether you’re truly getting a good deal on a foreclosure and give you some peace of mind as you go to settlement.  Contact us to learn more.

Health Risks Associated With Mold Exposure

Mold isn’t just unattractive, it smells. And even worse, mold can endanger your health. Whether you touch it, eat it or simply breathe it, you run the risk of having an adverse reaction. And, depending on your personal sensitivity and the type of mold, that reaction can be severe – or even deadly.

Infants, older adults and those with compromised immune systems tend to be especially sensitive to mold. And if you happen to be one of the many people who are allergic to mold, it may not even matter whether the mold you encounter is considered to be infectious or toxic. Simply being exposed to any type of mold can cause

• Asthma
• Congestion
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Wheezing
• Shortness of Breath
• Sore Throat
• Itchy, Watery Eyes
• Skin Rashes

Unfortunately, being allergic to mold is the least of the health concerns associated with mold exposure. If the mold you encounter happens to be a toxic variety, then you are at risk for a number of severe health reactions even if you aren’t allergic to mold. You run the risk of experiencing

• Seizures
• Tremors
• Respiratory Problems
• Sore Throat
• Shortness of Breath
• Muscle Cramps
• Joint Pain
• Irritated Eyes
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Cramps
• Vomiting
• Skin Rashes
• Unusual Bleeding
• Severe Swelling
• Organ Damage
• Heart Palpitations
• Nervous System Damage
• Brain Damage
• Death

The reality is that all molds present a potential health risk. If you see signs of indoor mold growth, you should take steps immediately to eradicate the mold, and if you believe that the mold may have spread beyond a small, easily cleaned area, you would be wise to consult a professional. Remember, when it comes to mold, you may be risking your health.