A FUNGUS AMONG USWe’ve been through the UFFI (ureaformaldahyde foam insulation), asbestos, radon, and lead paint issues. And just when you think there couldn’t be anything else, insurance companies, attorneys, and others sound yet another alarm. This time it’s mold, and its potential impact on the value of your home can be significant. A presence on earth for millions of years, the microscopic fungi come in myriad varieties, flourishing in moist environments. The cause of such health related problems as asthma/allergy-type symptoms; eye, ear, nose and throat irritiation; coughing and wheezing, mold became a serious issue about ten years ago when the stachybotrys strain, a.k.a. “killer mold”, was discovered to have caused the deaths of ten babies in Cleveland, Ohio. Seen or unseen, mold can live in your home--within walls, within plumbing, heating and ventilation systems. Today’s construction techniques,controlled environments and central air conditioning enhance mold-friendly environments. Insurance coverage for mold is limited and insurance companies have fiercely contested court claims. S o, as a homeowner you may want to determine if mold is present in your home, and perform any remediation necessary. Experts advise that eliminating the source of the mold--usually leaks--is the optimum way to stop its growth. Depending on the degree of buildup, cleanup methods can range from the simple combination of bleach and elbow grease to complex professional jobs involving sealing windows, filters to clean the air and vacuums fitted with filters. The bottom line? Since mold is here to stay, it’s prudent to be aware of its potential effects on your home. Although there no state and/or federal regulations for mold consultants/contractors you can obtain remediation guidelines from the federal Environmental Protection Agency. For assistance with all your real estate needs, visit americanheritagerealty.com or call 508-255-2202. AMERICAN HERITAGE REALTY
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