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RTS Environmental Newsletter, November 2008

With the increase in foreclosed properties in the Washington DC/Baltimore area, many potential buyers and real estate agents are learning that there could be hidden risks. Since many of these properties are not maintained the potential for mold growth increases considerably. Standing water in basements and crawl spaces can quickly turn into a major household mold problem and make a potential investment property turn into a nightmare.

RTS Environmental Services wants to assist you in this process by providing you the FACTS about Mold and how a Mold inspection can educate you. Presented below is the second part of a series of common questions asked by our customers and real estate partners about household mold issues.

How can you tell if it is mold?

If you're not immediately certain whether something is mold, there are two ways to tell:

Color: Aside from the common dark green color, mold may be black, white, gray, dark brown, orange and yellow. Dab a drop of household bleach onto a suspected spot. If the stain loses its color or disappears, it may be mold. If there is no change, it probably isn't mold.

Smell: Sometimes molds are hidden and cannot be seen. In this case, a musty or earthy smell often indicates the presence of molds. But beware, not all molds have an odor.

Is Mold Harmful?

Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny mold fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) and by swallowing it. The level at which mold exposure becomes harmful has not been determined. Several factors complicate this: Thousands of different Mold species exist, each having a different capacity to produce an immune response or harmful effect. Each person has a different reaction or immune response to Mold exposure. Some individuals can accept high Mold exposure, whereas for others the slight presence of Mold can initiate a profound response (sinus, headache, fatigue, etc.). Living Mold, Mold fragments, and even chemicals produced by Molds (mycotoxins) can produce allergic responses.

Who is Most at Risk from Mold Exposure?

• Infants and young children
• The elderly
• Asthma sufferers
• Allergy sufferers
• Pregnant women
• People with compromised immune systems

Contact Info:

If you or a potential homebuyer suspects that there may be a mold problem in a property, it is wise to schedule a mold inspection to determine the severity of the problem. Mold grows in damp and dark areas of the home that may not be easily seen and it is better to determine if there is a problem before a house is sold.

To discuss this with a certified mold inspector, please contact RTS Environmental Services at 1-800-722-5589 or visit our website at www.rtsenvironmental.com

RTS Environmental has provided thousands of mold in sections for real estate professionals and buyers throughout the greater Washington Metropolitan area to provide thorough, honest, and practical inspections and solutions.

Contact Information
RTS Environmental Services, Inc.
Tel: 1-800-722-5589
301-607-6276 Maryland Line
Fax: 301-831-6235
Email: info@rtsenvironmental.com

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