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RTS Environmental Newsletter, October 2008

Recent media reports have brought Mold, especially "Toxic Mold" into the consciousness of the everyday homeowner and buyer and many fear it is secretly taking over the internal walls of their home. Educating your potential buyers about the facts and misconceptions about household mold problems can alleviate their fear of buying a new home. The media hype may have provided misinformation before they begin looking.

RTS Environmental Services wants to assist you in this process by providing you the FACTS about "Black or Toxic Mold". Presented below is the first part of a series of common questions asked by our customers and real estate partners about household mold issues.

What exactly is mold?

Mold is a naturally occurring organism that has been recognized as a problem since the beginning of history. Mold is part of the fungus kingdom (like yeast and mushrooms), and there are thousands of known species of mold. Mold releases enzymes that break down organic material. Thus, mold plays a vital role in decomposing dead plant matter, and has given us valuable medicines against bacteria like penicillin. The trouble arises from the fact that mold can also grow in our household environments and cause damage or worse, cause health effects.

What causes mold to grow?

Mold needs three things to grow: food, water and the right temperature. Unfortunately, mold thrives in the same temperature range that humans generally prefer (48°F to 70°F), and mold feasts on components of wallboard, carpets and other common household furnishings and construction materials. Thus, the only real way to control mold is to eliminate its water or source of moisture.

How does Mold get indoors?

Mold spores are everywhere and are brought inside mainly through air movement or normal air exchange with outdoor air as ambient air within our homes. Over time mold levels indoors can increase if we don't clean regularly, or if spores inside find a moist environment, they can germinate and produce more mold spores ultimately becoming a bloom of mold which may cause an elevation of Mold spore levels indoors. Indoor air quality can become an issue when the scenario is significant enough to spread over many square feet of mold growth. Small amounts of mold may produce little to no air quality impact. But if there is sustained moisture to larger scale surface areas of building materials it can be a real problem.

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 my 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

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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