So you think you might have a mold problem, and you’re not sure what to do. You are not alone. Many people have a leak and wonder the extent of the problem. Most people fix the leak and put off thinking about the ramifications for another day. But there is a smarter way to go that will help you ensure you and your family’s health while living in your home is protected.
Of course, if you know you have a leak or have had a leak, you *must* find the source of the leak and fix it, then replace any drywall that has been wet longer than 24 hours. Also, think about the construction implications of each leak you find. Is the same problem found elsewhere on the structure? Should I hire an expert to inspect for water damage? Check the EPA’s website, and at that of the Centers for Disease Control for more information on mold cleanup. If you are not sure you have fixed all leaks and damage, call in a professional to help you spot construction problems and possible leak sources. Trust me, there are people out there that are very good at this sort of thing, and they will help you find the trouble areas.
In order to find out if there is a mold problem in your home, the best and least expensive way to start is to get an ERMI (Environmental Relative Mold Index) test on your dwelling. The ERMI will tell you how your home stacks up against others in the U.S., and will give you an idea of the species growing in your home. If the ERMI turns up problems, you are suddenly faced with a stark choice: move and sell your home if you own it, or re-test and remediate, whatever the cost. More specific testing would have to be disclosed, so it really does come down to this.
Also, if your ERMI is showing up a mold problem, you will need to find a mold-aware doctor and get the home’s occupants tested to find out if they are mold or multi-susceptible. This is the HLA DR genetic test.
If the home’s occupants are mold or multi-susceptible, then the situation is critical and you must take moving and remediating very seriously. You can’t just move all your belongings to a new place and everything is fine. Everything you own is now moldy if your home is moldy. You must throw out furniture that can’t be adequately cleaned of mold: your upholstered furniture (unless you strip and discard all the upholstered part and clean the rest), your down jackets & pillows and comforters, any poufy comforter or quilt, all pillows, foam, thick jackets, sleeping bags, stuffed animals, etc. Anything else that cannot be washed or cleaned must be thrown out, such as toys, books you used that spent time open on a counter, maybe even that yarn stash if it isn’t washable. I am still coming to terms with that one! Take the down, but my yarn…? It starts to hit close to home!
According to pioneering mold doctor Dr. Richie Shoemaker, in order to know whether or not you are susceptible to mold, first check your wingspan–the distance from fingertip to fingertip with your arms extended outward. If this distance is greater than your height, and you are of Northern European descent, are tall and long-fingered, chances are you are susceptible to mold. If you are very flexible, you may be a subtype who is extremely sensitive to mold. The definitive blood test is the HLA DR typing assay using PCR sequence specific chain reaction technique by Lab Corp (012542).
Dr. Richie Shoemaker has authored the highly informative book Surviving Mold, a good primer for anyone dealing with mold illness. Although the book is far from concise, it is nevertheless extremely informative and not a bad read. I found it most helpful to read the chapters in the order in which I was interested in them. Dr. Shoemaker’s website is helpful as well. Dr. Shoemaker’s book and website detail the blood tests Dr. Shoemaker recommends in diagnosing mold illness. This test protocol can be taken to your doctor so you can work this protocol through him. Work with a mold knowledgeable doctor to diagnose and treat your illness is critical to regaining your health. Check internet sources to find a mold-knowledgeable doctor in your area.
Good sources for information on mold cleanup can be found at the EPA’s website, and at that of the Centers for Disease Control.
The good news is if you have been affected by mold, this information is going to empower you, and you will be feeling much better soon!
We are currently going through our own moving and mold-remediating process. I will begin posting a log on the process soon.