Rochester Real Estate News - Phillips Property Group

SE Minnesota Real Estate News

December 21st, 2011 9:51 AM

During the past few years, lawsuits related to mold and other pesky microbes have spread across courts in the same way mold spreads through a home, causing some legal experts to wonder if these claims will outpace the asbestos litigation they've seen over the past two decades.

Many of these lawsuits are being initiated by homeowners who believe the mold growth resulted from faulty design, construction, or repair of the home. Other lawsuits arise because the homeowners discover that the previous owners and/or the real estate agents involved were aware of the presence of toxic mold and failed to disclose it.

Most of these cases revolve around a recurring theme: Certain conditions fostered the growth of toxic mold, causing building damage and personal injury.

How Can Mold Affect Your Health?

Many of these molds have been found to cause adverse health reactions including allergies, asthma attacks, brain damage and even death. People with known health problems related to "sick building syndrome" or indoor air quality are perfect candidates for a toxic mold reaction.

How Does Mold Spread?
Generally speaking, toxic mold requires three elements to flourish: Moisture, a temperate climate, and a food source (usually wood, paper, or other carbon/cellulose-based material). Mold establishes quickly, sometimes in less than 48 hours. Under certain conditions, it flourishes and spreads rapidly.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Warns...
If you believe you have a mold problem, act quickly. Mold damages what it grows on. According to the EPA, small areas of mold, 10 square feet and smaller can be cleaned up by the homeowner, provided certain precautions are taken like wearing gloves and assuring adequate ventilation.

Call a contractor for help if the mold problem is:

Covering an area larger than 10 square feet.
In the heating/air conditioning/ventilation (HVAC) system.
Related to sewage.

In the meantime, if you have these conditions, don't turn on the HVAC system or you risk spreading the problem throughout the home. If you suspect the mold has caused a health problem, do not clean up until you have consulted a physician.

(For more information, the EPA Web site provides specific directions for dealing with mold so you can protect your home and health from mold damage.)

Contact us if you are in the market for a new home or want to sell your current property:

The Phillips Property Group

507-722-1635

Posted by Phillips Property Group Counselor Realty of Rochester on December 21st, 2011 9:51 AMPost a Comment (0)

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