Mold

Finding mold in your home does not automatically mean that there is a serious health hazard. If visible mold is present, you should:

1. Find and fix the source of moisture that caused the mold.

2. Clean or remove the mold.

3. Dry the affected area.

Cleaning mold

Small areas of mold can often be cleaned safely by homeowners. Before cleaning mold, identify and correct the source of moisture. Cleaning mold without fixing the underlying water problem will usually result in the mold coming back.

Cleaning hard surfaces

For mold growing on hard, nonporous surfaces:

1. Wear gloves and eye protection.

2. Clean the affected area using detergent and water or an appropriate household cleaner.

3. Dry the surface completely.

4. Continue monitoring the area to make sure the mold does not come back.

Cleaning porous surfaces

Some porous materials cannot be effectively cleaned once mold has started to grow. Materials that may need to be removed and replaced include:

• Drywall

• Ceiling tiles

• Carpet and carpet padding

• Insulation

• Upholstered furniture

• Other porous materials that remain damp or have extensive mold growth

Clothing, towels, and bedding can often be cleaned with hot water and detergent.

Do not paint or seal over mold without cleaning or removing the mold first.

When to hire a professional

Many small mold problems can be safely managed by homeowners. Professional assistance may be appropriate when:

• Mold covers a large area.

• Mold returns repeatedly despite cleaning.

• The source of moisture cannot be identified or corrected.

• Heating, ventilation, or air-conditioning systems are affected.

• Sewage contamination is involved.

• Extensive flooding or water damage has occurred.

• Building materials are heavily saturated.

• Occupants have medical conditions that increase their risk from mold exposure.

• Mold may be hidden inside walls, ceilings, or other inaccessible areas.

A qualified mold remediation contractor can help identify moisture sources, recommend appropriate repairs, and safely remove extensive contamination.

Mold doesn’t usually cause major health issues for healthy people. However, prolonged exposure to high levels of mold can cause health problems and affect your quality of life.

People with allergies, asthma, chronic lung disease, or weakened immune systems may be more likely to experience health effects. Possible mold exposure symptoms include:

• Sneezing

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Coughing

• Sore throat

• Sinus irritation

• Eye irritation

• Skin irritation

If you think you are experiencing symptoms from being exposed to mold, call your healthcare provider.

Are all molds bad for you?

Mold is a general term for fungi that grow in dusty- or fuzzy-looking layers. Just because they share a common growth pattern doesn't mean that all molds are closely related, or that they share a common biochemistry. In fact, molds vary widely in their lifecycles, taxonomy, biochemistry, environmental roles, and relationships with humans.

When we think of mold, we usually think of molds that can cause food to go bad or make people sick, like Rhizopus stolonifera, also known as black bread mold. But not all molds are harmful to people. Molds like Aspergillus oryzae (koji mold) are used to make soy sauce and other fermented foods. Other types, like some Penicillium molds, are used to make penicillin – a life-saving natural antibiotic to fight bacterial infections.

What about "black mold"?

“Black mold” is a general term for dark green or black fungi. “Black mold” is usually referring to the specific type of mold called Stachybotrys chartarum that can produce toxins. However, there has been no evidence that this type of mold is more dangerous or hazardous to your health than any other mold.

It’s important to remember that mold cannot be identified by color or appearance alone. Many common molds may appear black, dark green, gray, or brown.

The CDC recommends treating all molds found in your home, including Stachybotrys chartarum, the same by cleaning up the mold and fixing the problem that caused the extra moisture to stop the mold from growing again.

What is a mycotoxin?

Some molds produce chemical compounds that can be harmful to humans and animals. These compounds are collectively known as mycotoxins.

The ability of a mold species to produce a mycotoxin does not mean that it produces the toxin in every environment. Toxin production may depend on temperature, moisture, nutrients, growth stage, and other environmental conditions.

Because these variables are difficult to evaluate in a home, practical recommendations remain the same: correct the moisture source and remove indoor mold growth.

In most situations, mold testing is not necessary.

Because mold spores naturally occur in both indoor and outdoor air, testing results can be difficult to interpret. The presence of spores does not necessarily indicate that a building has a serious mold problem or that mold is causing a person’s symptoms.

Testing may be appropriate in limited situations, including:

• Mold is suspected behind walls or above ceilings.

• A building has experienced extensive water damage.

• There are legal or insurance concerns.

• A qualified professional recommends testing as part of an investigation.

• A healthcare provider recommends environmental assessment.

For most homeowners and renters, correcting the moisture problem is more important than identifying the exact species of mold.

Note: Kitsap Public Health District does not inspect or test private residences for mold.

You can help lower the chances of mold growing in your home by:

• Repairing plumbing, roof, and foundation leaks promptly.

• Using bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans while cooking or showering.

• Venting clothes dryers outdoors.

• Keeping indoor humidity as low as practical, generally below 50%.

• Using a dehumidifier in damp areas when needed.

• Wiping up condensation from windows and other cold surfaces.

• Allowing air to circulate throughout the home.

• Keeping furniture a few inches away from cold exterior walls when possible.

• Avoiding overcrowded storage in damp or poorly ventilated spaces.

• Drying wet materials as quickly as possible after spills or water damage.

Some condensation-related mold growth may be difficult to prevent completely, particularly during colder weather when warm indoor air contacts cold windows, walls, or ceilings.

Small amounts of recurring mold in bathrooms, around windows, or near plumbing fixtures can usually be managed through regular cleaning, improved ventilation, and moisture control.

Flooding, major plumbing failures, and roof leaks can cause mold to develop quickly. The most important steps after water damage are to stop the source of the water and dry the affected area as soon as possible.

If your home has experienced flooding or significant water damage:

1. Stop the source of the water, if possible.

2. Remove standing water.

3. Dry affected materials using fans, dehumidifiers, and ventilation.

4. Remove and discard materials that cannot be completely dried.

5. Clean remaining surfaces before rebuilding or making repairs.

The longer building materials remain wet, the more likely mold growth becomes. In severe cases, saturated drywall, insulation, carpeting, and upholstered furniture may need to be removed and discarded.

Water contaminated with sewage or other hazardous material requires additional precautions and may require professional cleanup. Call us at 360-728-2235 for guidance.

Washington law requires landlords to provide tenants with information about controlling indoor mold growth and minimizing potential health risks.

Landlord responsibilities

Landlords are responsible for repairing building problems that allow water to enter a rental unit, including plumbing leaks, roof leaks, and structural problems that contribute to excess moisture.

Washington’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act does not  require landlords to perform mold remediation.

Tenant responsibilities

Tenants should:

• Report leaks, flooding, or water damage promptly.

• Notify the landlord in writing when possible.

• Keep copies of maintenance requests and other communications.

• Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans when available.

• Maintain reasonable ventilation in the dwelling.

• Wipe up condensation when it occurs.

• Clean small amounts of condensation-related mold during normal housekeeping.

KPHD does not enforce landlord-tenant law or resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. The Washington State Office of the Attorney General has resources available.