Question: Hi there, I was hoping to get some clarity on some potential mold issues. We currently rent out a basement unit. We have never had issues before but the current tenant refuses to run the dehumidifier, as a result her wicker headboard got moldy. We had an air quality test that showed the total airborne fungal spore count for the outdoor sample was 11,000 per cubic meter and the indoor count was 43,000 per cubic meter. The testing company said they will come in and clean visible mold and that should take care of it after more indoor tests. I am just worried about spending another $600.00 and still have the same issues. Is this the correct process, should we be allowing the tenant to move back in after this 'surface' clean? Are those results worrisome? Any thoughts would be great. Thanks.




Answer: The testing company is right in suggesting a cleanup of the visible mold. However, cleaning the mold without addressing the underlying cause is a waste of resources since the mold will grow again after a few months if not weeks. The best way to control mold growth in a building is to correct moisture problems in addition to cleaning. You may get more information on mold removal at the Canadian Construction Association's website at http://www.cca-acc.com/homepage_e.asp.

Question: We live in a new home (completed Aug2006). Our house has been tested for mold and the tests have found wet plywood sheathing(>17%) and elevated levels of airborne fungal spores - in particular, the Aspergillus/Penicillium. My husband and I have both had coughs since December/2007. Should I be asking my doctor to do any specific tests? Our house was drywalled and insulated 2 months BEFORE the tarpaper and siding were installed, thus the drywall and insulation was saturated several times during the June/2006 rains. Do you have any other advice for us?


Answer: It is possible the cough is not related to mold. However, I would suggest you consult your doctor. Also, since the tests have indicated elevated levels of Aspergillus/Penicillium, you may want to hire a professional to assess the extent of mold contamination and recommend appropriate level of remediation.

Question: I have no visible signs of mold in my house... We have been living in it for 7 months and just before that the majority of the house was gutted and re-done. Recently I have had several people tell me that there is black mold in the house... on the outside specifically.  These are obviously uneducated people as I know for a fact that what they're talking about is dirt on my house from an old raised flower bed I removed. I guess my question is - what can I do to prove them wrong... I know I could probably take a sample of the dirt on the house for testing but as far as inside the house where there are no signs of mold what can I do to prove it- I just don't want this to escalate and cause a problem when we want to sell...Also how much would it cost to get a dirt sample tested for black mold.lol. I'm sorry this is just ridiculous to me. Small towns, I tell ya. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.


Answer: I can understand your concern. If people are seeing the dirt on the outside and they are mistaking it for black mold, I would suggest you have it cleaned up if possible. As for prospective buyers, you could have the house tested for mold by a qualified professional. Generally, where there are no signs of mould, air samples could be taken.