Environmental growing concern

Rx4CleanAir, LLCwww.rxcleanair.com

770-362-2690

Real Estate Deals Do Not Need To Be Broken!Imagine you have found the perfect home for your client.

Neighborhood Price School district Style

Then you discover Musty odors Visible mold

Now what?

Real Estate Deals Do Not Need To Be Broken!

Most of the time it is blown out of proportion Sometimes its an easy cost effective fix Why not pre-handle if there is a concern

Certify the property before or afteryou list from

Mold

Real Estate Deals Do Not Need To Be Broken!

During this presentation, we are going to answer

What is mold?What are some of the health effects?Why is mold more prevalent today?How do you identify it?How do you remedy the issue?Why should you be concerned as an agent?How can we protect all involved with the

transaction?

Understanding The Importance Of An Environmentally Sound Home & Workplace

Properties that are clean and show well sell quicker!

Indoor air quality inspections & testing services will identify airborne contaminants such as:

Mold / Radon Chemical pollution Lead / Asbestos Allergens And more

Then cost effective solutions can be put into place.

Let us help you now!

How Long has Mold Been a Problem?Mold is not a “New” Issue

Mold has been around for millions of years. It travels in and out of our homes and work places through ventilation systems, doors and

windows. 

The “Ergot Epidemic”: Alkaloids, produced by the claviceps purpurea fungus, which is deadly, called ergot poisoning.

Leviticus 14: How to treat a molded dwelling.

An Old Contaminant Creates New Concerns For Homeowners

What is required for mold growth? Moisture or high relative humidity (>60%) Temperature between 40-100 ˚F Organic matter Available mold spores

Q: What, exactly, is mold?A: Molds are neither plants nor animals, but multicellular organisms known as fungi. They can be found growing almost anywhere on virtually any organic substance where moisture and oxygen are present. Molds grow as filaments (hyphae) similar to plant roots. The hyphae penetrate the surface of porous materials and reproduce by making thousands of spores that can’t be seen with the naked eye. These spores are dispersed into the air and can spread.

Why Is Mold A Problem Today?

Since the 1970’s, home construction has changed. Allergies are on the rise. Insurance companies have changed policies

drastically, reducing their liability and coverage's. Mold Problems have been receiving a lot of

attention due to the vast amounts of sickness and lawsuits that have been created.

The legal cases are mounting and staggering.

Health Effects

Respiratory system Immune system Neurological disorders Nose bleeds/bleeding lungs Coughing/Sneezing/Watery eyes Allergic reactions/rashes Death

Mold QuestionsQ: Where can mold be found?A: Mold can be found almost anywhere. In the home, mold can grow on wood, paper (including wallboard), carpet, foods, insulation, or other organic material with sufficient moisture and air. Whenever excessive moisture accumulates in a home or building, mold growth will often occur.

Q: What problems do molds cause to homes or buildings?A: If left unchecked, molds will digest whatever they are growing on, gradually destroying the material. Molds also create unpleasant odors. 

Q: What health risks do molds present?A: Molds can cause allergic reactions in most people. Molds can cause more serious problems for people with very heavy exposures, such as certain agricultural workers. People with compromised immune systems or pre-existing lung problems may suffer very severe or even life-threatening reactions to mold exposure.

http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html

Mold QuestionsQ: Is there a “safe level” for mold inside a home or building?A: No. Although the (EPA) and a limited number of local health agencies have issued guidance for remediation of mold in buildings, these agencies have not identified a safe level of mold in the air or on building surfaces. What is the reason?  Q: What conditions can lead to mold growth in homes?A: Any source of water entering or collecting within the interior of a home or building can lead to mold problems. Such as blocked gutters, leaking plumbing, defective roofs, flooding, rain-soaked construction materials, absence of drains, improper grading so rain water can flow away from the foundations. Windows with plugged weep holes, and installation of wet or water-logged construction materials are the most common causes of mold damage. Q: How can I prevent mold growth?A: The key is moisture control. Repair moist areas and plumbing leaks quickly. Keep HVAC equipment, drip pans and collection troughs clean. Install central dehumidification in the home and vent bathroom and dryers to the outside.  Keep gutters clean, open drainpipes, and inspect roofing and attics periodically for leakage.

What is Mold? Molds are ubiquitous in nature, and mold spores are a

common component of household and workplace dust.

Some molds also produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. The term "toxigenic molds" refers to molds that produce mycotoxins such as Stachybotrys chartarum. Exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems.

Prolonged exposure, e.g., daily workplace exposure, can be particularly harmful.

What is Mold?

It’s simply a fungus.Mushrooms, Mildew, Mold

Main purpose is to break down dead materialsSuch as wood and fibers (substances used in

building materials)It’s the “bio” in biodegradable

Molds produce air-born spores and gases.Molds like moisture.On average molds like temperatures

between 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Typically molds do not die above or below these temperatures, they go dormant.

What is Mold?

What Is Mold?

Molds are divided into 3 basic groups

Allergenic: Molds that can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, runny nose.

Pathogenic: Molds that can cause suppressed immune systems.

Toxigenic: Molds that can cause serious health effects in almost everyone.

Why is Mold More Prevalent in Homes Today?Since the 1970’s home construction changed dramatically

because of foreign oil dependence which prompted energy star programs, etc. Heavier insulation of homes “Wrapping” of homes with a vapor barrierCreation of less outside air ventilation

Building materialsWood products are not kiln dried due to supplier

demandOther materials are more “platform” friendly for mold

Is It Possible To Have An Airtight, Insulated, Energy Efficient Home And Be Healthy?

According to the statistics from the Bureau of the Census, 35% of homes are damaged due to water or moisture.Water intrusion in basementsSewer or septic breakdownsWater supply leaksImproperly vented fans and appliances

Bathroom exhaust fansDryer exhaust

Why is Mold More Prevalent in Homes Today?

Who is Liable?

Attorney

Realtor Agency Inspection Company

Home Owner

Home Owner Realtor

Previous Owner Contractor

Home Inspector

Appraisal Firm

Estimator

Unfortunately everyone is drawn in. Most claims are based upon the allegation that

the companies (Realtor, inspection firms, etc.) should have known about any possibilities of mold and did not disclose it.

Other claims are made when the mold is disclaimed and the inspector did not report on water damage/entry to the buyer or visible mold.

Litigation

Litigation

Litigation

How Do We Protect Our Business From Litigation?

Use of Risk Management Practices

Board Certified Mold InspectorsUse of Qualified Accredited LabsThorough Indoor Air Quality InspectionsIdentification of “Red Flag” areasProper Testing When Deemed NecessaryDocumentation/PhotosDisclosure

Risk Management PracticesA Certified Mold Inspector will:

Identify “Red Flag” areas Ensure limited testing if deemed necessary Write Protocol-Scope of work Recommend cost effective solutions if needed Document the source of moisture or water

intrusionHave inspection agreements or disclosure

statements signed by the client

What is a “Red Flag”?Visible MoldEvidence of water penetration (Moisture mapping)

Conditions that could allow water intrusionMusty odors (VOC’s)

Poorly maintained HVACImproperly vented fans or appliancesHigh relative humidity

Red Flag

Red Flag

Red Flag

Red Flag

Testing & SamplingThese are the most common types of mold

tests used for real estate transactionsSwab/Tape Lift SamplingCarpet SamplingAir Sampling

Other testing available Lead Asbestos Radon

Swab Sampling Swab Visible Mold Used in “red flag”

areas Identifies type of

molds present Used in guidance as

to remediation

Air Sampling Collection in “red flag”

areas Collection of indoor air

sample(s) Collection of a outdoor

sample Compare both results to

identify potential problems

Identifies types and quantities of mold

Carpet Sampling Collection of samples

from the carpet Used when no “red

flags” are seen Provides historical

information Appropriate with air

sampling

Reports

The reports contain valuable information for the client.

Written summary and lab report with photos Spore counts CFU’sSpore identification / description / speciationSpore type

Allergic, Pathogenic, Toxigenic

Levels of Inspection ServiceA limited indoor air quality inspection

The limited indoor air quality inspection does not include a visual examination of the entire home or building, but it is limited to a specific area within the dwelling as indicated by the occupant.

Temperature Relative humidity Moisture readings-walls, floors, and ceilings Particle allergens Visible mold Carbon dioxide Chemicals & VOC’s

This could require sampling if deemed necessary to support a hypothesis.

Full Indoor Air Quality Inspection

A full indoor air quality inspection includes a complete and comprehensive assessment of the entire home or building inside & outside.

Temperature Relative humidity Moisture-walls, floors, and ceilings HVAC systems Hot water heaters Proper ventilation and air exchange inside the building Carbon dioxide Particle counts Visible mold Chemicals (VOC’s) Radon monitoring (3) days

This could require sampling if deemed necessary to support a hypothesis.

Remember

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www.rxcleanair.com770-362-2690