Wednesday, September 19, 2007

The Problem with Mold

Say the word "mold" in a cheese shop, and people's faces light up with visions of a pungently tasty blue cheese. Say the word "mold" anywhere near a real estate transaction, and people will flip out. Why is mold so controversial? Read on!

You might think mold will only be found in decrepit old unkempt homes, but you would be wrong. This is a problem that can affect any home, old or new, clean or dirty. (Check out the plight of these owners of new condos in Emeryville, as reported in the East Bay Express).

Mold can grow anywhere in a home, and I mean anywhere--from air conditioning ducts to baseboards to the leaves of house plants. Also, check for mold in abthroom & kitchen caulking, carpet padding, vents & ducts, behind bookshelves, and any humid damp areas. Sometimes a visual inspection is not enough and an expert must be called in to inspect.

The problem with mold is that some forms can be very toxic and could cause disease. Some of the health risks of mold exposure include: allergy attacks, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, nausea, rashes, and more.

It is best to monitor any possible mold situation and take care of it as soon as possible. A regular inspection and early remedies should be quite affordable. But, ignoring a mold problem can cost you a lot of money (like the story in that article link up above). The East Bay can get quite damp, so make sure to protect your investment in your home by keeping mold in check.

Then, go to Pt. Reyes for some great blue cheese!

If you ever have any questions about mold problems, just let us know. We are happy to help.






That luscious blue cheese pic is courtesy of Pt Reyes Farmstead Cheese. Mmmmmmm.

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