MOLD INFORMATION
Link to Sacramento County Environmental Department Mold Information
EACH DAY WE LEARN MORE ABOUT MOLD IN OUR ENVIRONMENT
For mold to grow it needs: food sources such as leaves, wood, paper or dirt; a source of moisture and a place to grow. Mold growth can be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown and black. There are thousands of types of molds and many produce mycotoxins, which can adversely effect the health of human beings and animals. The molds most frequently mentioned are: Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus; Penicillum; Fusarium, and Cladosporium Stachybotrys has been called the 'toxic' mold and is normally not found in the air due to its wet, slimy growth characteristics. It is found inside of walls where it feeds on cellulose-based materials such as gypsum wall board, jute backing of carpets, paper, wood or dust.
WHY IS MOLD SUCH AN ISSUE?
We have read, seen and heard a great deal about mold, it is not a new problem and it is not exclusive to Sacramento or to California. Plumbing leaks, faulty roofs, rains and floods all contribute to the build up of mold contamination in commercial buildings, privately owned homes as well as in rental properties.
No structure is immune from mold contamination if the building has had water intrusion over a period of time. This can be the result of cracks in the exterior walls & foundations, leaks around window framing, roof leaks, pipe leaks, toilet seals cracked, tub caulking cracked or improperly installed, poorly designed landscaping drainage etc. The opportunities for water to intrude are endless in any building structure and can sometimes go unnoticed for years.
WHAT IS MOLD?
Mold is a natural part of our environment and to be ecologically balanced we depend upon mold for a variety of things including the breaking down of dead organic materials and supplying us with the miracle of penicillin.
Mold and mildew are living organisms known as fungi. Mold is found indoors and outdoors, on plants, in foods, dry leaves, and any other organic materials. The spores are tiny and can travel quickly through the air. There are thousands of mold types and many produce mycotoxins, which can adversely affect the health of humans and animals.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU ARE A RENTER?
As soon as you notice any sign of excessive moisture or leaking notify your owner or manager immediately. A habitability issue is the responsibility of the owner to correct the problem. If the damage is caused by the tenant the repair cost may be at the tenant's expense. Do not wait until it is so severe that it has become a health issue for you and other members of your household. If the owner/manager is not responsive, report it to the County or City code enforcement offices. Their numbers are on the back of this brochure. Do not confuse the occasional mold that might appear from time to time on a bathroom wall with the type of mold that will cover a wall, a closet, grow in a carpet, on furniture, on shoes or mattresses etc.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU ARE AN OWNER?
Do not ignore notices your residents may give you about odors, moisture or leaks. Act promptly and save yourself future liability claims. Conduct a thorough inspection each time a tenant vacates. Look for signs of water intrusion and if it appears to be extensive, hire a qualified remediation service to assess the extent of the problem. Contact your insurance agent to determine coverage for water intrusion damage and personal injury liability (to address claims that may be initiated by the tenant for damages).
IF MOLD APPEARS WHAT STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN?
Inform the owner/manager if you are a renter. In all cases increase the ventilation, this would include adding fans, opening windows and avoid the build up of moisture in bathrooms and kitchens whenever possible; don't over water houseplants; clothes dryers should be vented outside; do not use humidifiers unless absolutely necessary; don't dry wet clothes inside. Clean and disinfect the affected areas.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT TYPE OF MOLD IT IS? WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL AFFECT IT MIGHT HAVE ON PEOPLE?
The average person cannot identify mold type nor can they tell whether it is potentially dangerous. However, extensive mold is not healthy and can cause health problems; particularly for the elderly, infants and children, pregnant women, those who have existing health problems or a weakened immune system. To determine the type of mold and any needed remediation requires the services of individuals or companies who are trained to do the proper testing and evaluations. This is a relatively new field and caution should be exercised as to who is selected. The property owner's insurance coverage is limited and this is why the damage should be reported promptly by the tenant to the owner who in turn should contact his insurance company immediately.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR?
Most water intrusion will be visible at some point. It could be staining on the ceiling or walls or unusual dampness in the carpets. There could be the repeated appearance of mold/mildew even if removed with normal remedies such as bleach. There will usually be a musty smell if the dwelling or rooms are closed for a period of time. According to CA Dept. of Health Services, "If you can see or smell mold you have a problem."
WHAT ARE THE COMMON SIGNS OF MOLD ILLNESSES?
Health effects caused by mold exposure are similar to other common health problems such as: skin irritation/rashes, nasal discharge, nosebleeds, irritated eyes, sore throat, respiratory disease, chronic fatigue, low grade fever, flu-like symptoms, joint and chest pains, asthma etc. A physician might not connect these symptoms as being related to mold unless you inform him about living in a mold contaminated environment. Share the results of indoor testing of your home, if this has been done, and any other related facts with your health care provider.
IF YOUR HOME IS MOLD INFESTED WHAT CAN YOU SAVE AND WHAT SHOULD YOU TOSS?
This is for the expert to decide. There will be situations where very little needs to be done other than cleaning the area, repairing any plumbing or building defects and this might be done while the occupants remain living in the dwelling or working in their offices.
In severe mold infestation it may require the occupants to leave while the necessary repairs are made. Prior to making the repairs a qualified restoration company should inspect the contents of the premises to determine what can be cleaned satisfactorily and what must be destroyed and replaced. The property owner has the duty of care of his/her residents and that duty is not transferable to another party. For instance if a faulty roof repair creates the damage the owner will pursue legal restitution through the roofing company for damages. In the meanwhile the owner must address the needs of the residents.
If you are a renter and have water leakage problems and the owner of the property will not make the necessary repairs, then you can call one of the following numbers for help:
Sacramento City Code Enforcement
(916) 264 5404
Sacramento Code Enforcement
(916) 875-5656
Citrus Heights Neighborhood Enhancement
(916) 725-2845
City of Elk Grove
(916) 478-2266
City of Rancho Cordova
(916) 942-0281
Yolo County
(530) 666-8775
City of West Sacramento
(916) 617-4925
City of Folsom
(916) 355-7229
Human Rights/ Fair Housing Commission
(916) 444-6903 or 444-0178
