Mold 101 For Real Estate Professionals An Approved Continuing Education Class for Real Estate Licensees

Course Objective To provide: 1. A basic understanding of what mold is, what makes it grow and what its health hazards are. 2. Information about mold testing. We’re a National Franchise Almost 300 Locations in the US and Canada Inspections are done in pairs - faster Our main purpose is to inform the buyer. To make them comfortable and confident with the information that we give them. We do this with a review after the inspection, Our 100% money back guarantee, Our free six month warranty, and Our free Recall Checks. 3. Identifying key remediation regulations and problems.

What is Mold?

What is Mold? Mold is a component used by nature to help decompose wet organic materials. Mold uses spores to reproduce. These spores are found all through out the air in low concentrations.

What is Mold? Are all types of mold bad? According to the EPA, all molds, dead or alive, have the potential to cause health effects and should be removed. However, some molds contain mycotoxins that cause unique health risks.

What is Mold? What is a mycotoxin? Mycotoxins are mold’s natural defense mechanism. For example, Stachybotrys Atra (“black mold”). Effects vary from medicinal to lethal.

What is Mold? Potential Health Effects Mold can be harmful to your health in a number of different ways. Effects vary depending on the type of mold and length of exposure: Allergic reactions Infections Irritations Precautions should always be taken to minimize exposure. Toxicity Asthma attacks Hypersensitivity

What is Mold? Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) We recommend a half-face respirator and goggles as a minimum. The state of Texas recommends an N-95 respirator as a minimum. However, specific PPE is detailed on a case-by-case basis by a licensed consultant.

When Mold is Found

When Mold is Found What should you do if you find mold in a home you’re showing? Limit your exposure. Ventilate the area (if possible). Notify the owner. If your client wants to proceed with the sale, then the home should be evaluated by a Mold Assessment Consultant that’s licensed by the state.

If you find mold in a home: When Mold is Found If you find mold in a home: Identify the extent of the mold. Ventilate the area. Contain if necessary. Attempt to identify the moisture source. Call a professional. Currently, any mold area larger than 25 contiguous square feet (5x5) requires removal by a licensed remediation company. Next slides go through the steps one-by-one.

When Mold is Found Step One Identify the extent of the mold. Discuss the severity of this particular image.

When Mold is Found Step Two Contain if necessary. DO NOT DISTURB THE MOLD. Extra precautions to contain the mold should be considered if there is extensive growth, or if someone in the house: Has asthma Is immune compromised Has allergies Is sick Is showing signs of mold-related health effects At a minimum, you should close the air register in that room. If the room has a return register, it should be sealed off to prevent spreading the spores around the rest of the home.

Questions? Answer any final questions.

Congratulations on completing the course.