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Mold growth may be found in basements, bathrooms, kitchens and any other wet areas in a house.  Many older homes that have been sitting for years uninhabited usually have mold growth somewhere in the home.  As a house flipper you specialize in finding old ugly houses and will come across mold occasionally.  Black mold can be seen growing up walls, behind walls on base boards and any other place where moisture has accumulated.  The actual mold spores however are invisible and float in the air.  Its when the spores land on a wet or damp area that makes them visible and causes the spores to grow.

Health Problems and Mold

Most problems with mold are related to the allergens that they produce.  People that are more “allergic” are at the most risk.  Touching, breathing, or digesting mold spores can cause fever like symptoms, itchiness, running nose, skin irritations and other typical allergic reactions.   Mold can also be problematic for those with asthma and are allergic to mold.  It can cause asthma attacks in these individuals and can cause lung problems for both allergic and non allergic asthmatics.    

Some believe that mold spores can cause serious illness although the Center For Disease Control (CDC) has not officially labeled mold as causing serious disease.  

Mold Removal 

Mold removal should be handled with care.  Many choose to use a chlorine bleach solution for minor mold problems, especially when detected early.  For very serious mold infestations, the base boards or wall material may need to be cut out and removed.  Be sure to wear protective gear and masks when removing serious mold problems.  Also be sure to fix the moisture problem which caused the mold to grow in the first place.  Chances are it will grow again if not.  For professional help contact a mold remediation company or pest control company.  The EPA also has information on removal here.