Mold and other allergens

800-280-8862

Mail to Andy

Allergies: Something To Sneeze At

A common question asked by a prospective buyer is, “Did the prior owner have pets?”

Asthma attacks kill 14 Americans every day according to EPA statistics. Not only has the rate of asthma increased 75% since 1980, but also it is now estimated that 17 million Americans have asthma. Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting about 5 million children and causing nearly 2 million emergency room visits annually.

So how will this impact real estate? In a word, mold. Over the last two years mold has become a very controversial topic. Science and medicine has finally agreed that mold is an allergen, dead or alive. These facts have led to an increased awareness of indoor air quality. According to the EPA, common asthma triggers include mold, dust mites, cockroaches and animal dander. All of these asthma triggers are found indoors and Americans spend 90% of their time indoors.

The EPA further recommends keeping pets outdoors. If you are unable to keep them outdoors then it is recommended that you keep pets out of the bedroom and other sleeping areas at all times. The problem with pets that belonged to a previous owner is that the asthma triggers caused by pets can remain in the home for several months after the pet is removed, even with cleaning.

Now the good news: There are simple inexpensive tests available both professionally and “over-the-counter” to homebuyers. The over-the-counter tests are designed to determine if a suspect home has high levels of pet dander, dust mites and cock roaches. If your buyer prefers not to handle the dirt of the previous owner, a properly trained inspector is able to sample for all of these allergens including mold. Even more good news: If a home is found to have problems with these asthma triggers, the clean up, unlike mold contamination, is relatively simple. Depending on the level of contamination, a professional carpet cleaner utilizing steam and a truck-mounted system can remove these allergens from the home. In some cases the carpet may need to be replaced and the air ducts cleaned. A very worthwhile expense considering what is at stake.

So the next time ask if the previous owner had pets, disclose in writing your findings and consider the purchase of an inexpensive home test kit. Currently, the best way to protect yourself is to have the home professionally tested, a procedure that is comparable in cost to a typical home inspection with laboratory results available within 5 days. These allergens cannot hide from a fully accredited laboratory; protect yourself, your family, and yourself.

Allergies:

Nothing To Sneeze At

As real estate practitioners we are all too familiar with the numerous disclosures required for a successful close of escrow; lead, radon, swimming pool barrier and mold, just to name a few. A common question asked by a prospective buyer is, “Did the prior owner have pets?” Some of us are quick to respond, “Do you want them to?” Currently not a disclosure requirement on any known Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement, the fact that the previous owners had pets could impact a sale and is poised to become a disclosure issue.

So how will this impact real estate? In a word, mold. Over the last two years mold has become a very controversial topic. Science and medicine has finally agreed that mold is an allergen, dead or alive. Mold disclosures are becoming commonplace in a real estate transaction. These facts have led to an increased awareness of indoor air quality. According to the EPA, common asthma triggers include mold, dust mites, cockroaches and animal dander. All of these asthma triggers are found indoors and Americans spend 90% of their time indoors.

So the next time a client asks if the previous owner had pets, consider the risk and ask the seller. To protect yourself, go one step further; disclose in writing your findings to the buyer and recommend that the buyer purchase an inexpensive home test kit. Currently, the best way to protect yourself from liability is to recommend, in writing, that the buyer have the home professional tested, a procedure that is comparable in cost to a typical home inspection with laboratory results available within 5 days. These allergens cannot hide from a fully accredited laboratory; protect your buyer, their family, and yourself.

For more information about allergen home test kits checkout: http://www.healthchek.biz

For more information about professionals able to cost effectively screen for indoor asthma triggers checkout: http://www.iestandards.org