Tenants Advised to Inspect for Mold and Water Damage before Renting a Home or Apartment

In early August, KTVB broadcasted a story about an Idaho family who had to move out of the home they were renting due to mold.  After the family brought in a mold inspection professional to investigate their claims, long-term water and moisture damage was found that supported the growth of fungi in the residence. 

Allergic reactions to mold are common and can be immediate or delayed. Repeated or single exposure to mold, mold spores or mold fragments may even cause non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive to mold. Repeated exposure has the potential to increase this sensitivity. Exposure to mold can also trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. As an irritant, mold can affect people’s eyes, skin, nose, throat and the lungs of individuals whether or not they are allergic to mold. Breathing mold may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a disease that resembles bacterial pneumonia. In addition, exposure to certain types of mold, such as Aspergillus, may result in opportunistic infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system.

“This story highlights the need for renters to be on the lookout for the telltale signs of water damage and mold before they sign a lease,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “Landlords and tenants are bound to deal truthfully when negotiating a lease. Tenants should ask about issues dealing with chemicals contaminants, past flooding events, mold, sewage contamination, asbestos, lead, radon and vapor intrusion issues before deciding to rent a property.”

People looking to rent a home or commercial property can turn to EMSL Analytical, Inc. for comprehensive indoor environmental testing services to help determine if mold or other pollutants are in a property.  EMSL also offers easy-to-use test kits for everything from common allergens and mold to lead, radon, methamphetamine residues, vermiculite, bed bugs, drinking water and smoke damage. For access and more information about any of these test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.   

EMSL is offering a free ‘The Basics of Mold Sampling for IAQ Investigations’ webinar on Wednesday, September 30th. Please click here to register. 

To learn more about indoor environmental quality testing or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. 
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail