MOLD Q&A

Many people have misconceptions about mold. This page lists ways to help prevent it, where to look for it, and let you know what to do if you think you may have an issue. If you still have questions after reading through this handout, please give Malmstrom AFB Homes (406) 315-2262 or the Military Housing Office (406) 731-3446 a call.

MOLD
What is mold?
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

Color and toxicity of mold are two different things and both play a vital role in mold prevention. Just because a mold is black, does not mean it is toxic. And not all black molds are deadly. Mold can range in color depending on what materials provided the mold the food it needs to grow. Even so, toxic or not, mold prevention is the key to a safer home.

What is the difference between mold and mildew?
Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit. Mold includes all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae. Molds can thrive on any organic matter, including clothing, leather, paper, ceilings, walls and floors of homes with moisture management problems. Mildew often lives on shower walls, windowsills and other places where moisture levels are high. There are many species of molds. In unaired places, such as basements, they can produce a strong musty odor.

What is black-colored mold?
A black-colored mold has a black pigment by nature. It is usually associated with being the toxic kind, but that’s not always the case. Black mold may not be toxic, but it can be an allergenic.

Nigrospora is an example of a black-colored mold. There is no evidence it is toxic to humans or other living organisms. The most common black mold is Cladosporium, which has no known toxic side effects. This type of mold is common both inside and outside of the home. Heavy exposure to black mold could trigger an increase in allergy and asthma symptoms. Other black molds include Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Dresclera, Pithomyces, Stemphylium, and Ulocladium. None of these are toxic molds that produce mycotoxins, but Altermaria can cause severe allergy symptoms.

What is black toxic mold?
Black toxic mold is also known as Stachybotrys chartarum and is dark black or sometimes dark green. It is a highly-toxic form of mold commonly found in attics. This mold releases mycotoxins which are toxic chemicals that are present in mold spores which get released into the air and can then be inhaled. Black toxic mold can cause danger to human health when ingested or inhaled. For this kind of mold to grow, the material would need to be wet for at least 72 hours and have consistent moisture for continued growth.

Does a landlord have to disclose the presence of mold?
In 2003, Montana passed The Mold Disclosure Act. Under the law, a seller or landlord is required to disclose the presence of mold, if they know of such a problem. The seller or landlord must provide a written mold disclosure statement when they are offering to sell or rent you a house or apartment.

When does a landlord have to disclose mold?
Montana law instructs that sellers and landlords must disclose whether a building has been tested for mold. The seller or landlord is then required to disclose the results of all mold tests and the results of all remediation efforts they took to fix the problem. Thus, if mold had ever been present but had since been removed, there must be documentation under the Mold Disclosure Act, and any landlord or seller would be required to disclose that information.

What can tenants do to keep a home or apartment mold-free?
◾The key to mold control is moisture control.
◾If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
◾It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

It is a tenant's responsibility as a renter to maintain the property and to keep it in a clean and sanitary condition. Running fans, vacuuming your carpets and reporting any problems to a landlord in a prompt and timely manner will help prevent property damage and health problems.

What if a service member believes they have a mold issue or medical concern?

Seek medical attention first and then contact the MHO to let them identify the issue and allow them to mediate the situation. Please see this flyer to see how information should flow.

To learn more about mold please view the EPA website at www.epa.gov/mold or contact your housing office to get clarification at (406) 731-3446.