Our office frequently gets calls about mold growth; unfortunately, there are no regulations on mold in Indiana in residential settings. Mold is considered an allergen and can affect everyone differently. There is no maximum threshold for mold or what is considered unhealthy. Small amounts of mold spores are nearly everywhere in the air floating around and will grow on surfaces in the right condition. For mold to grow it, requires a surface to remain wet or damp for at least 2 days; little or no ventilation; and a food source, which is normally the surface it is growing on such as drywall or food.
If you find mold you should:
- Clean the surface with a mild detergent such as dish soap and water.
- Dry the surface.
- Determine the source of moisture (Is there a leak? Does the area lack ventilation?)
- If unable to clean the surface, or the mold returns, the material should be removed and replaced by the owner or if you rent, notify the landlord. If the landlord is unwilling to fix the issues, please contact our office at 812-948-4726, option 2, then option 1 to file a complaint and schedule an inspection of the property
If you have a leak, spill, or find wet carpet, you should:
- Repair the leak
- Clean up excess water
- Dry carpet within 2 days using fans and pulling up carpet to increase ventilation.
- Remove the carpet pad if unable to dry within 2 days.
- IF THE WATER IS WASTEWATER/SEWAGE (such as a backed-up drain or toilet) the carpet must be properly cleaned and chemically sanitized or replaced (this should be done by a professional).
IF YOU ARE HAVING RESPIRATORY ISSUES WITH NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF MOLD:
- ISDH will assist the local Health Department and conduct air monitoring to compare mold counts inside the property versus outside the property to determine if there is a mold issue.
- FCHD will request the inspection on behalf of the property owner or tenant, but first requires a doctor’s statement, which needs to state the illness being experienced could be linked to mold exposure in the home.
- PLEASE NOTE: Neither ISDH nor FCHD have the ability to identify mold species.
For more information regarding mold & air quality, please visit the websites below: