Mold is a major health risk. We all know this. But in this special ABC News report, the health risk to babies from what is known as "bleeding lungs" should be a major concern for anyone thinking of buying a Metro Atlanta home.
Be advised, getting a home inspection before you buy has always been strongly recommended. But normal home inspections may not reveal mold if it is hidden.
As you saw in the video, mold can be behind wallboard, and not even visible to an inspector's eye.
Most home inspectors will look for moisture, which is the root cause of mold, but even moisture behind walls cannot always be detected. Make sure your home inspector is experienced in looking for hidden moisture.
If in doubt, and you think the Metro Atlanta home you're considering may have had moisture issues in the past, have it inspected by a trained mold professional who knows what to look for, and where. When it comes to mold and your family's health, you can never be too cautious.
If your Atlanta home inspection indicates the presence of mold, you should discuss the mold problem with your inspector. Your inspector should be able to help you decide whether to invest further in a professional mold inspection or not. Professional mold inspections can, and do, vary in cost. These additional inspections could range from under $100 to several hundred dollars, depending on the size of the home, and whether the home has a basement or crawl space.
