Testing for mold and meth available

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
When selling a home in Wyoming, there are several things a homeowner must disclose to potential buyers. These include material defects, potential presence of lead-based paint, pest problems, toxic materials in the home (asbestos, radon, urea formaldehyde and mold) and prior repairs, according to local Realtor Sandra Martin. The problem with this requirement, in her opinion, is the fact that sellers are not required to test their homes for mold before selling and nowhere listed in Wyoming law is there a requirement to test for or disclose methamphetamine use or production in homes. 
Recently, Martin said she went through several hours of training and testing to become one of the only certified people in the state of Wyoming to test properties for mold or meth contamination. She said that while testing is not required, she would highly recommend that anyone buying or selling a home have the testing done because, in many cases, “nothing will look wrong in the home.” 
“When you are buying anything used, whether it is a car, camper or home, you have no idea what happened in there before you take possession,” Martin said. “You don’t think about the stuff that could be contaminating what you are buying and the potentially negative side effects of that exposure.” 
According to Martin, methamphetamine use and manufacturing is more prevalent than many people would like to think and that the side effects are not visible on a property just by looking at it. 
“Meth over time deteriorates pipes and other infrastructure of the home. It gets trapped in any filters around the home and is re-dispersed when those items are used. It will stay in the carpet, furniture and several other surfaces within the home,” Martin said. “Mold – mold can become airborne and stay in the walls and on other surfaces in the home even if you can not visually see it. You can think it was cleaned up because there is no visible mold, but it can still be there and still have negative affects.” 
Martin recalled that she first began seeking the education for and certification for testing homes after she had a house in Newcastle that she was unable to sell because it was a “drug house.” 
“People said, and everyone assumed, and I couldn’t get anyone to purchase the property. I then thought that no one does the testing in the area to get a for-sure answer,” Martin said. “I contacted a friend in Sheridan who does testing and cleanup and he told me what I needed to do to get started, and he helped me from there. “ 
Training, according to Martin, consisted of several classes and on-scene training that she has almost finished. Once she has completed the training, she will be certified to test properties for “anyone and everyone” for both mold and meth. 
Martin disclosed that she believes both mold and meth are such a prevalent problem that any buyer or seller should consider testing their homes. 
“No matter the date of your property’s construction, you can have mold or meth. There is a higher risk for these contaminations than lead-based paint, and there is required testing for that,” Martin said. “I think the issue is that once the testing is done and people have an answer, they have to address the problem or they can be sued. That is the biggest fear, that if they know about it and don’t fix it and someone gets sick, then they are in trouble.”
This reasoning is why Martin would like to see Wyoming enact a law requiring mold and meth testing in homes before sale, to prevent negative side effects in children and families after they purchase new properties. 
“My goal – I would like to see mold and meth testing by real estate agents a law just like lead-based paint,” Martin said. “Why in our day and society are we not addressing mold and meth issues? Why is it not an absolute requirement to test these homes? Just looking at a property, you are not going to be able to tell. I would just like to see young people in our community and across the state and anywhere else be able to buy a house and not get sick or hurt from contamination after doing so.” 
According to WebMD, mold is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms found almost everywhere. They can be several colors, including black, white, orange, green or purple.
“Mold thrive on moisture and reproduce by means of tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air,” the website says. “You’re exposed to mold every day. In small amounts, mold spores are usually harmless, but when they land on a damp spot in your home, they can start to grow. When mold is growing on a surface, spores can be released into the air where they can be easily inhaled.” 
The Centers for Disease Control says that exposure to damp and moldy environments can cause various health effects or none at all, depending on the individual. 
“Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions,” the website says. “Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to mold.” 
According to Moldmanusa, a company known for testing homes and properties for mold contamination, properties should be tested for mold when visible mold is not present but the smell of mold is. 
“Here a mold inspection and mold test can reveal whether there is indeed elevated mold, and where it is located,” the website says. 
Other reasons for testing include “plumbing leaks or water issues, health concerns from doctors, real estate transactions, landlord/tenant disputes, if you see or smell mold but are not sure and if you are interested in general indoor air quality tests of your environment. “
The website states that once visible mold is seen, testing is not required but proper cleanup is, in order to ensure that the mold is completely taken care of so it will not cause adverse health affects. 
Meth is a common name for crystal methamphetamine, a strong and highly addictive drug that affects the central nervous system and has no legal use, according to WebMD. 
“Methamphetamine is a man-made stimulant that’s been around for a long time. During World War II soldiers were given meth to keep them awake. People have also taken the drug to lose weight and ease depression,” the website says. “Today, the only legal meth product is a tablet for treating obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It’s rarely used and is available only by prescription.” 
Adverse side effects from exposure, according to the CDC, include serious health effects, including the development of asthma-like symptoms, trouble sleeping and behavior changes. Insomnia, headaches, and digestive issues can also result from exposure. 
Signs that a home may be contaminated with methamphetamine, according to safewise.com, include suspicious strong odors such as ammonia, rotten eggs or vinegar, and unsanitary conditions. 
Martin added that other signs of contamination include yellowish discolorations on walls, drains, sinks and showers, bluish discoloration of faucets, fire extinguishers and propane tank valves, burning in the eyes, itchy throat, metallic taste in your mouth, breathing problems and other dark stains in the sinks. 
She explained that the only way to be sure that a home is contaminated with the drug is to do a “wall swab test.” 
The test includes sectioning off a portion of the wall, swabbing it and treating it with reactants before sending it to a lab to be tested. After testing is completed, results are returned in five to seven days. 
Taking care of the contamination, according to Martin, involves working with hazardous materials cleanup teams. 
“People have the misconceived perception that paint or Kills will make meth residue go away. That is not true. Clorox doesn’t even work,” Martin said. “In most cases, it is going to be expensive to repair.” 
She noted that all soft goods, including sofas, carpets, blinds, clothes, appliances, unprotected wood and any other porous items, be thrown away. In many cases, the HVAC units, heaters, and ducts will need to be thrown away as well. 
“Homes have to be scrubbed and cleaned by gutting, fogging cleaners and good old elbow grease,” she said.