Question:
I recently moved into an apartment that is about 30 years old. I have
been really stuffed up, constantly sneezing, and having headaches when
I wake up in the morning. I have noticed that there is a black/green
outline all along the carpet by the along the wall. Does this mean
there is mold in the carpet?
And what can be done about this?
Answer:
Sounds like there's a wall problem ..poor insulation..cold/wet wall
problem?
Sometimes pulling up the baseboard reveals more of the problem.
Is there an in-wall A/C and/or window on that wall?
Is there a heat supply vent on that wall? Is it an exterior wall? If not
the problem could be condensation on plumbing pipes between
units...etc..etc. But replacing the carpet is a good starter, not just for the possible mold
but due to dust/dust mites, possible residues from pets, contaminants from
previously used carpet cleaning attempts, not to mention that same or
worse could be in the underlayment.
My allergies are better if I have no carpets at all.
Hardwood is great and so much easier to keep clean. There's "shorts" which
are less expensive than the full-fledged tongue 'n groove and/or many
other possible less allergic-type floorings.
Area rugs are easy to take to get dry-cleaned or throw in the washer.
It's a win/win solution.
As to the other places, clean out heat supply/returns, bathroom and
kitchen vents, under and behind fridges, stoves and other appliances.
Look for and treat/repair damp areas, such as shower and tub stalls. Yes, it is possible that it is mold. Is there any way for you to get a
health inspector up to see it? I live in canada, and i had one come
to my place last week (free of chardge) to check for mold. You could
also try the 'tape' test--which is what the inspector taught me. She
said usually, if there is mold somewhere, then putting scotch tape
over the area should pull up some of it. That way, you can tell if
that's what it is.
Also, you could be reacting to dust mites in the carpet, which are a
major problem, the older the carpet is. Perhaps you could find a
place that cleans carpets with that in mind specifically.
I have lived on carpet in other apartments
and have not had the same allergy problems. So the black/green stuff
is definitely mold? Also, it outlines the carpet throughout the entire
apartment. The inside walls and the walls with windows. Along corners
there is more mold on the carpet. But, I am having a tough time
dealing with my landlord to change the carpet out. I know my contract
mentions they are suppose to take care of maintenance if it is a
health related issue, and it sure is effecting my health. Would you
have any suggestions on how I should approach my landlord? No pets are allowed in the apartment building. I'm assuming the
previous tenant had no pets. Plus, the landlord said they had the
carpet steam cleaned before we moved in. If carpet was shampooed but not dried out mold could develop,
or if in damp location like on a ground level slab floor. If
there is mold in carpet/pad it will probably have to be
replaced. Does it smell moldy? Put your nose down to it.
Is it damp? Water supports mold growth. A carpet cleaning
service or house inspector could confirm mold. Steam
cleaning does not solve the mold problem in carpets.
Moldy carpet & pad have to be replaced [or taken up].
