Mold
If you think there may be mold and/or water damage present in the home, please refer to the internet for a listing of local companies that may be able to document mold/water damage etc. Use keywords like "flooding", "water damage", "mold" etc. Cowlitz County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) cannot recommend any particular companies. CCHHS does not perform in-home inspections.
What causes mold?
Mold is caused by excessive moisture. Identifying the moisture source (i.e. high humidity, leaking roof, plumbing fixtures, etc.) will help you resolve mold issues. There are many online resources available to provide guidance and help you identify sources associated with mold in the home.
It is important to note that mold observed in windowsills is likely caused by condensation on the windows (i.e. colder outdoor temperatures and warm indoor temperatures in the winter months and the opposite in the summer). Increased airflow (i.e., opening windows periodically, opening blinds/drapes, keeping items 3-4 inches from exterior walls, etc.) may help with this issue.
Do molds affect my health?
Most molds do not harm healthy people. However, people who have allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to molds. Sensitive people may experience a skin rash, runny nose, eye irritation, cough, nasal congestion, aggravation of asthma, or difficulty breathing. People with an immune suppression or underlying lung disease may be at increased risk for infections from molds.
If you suffer from asthma or another medical condition that may be affected by indoor air quality problems in your home, you may wish to see your health provider for advice on how to protect your health. Your healthcare provider may also be able to help you determine what would be a reasonable accommodation for your medical condition and help you communicate with your landlord about fixing the problem. In some cases, you may need a medical certification for your health issue (or disability) to request reasonable accommodation.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency-Indoor Air Quality Program has videos linked on their website that may help you identify sources of mold in your home. These videos are particularly focused on asthma triggers:
- Video: Attack Asthma at Home: A Practical Approach to Asthma Trigger Control and Prevention
Video: Attack Asthma at Home: A Practical Approach to Asthma Trigger Control and Prevention (Spanish)
Additional Resources
| LINK | DESCRIPTION |
| Washington State Dept of Health (DOH) Mold Information | Contains cleaning tips for small areas and more. |
| This interactive “tour” gives a look at some of the most important ways to protect your home from mold by touring the Mold House. Room-by-room, you'll learn about common mold issues and how to address them. | |
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home | This guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth. |
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, About Your House, The Homeowners Guide | This guide provides information and guidance on how to clean up mold and how to prevent mold growth. |
Mold Information for Renters
If you rent your home, you are covered by the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a renter can help you resolve problems. It is important to review the laws related to Landlord-Tenant concerns in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 59.18 Washington State Landlord-Tenant Act.
Should you feel that legal action is necessary, please contact legal counsel for further guidance. The Northwest Justice Project may be able to provide free legal advice for low-income and senior citizen residents of Washington. They may also be able to refer you to a local legal aid office for additional assistance if you are not able to afford legal representation. Information on how to get help is available online or by calling 1-888-387-7111. CCHHS cannot provide legal advice.
Mold problems in buildings are a result of water and moisture problems. Renters need to operate the heating and ventilation systems to reduce water condensation. Renters need to notify landlords promptly, in writing, of any water leaks or moisture problems. If there is a water leak or moisture problem, it should be fixed by the landlord.
Resources
| LINK | DESCRIPTION |
| Free legal assistance and representation to low-income people and senior citizens. | |
| Resources on tenant rights and landlord repair and maintenance responsibilities. | |
Washington State Attorney General: Residential Landlord-Tenant Resources | Tenant help resources. |
Mold Guidance for Tenants and Landlords, Northwest Clean Air Agency | Understand why mold problems start and who's responsible for fixing the problem. |
| A Seattle-based agency with tools about landlord-tenant laws to help tenants understand their rights and responsibilities as renters. |
Education
Can I control and prevent mold growth in my home? Yes, you can! Dry out the house and fix any moisture problems in your home. Click the graphic to the right, or click the link to download. | |
How can I clean up mold? Clean up mold and take care of the problem by following the advice above to keep your home dry and keep mold out. Act fast! Mold damages your home as it grows. Clean it up as soon as possible. Click the graphic to the right, or click the link to download. This is also available as a video slideshow on YouTube. |