Possible mold in air ducts

by Ashley Lewis
(Marion NC USA)

So I am 25 I have a 3 yr old and an 11 month old. We moved into our apartment due to my husbands deployment. We moved from our house that we own to my hometown into a 2 bedroom apartment on Nov 10th 2012. Before we moved my kids were hardly sick at all. Maybe allergies or a runny nose.

Since we've lived in this apartment they have been sick non stop with upper respiratory infections, rotavirus, RSV etc. I recently discovered that my air ducts had this disgusting black tar stuff in it. All of my ducts have this. My air filter is a 1500 filter and it says its good for at least 3 months. I change my filter every 2-3 weeks and its grey, almost black. My landlord doesn't seem to be concerned but since its affecting my kids I feel she should do something about.

My husband is due back home in November so if it is mold do I move out or let her clean it and stay? Also we have currently been visiting my husbands family in WA and neither of my girls have been sick at all. No coughing, runny nose, sneezing. Been healthy this whole visit. Help please. Thanks Ashley

Reply

Hi Ashley,

If you have mold in the air ducts its a serious matter that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. I would first call the local Department of Health and ask them to take a look. You should have the air tested and ducts tested to see if there is mold. You can follow this link for a list of professional mold testers in your area if you don't already know of someone. Mold in your air ducts is the worst place to have mold because every time air blows through them it disperses mold spores throughout the apartment.

If something in the apartment is making your children sick you need to leave there. If its mold the longer you are there the worse they may get. You may be affected as well. Here is an article on the dangers of exposure to mold. If you have renters insurance your policy might even cover the costs of moving and staying someplace else. Speak with your insurance agent.

The bottom line is nothing is as important as your health. Even if your not sure, better to be safe than sorry. Please let us know what you decide to do and how things work out.