There area two primary reasons why mold has become such a "hot topic" recently:
The first is because construction has changed significantly over the past 30 years since the energy crisis of the 1970s. Newer construction is generally "tighter" than the construction of the past, due to the energy requirements, and these are things such as dual pane glass, higher insulating values of wall, ceiling and floor insulation, tight sealing around windows and doors, etc. As a result, while structures have become more energy efficient, any flaws in design, poor workmanship or defects can exacerbate leak situations, and a collateral effect can be mold growth. Newer structures do not always "breathe" as well as older structures and moisture more easily becomes trapped in walls.
The other reason for mold being a hot topic is that in the past decade a handful of legal situations involving health issues arising from mold and construction defects/problems caused the legal profession to conclude that money can be made by pursuing litigation on behalf of clients.
If a client is making a major purchase such as a home, then having a complete mold inspection by inspectors that are qualified and experienced with construction issues is of paramount importance.
I always stress to hire a company that does not perform repairs or remediation of mold. Therefore they do not have a "vested interest" in whether or not your property has mold. I believe that a mold inspector should provide unbiased reports and testing that are presented in a non-alarming manner with repair recommendations and remediation referrals only if they are needed.
Another good thing to look for is an inspector with an extensive background in construction and repair work and knowledge of the actual causes of moisture intrusion and mold contamination. This is of importance to be able to report the facts on conditions found and how they can be resolved.
For more information visit www.moldcheckpros.com
A significant amount of building materials perviously utilized were commonly asbestos containing material (ACM) or plaster. These matarial were do not typically promote fungal growth to occur. As the awareness of the problems of ACM arose, the common switch was to cellulose base materials which is a common element in paper backing of drywall and other materials. Unfortunatley cellulose is a major food souce for fungi. This making the mold situation more prominent.
I believe you both have valid points and that they are really a combination of why the fungi issue has become more prevalent. One thing I would like to add about this is as homes become more sealed up and building materials change we have noticed an increase in humidity in houses and things that were fine a long time ago are breeding grounds for fungal growth now. An example if wallpaper in a bathroom. Not the half bath most homes have added but the full bathroom. We seal up a house then put in a cheap exhaust fan that doesn't perform as necessary then the humidity rises and mold begins. And mold loves the glues from the back side of wallpaper, Now it grows hidden until it's food source is exhausted and then it begin to feed on the paper itself.