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Some molds are useful, such as those used to make antibiotics and
cheese. Some molds are known to be highly toxic when ingested, such as the
types that invade grains and peanuts. Most of the mold found indoors comes from
outdoors.
Molds reproduce by very tiny particles called spores. The spores
float in on the air currents and find a suitable spot to grow. Spores are very
light and can travel on air currents. If mold spores land on a suitable
surface, they will begin to grow.
Molds need three things to thrive- moisture, food and a surface to
grow on. Molds can be seen throughout the house, and can be found in most
bathrooms. Mold growth can often be seen in the form of discoloration, and can
apear in many colors-white, orange, pink, blue, green, black or brown. When
molds are present in large quantities (called colonies) they can cause health
problems in some people.
Who does mold affect?
Mold spores can cause adverse reactions, much like pollen from
plants. Mold spores cause health problems when they become airborne and are
inhaled in large quantities. Everyone is exposed to mold in some concentration
in the outdoor air. Indoor exposure to molds is not healthy for anyone. In
particular, people with allergies, existing respiratory conditions or
suppressed immune systems are especially susceptible to health problems from
mold exposure. Additionally, infants and children, pregnant women and the
elderly can be sensitive to the effects of mold exposure. Some molds are more
hazardous than others. For some people, a small number of mold spores can cause
health problems. For others, it may take many more.
Symptoms of mold exposure
There are many symptoms of mold exposure. The extent of symptoms depends on the
sensitivity of the exposed person. Allergic reactions are the most common and
typically include: respiratory problems such as wheezing and difficulty
breathing; nasal and sinus congestion; burning, watery, reddened eyes or blurry
vision; sore throat; dry cough; nose and throat irritation; shortness of
breath; and skin irritation.
Other less common effects are: nervous system problems (headaches, memory loss,
moodiness); aches and pains; and fever. If you have any of these symptoms, and
they are reduced or completely gone when you leave the suspect area, chances
are you have been exposed to some sort of allergen, quite possibly mold.
How can I tell if I have mold in my home?
Some mold problems are obvious - you can see it growing. Others are not so
obvious. If you can see mold, or if there is a musty odor in your home, you
probably have a mold problem. Areas that are wet, or have been wet due to
flooding, leaky plumbing, leaky roofing, or areas that are humid (such as
bathrooms and laundry rooms) are most likely to have mold growth. Look for
previous water damage.
Visible mold growth may be found underneath wallpaper and baseboards, behind
walls, or may be evident by discolored plaster or drywall. If you don't have
any observable mold, but are experiencing symptoms likely to be mold-induced,
the mold could be growing in areas you can't see, such as the ducts of a
heating/cooling system. In this case, the only way to know if you have mold
spores is to test.
Many home inspectors or Industrial Hygienists can conduct air sampling to detect
the presence of these spores in your home. If you have obvious mold, you can
conduct a swab test that can be analyzed to determine the molds that are
present. Testing is the only way to determine if you have a mold problem and
what type it is. Take a copy of the laboratory report along with you when you
visit your doctor or allergist. This will aid in determining a method of
treatment.
If I have mold in my home, what should I do?
The first course of action is to determine why the mold is growing. Investigate
any areas that are moist, and repair the source of the moisture. There could be
a roof or plumbing leak, or groundwater leaking into your basement. Your air
conditioning drip pan could have mold growing in it. Your air duct system could
be contaminated with mold. If you see mold in your laundry room, chances are
that your dryer is not properly vented to the outside.
Clothes dryers generate humidity and should never be vented inside the house.
Mold will grow on any surface that provides moisture and food. Substances that
are porous and can trap molds, such as paper, rags, wallboard and wood, should
be thrown out. After you have made all the repairs, it is time to clean. Use
the following pointers:
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Mix a household cleaner without ammonia with hot water and scrub affected areas
before sanitizing with the bleach solution that is 10% bleach and 90% water.
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Wear gloves when handling moldy materials. If you are sensitive to mold, you
may wish to wear a particulate-removing respirator or facemask. Also wear
protective clothing that is easily cleaned or may be discarded.
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Hard, non-porous materials can be cleaned with a solution of bleach and water,
10% bleach to 90% water. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe the area clean. Never
mix bleach with other cleaning products; it can produce a toxic gas! It is
important to clean thoroughly. If you leave some mold behind, the spores will
be easily released back into the air when the material dries out.
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Remove porous materials such as ceiling tiles, carpeting and sheetrock
(drywall) and dispose of them. They are nearly impossible to clean and will
surely produce more spores when dry.
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If mold is the result of flooding, remove all drywall to at least 12 inches
above the high water mark. Visually inspect the interior of the walls to ensure
that you removed all contaminated drywall.
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Allow the area to dry for 2-3 days after cleaning and sanitizing with the
bleach solution.
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Use a stiff brush to remove mold from block walls or uneven surfaces.
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Have family members or bystanders leave the area while cleaning or abatement is
being done.
How can I keep mold from damaging my home?
Repair water damage as soon as it is noticed.
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Watch for signs of moisture, such as condensation on windows, cracking of
walls, loosening of drywall tape, warped wood or musty odors.
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Install bathroom fans that vent humidity to the outside.
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Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
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Clean any moldy surfaces as soon as they are noticed.
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