Mold Basics

The key to mold control is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the source of the water problem. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are an important part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds break down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and dead trees, providing nutrients for the soil and growing vegetation. But indoors, mold growth should be prvented. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. They produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are also allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-allergic and nonallergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and its negative health effects is ongoing. There are many more potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information, consult a healthcare professional.

How do I get rid of mold?

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors. Some mold spores can be found floating through the air and in household dust. Mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture/humidity indoors. If there is mold growing in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the source of the water problem. If you clean up the mold but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will recur.

Actions That Will Help to Reduce Indoor Humidity:

-Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters, to the outdoors, where possible. Combustion appliances, such as stoves and kerosene heaters, produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.
-Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
-Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or washing dishes, etc