MOLD

MOLD
What you should know
The key to controlling mold is controlling moisture. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the moisture. Here are 10 things you should know about mold:
Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors. The way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. Fix sources of the water problem to prevent mold growth.
Reduce indoor humidity to between 30 percent and 60 percent by venting bathrooms and other moisture-generating sources to the outside. Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning.
Clean, dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24 to 48 hours.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent and dry completely.
Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces, such as windows, piping, exterior walls, roof and floors with insulation.
In an area of a perpetual moisture problem, don't install carpeting or drinking fountains.
Molds can be found almost anywhere. They can grow on virtually any substance.
How to control mold
There are many ways to control moisture in your home:
Fix leaks and seepage. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simply landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. The ground should slope away from the house. Water in the basement can result from water flow toward the house or from a lack of gutters.
Be aware that water leaks in pipes or around tubs and sinks can provide a space for biological pollutants to grow.
Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawl spaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Be sure crawl spaces both below and above the living quarters are well-ventilated.
Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to send moisture to the outside rather than into the attic.
Turn off appliances such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure the appliances themselves don't become sources of mold.
Raise the temperature of cold surfaces such as windows where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows. A storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed on the outside.
Open doors between rooms to increase circulation.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency