The Basics About Mold
The primary key to mold control is moisture control.
If mold is found in your home, the first step is promptly clean it up and fix the water problem.
Wet, damp, and water-damaged areas and items should be dried out within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to eliminate moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30% to 60%) to decrease mold growth by
a. venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; b. using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; c. increasing ventilation; and d. using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, cleaning and showering.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent and dry thoroughly. Absorbent materials that are moldy (such as carpeting and ceiling tiles) may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation. Adding insulation reduces the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, and floors).
9. Do not install carpeting in areas with a perpetual moisture problem.
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any surface, providing moisture is present. Some molds can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and food.