Control Mold by controlling moisture

If mold is present in your home (or anywhere!) you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
Reduce indoor humidity to 30-60% to decrease mold growth by:

• Venting bathroom and clothes dryers to outside.
• Use air conditioners and de-humidifiers
• Increase ventilation
• Use exhaust fans

10 things you should know about mold...

1. Potentional symptons associated with mold exposure include allergic reaction, asthma and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate way to elimiate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. The way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, 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 between 30 and 60 percent to decrease mold growth. Vent bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside. Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Increase ventilation and use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within a 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent and dry completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy might need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation. Reduce condensation on cold surfaces, such as windows, piping, exterior walls, roof and floors, by adding insulation.
9. Do not install carpeting in areas with a perpetual moisture problem, such as near drinking fountains, sinks or concrete floors with frequent condensation.
10. Mold can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. Molds can grow on wood, paper, carpet and foods.

Sick building syndrome

• A condition of a structure where some occupants may experience discomfort or chronic health concerns caused by contaminates in the ambient air (some symptoms - headaches, sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes to name a few...)
• Periodic sanitizing or cleaning of the HVAC system (heating & air conditioning units, including the duct work) is recommended. Inert materials, dust, hair, animal dander, skin cells can accumulate and condensation can cause some incubation of mold spores.
• Employees should report unusual condition in the workplace. Obvious mold/wet conditions and mold odors (musty) to the employer, supervisor or health & safety officer or school board.

Interesting FAQ's about Mold

You know you have mold when you smell the "musty" odor or see small black or white specks along your damp bathroom or basement walls. Some mold is hidden growing behind wall coverings or ceiling tiles. Even dry, dead mold can cause health problems, so always take precautions when you suspect mold.

Mold is often found in areas where water has damaged building materials and furniture from flooding or plumbing leaks. Mold can also be found growing along walls where warm moist air condenses on cooler wall surfaces, such as inside cold exterior walls, behind dressers, headboards, and in closets where articles are stored against walls.

Mold often grows in rooms with both high water usage and humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. If you notice mold or know of water damaged areas in your home, it is time to take action to control its growth.