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Is your home mold- and mildew-free?
Household mold and mildew can be more than just unsightly -- it also can negatively impact your health.
Approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population is sensitive to mold. Invisible mold spores cause countless allergic reactions, asthma attacks and sinus infections, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Mold also can wreak havoc on building materials. In nature, mold breaks down decaying organic matter; in a home, it can decompose floors, walls and other structures.
Fortunately, mold growth can be controlled.
"The key to mold control is moisture control," says Steven Hong, home health specialist and president of Sylvane.com, a leading online supplier of dehumidifiers.
Hong offers the following tips for creating a healthy home environment that's mold- and mildew-free:
Recognize visible mold
Mold grows in damp, dark environments. Commonly found in bathrooms and basements, it's usually slimy or fuzzy in appearance, and its color may be green, black, orange or purple.
Be aware of hidden mold
Mold can grow behind walls and wallpaper, above ceiling tiles and under sinks. If you notice a musty odor in a particular room, it's likely coming from hidden mold. You can check for mold with a mold test kit.
Clean spills immediately
If you have a spill, leak or any kind of water damage in your home, clean and dry out the area immediately. Mold starts growing within 24 to 48 hours.
Keep indoor humidity low
Dehumidifiers keep the humidity low by removing excess moisture from the air. Keep your home's relative humidity below 50 percent to prevent mold growth.
Basements, crawlspaces
Basements are notorious for mold and mildew, and crawlspaces are dark and damp -- ideal environments for mold. Place a plastic vapor barrier on open earth in crawlspaces to reduce moisture. Dehumidifiers may be helpful in both these types of spaces.
Gently rid of visible mold
If you see visible mold growth, carefully clean it up with water and detergent. It's impossible to completely remove mold from a porous surface such as drywall; this material will have to be removed and discarded.
Protect yourself
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends wearing an N-95 respirator mask, gloves and goggles while cleaning mold. Black mold or toxic mold (usually found in buildings with severe water damage) produces dangerous toxins that can cause neurological symptoms and even death. If you encounter extensive mold growth, or if you suspect it may be toxic mold, contact a mold remediation professional.
"Indoor mold is a major cause of sinus infections, allergies and asthma attacks, not to mention structural damage to buildings," Hong says. "But if you control your home's humidity, then mold doesn't stand a chance."
-- Courtesy of StatePoint
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