Mold information
Why is everyone talking about Mold?
What are molds?
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on any substance when moisture is present. In nature, molds play a key role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other plant debris.
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce, just as plants produce seeds. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoor, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are attached to, in order to survive. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control growth is to control moisture.
What kind of molds can we encounter?
Molds can be divided into 3 groups based on their effects:
- Allergenic molds — can cause allergic or asthmatic symptoms. These molds do not usually produce life-threatening health effects. These include those most often encountered in housing (Peniciliurn, Aipeigillus, ladosporiutn, Alternaria).
- Pathogenic molds — can cause serious health affects in persons with suppressed immune systems.
- Toxic molds (mycotoxins) —can cause serious health effects in almost anybody.
Who can clean the mold?
There is a significant difference in the clean-up approach used for a small mold problem(less than 10 square feet) and large contamination problem. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a homeowner wearing protective equipment (PPE) may handle small clean up areas.
What special precautions should be taken?
If homeowners decide to clean mold themselves, they need to keep in mind that they will be exposed to potentially toxic mold, strong detergents, and disinfectants. They need to protect their health during clean-up:
- Wear full or half facemask respirator with a P 100 filter
- Wear protective clothing that is easily cleaned or discarded
- Wear rubber gloves
- Ask family members or bystanders to evacuate areas that are being cleaned
- Ventilate the house during and after the work
- Dry and dehumidify affected areas for 2-3 days after the cleanup is completed
- Minimize your exposure to disinfectants, and contain the working area
- Allow disinfectants to remain on the surface for the prescribed time before rinsing off
- Wash off hard surfaces and dry completely
- Bag and discard moldy items (Absorbent material, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be replaced if they are contaminated with mold)
- If mold returns after cleanup, it may indicate an undetected problem!
How to prevent mold growth?
The key to mold control is moisture control:
- Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water
- Ventilate or lower humidity of crawl spaces and basements
- Use exhaust fans or open windows in kitchens and bathrooms when showering, cooking, or using the dishwasher
- Vent clothes dryers to the outside
- Water invasion should be controlled within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth
If the homeowners feel unsure of themselves before the cleaning process, a professional abatement company may need to be consulted.
Is mold an issue in our dry climate?
If the moisture source is present, the mold growth will develop.
Information provided by Tiger Home Inspection
Toll Free: 1-866-844-3726
SERVING WESTERN AND CENTRAL COLORADO
