10 Things You Should Know About Mold

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10 Important Things Everyone Should Know About Mold

Don’t go into mold prevention and mold removal unarmed! Here are some tips that will help you fight your battle with mold:

Health Effects

Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.

Control Mold Growth

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 control moisture.

Eliminate Moisture

If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

Repair Water Problems

Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.

Reduce Indoor Humidity

Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and dehumidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.

Clean and Dry

Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Use Detergents

Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.

Prevent Condensation

Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

Rules for Carpeting

In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).

Mold is Everywhere

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Further Recommended Reading:

Joslyn from the MoldBlogger Team

Source: The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) at epa.gov

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4 comments

Most Commonly Asked Questions about Mold - The Mold Blog November 26, 2007 - 8:09 pm
[...] 10 Things You Should Know about Mold [...]
F. Bourgeau August 9, 2009 - 7:44 pm
after insides of walls have been dried out. Can mold still flourish. Area was Dehumidified
F. Bourgeau August 9, 2009 - 7:47 pm
can mold still flourish inside walls after water has been eliminated by dehumification
vanessa bryant December 14, 2009 - 4:32 pm
we are renting at the mo and are in a bedroom that has no other adjoining wall(s) and white mould is on the walls thtas not got any walls adjoined to it i have wiped it off with bleach but it just keeps on coming back i have also got the same mould on my kitchen wall near the back door and behing my microwave and behind my sofa that was black mould there ,my landlord keeps saying its condensation but ive a feeling in might be the gutters cause some of them are loose its like he is fobing us off so he dont have too pay out we are considering moving cause we dont want the hassle its making us ill hope u can give us some advice
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