Don’t Let Mold Win
Healthier indoor environments increase the quality of your life and the longevity of your home.
The average person spends 90% of their time indoors. In our homes, schools, and offices, we breathe air 2 to 5 times more concentrated than outdoors. A good home maintenance program can reduce many common pollutants within the house.
Our homes' air quality is affected by a variety of factors, including secondhand smoke, carbon monoxide, radon, lead dust, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological pollutants, such as mold and dust mites.
The combination of April and May showers and warmer temperatures creates an ideal mold-growing environment. Each year, we receive several inquiries about mold removal. It is essential to prevent and detect problems early.
MOLD
Molds are naturally occurring organisms that reproduce by spreading spores. Spores are invisible to the naked eye but can be found floating in the air.
CONTROLLING MOLD
As mold spores are always present in both indoor and outdoor air, preventing mold growth in buildings may seem impossible. Unless there is a significant amount of moisture present, mold spores will not germinate and start growing into active colonies. Mold growth can be controlled by keeping indoor moisture levels below what is required for growth.
Control moisture indoors by:
- Condensation prevention.
- Check for water leaks in your home, such as leaks in the plumbing, roof, basement, etc., and fix them as soon as possible.
- Within 24 to 48 hours, clean flood damage and dry wet materials.
MOLD CLEANUP BASICS
Take action right away. If the mold growth is less than 10 square feet (3 feet x 3 feet), you can handle the cleanup yourself. Contact a professional for mold mitigation if the moldy area in your home exceeds 10 square feet.
Guidelines:
- Using detergent and water, scrub mold off hard surfaces and let them dry completely. For removing mold, the EPA does not recommend using biocides or chemicals, such as chlorine bleach.
- Immediately fix all water leaks and other problems. Make sure all items are completely dry.
- The mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely from absorbent or porous materials. It is common to have to remove and replace materials such as ceiling tiles, drywall, and carpeting.
- Protect yourself from mold by wearing a N-95 mask, rubber gloves, and protective eyewear. Consult a health professional if you have health concerns.
- Water and mold damage caused by sewage or other contaminated water should be repaired by a professional who has experience cleaning and repairing damaged structures.
HEALTH
Molds produce allergens, which can cause allergic reactions, and irritants, which can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Individuals with sensitive asthma can also be triggered by mold. Certain types of mold also produce toxins that can cause more serious health problems, but they are less common.
As with your personal health, your home's health will decline without regular maintenance. Mold grows easily in houses because there are many sources of food (wood, paper, fabric), and the typical temperature in most homes makes it easy for it to grow. As mold grows, it damages what it grows on, and the longer it grows, the more damage it can cause.
Sources:
Cornell Cooperative Extension | Mold
Cornell Cooperative Extension | Mold Control and Clean Up Basics (ccetompkins.org)
