What is Mold? First, we must understand that there is always some mold around. Mold has been on the Earth for millions of years. Mold can get in your home through open doors, windows, vents, heating as well as air conditioning, and in addition to that airborne mold can be carried back home through clothes or pets.
Sampling of mold, which is used to check a building’s compliance with the mold standard as well as to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated, is typically carried out by professionals with experience with mold. This allows one to make sure that an area is as clean as it can be from mold, though if no visible mold can be seen, sampling of mold is unnecessary.
Mold can grow just about anywhere that has moisture and will pose a health risk to many.
9 things you should know about mold:
1- Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints.
2- There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in an 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 sources of water problems or leaks to prevent mold growth.
5- Reduce indoor humidity (by up to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
– Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources outside
– Using air conditioners and dehumidifiers
– Increasing ventilation
– Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
– Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
6- 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.
7- Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
8- 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).
9- 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.
