Mold. You may have found it lurking in your home at some point. You may have had to clean it up. It's unsightly for sure, can be a major inconvenience, can be destructive and could possibly be hazardous to your health. Mold can form anywhere conditions exist to foster its growth. It normally grows in cool damp places. Usually in areas where temperatures range between 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with a relative humidity level of 70% or higher. Though it is possible for certain molds to grow in lower humidity levels, they are not a common occurrence and rarely a concern over the more common types of mold. Typical areas in a home where mold tends to take hold are areas such as bathrooms, basements, ceiling tiles, paneling, refrigerators, air conditioners, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, trash cans, heating ducts, windowsills, carpeting and other areas where moisture may be captured. There are many different types of mold, each with varying levels of risk to health. In low levels mold is pretty much harmless, but in higher levels the person who comes in contact may suffer allergic symptoms from the spores, as well as more harmful effects. There are two forms of mold called Stachybotrys and Memnoniella which are considered toxic and can have a serious effect on a persons health. Minor symptoms of exposure to these toxic molds may include a rash, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, respiratory difficulties, eye irritations, difficulty breathing, sinus inflammation, headaches, fatigue and sore throat. More serious symptoms of exposure to toxic mold may include ear inflammation, nose bleeds, bleeding of the lungs, memory loss and arthralgia (joint pain). Exposure to any type of mold can always have the possibility of bringing on negative health effects, so it is wise to remove mold when it is found and to foster conditions, which can help minimize the chances of mold appearing again in the future. First of all, if you find mold in your home, clean it right away. For mold growing on solid material like metal, basic soap and detergent should do the trick. Be sure to dry them immediately afterward. For materials more porous, where mold has sunk in, such as mattresses or other furnishings, the material should be replaced, as there is no way to remove mold completely from these materials. To prevent mold from forming in the future, check for any and all sources of moisture. In bathrooms check for leaky faucets or pipes which are serious culprits for fostering the conditions for mold growth. Once you have finished, lower the humidity level of your home to between 30 and 60%. Since most mold grows in conditions of 70% relative humidity of higher, keeping humidity low in your home will greatly reduce the risk of mold forming again in the future. The steps outlined above are very important to follow, especially for those who may suffer from allergies. An ounce of prevention now could save you inconvenience, discomfort, as well as money in the years ahead. |
