Our homes are full of toxic substances, chemicals, and allergens. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) more than half of the population of the United States suffer from some form of allergies. The most common allergens are found in the home. Read more »

ABOUT MOLD

What is it?

Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, found virtually everywhere indoors and outdoors. Molds can be found on plants, foods, dry leaves, and other organic material. Molds are needed for breaking down dead material. Mold spores are very tiny and lightweight, and this allows them to travel through the air. Mold growths can often be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown and black. When molds are present in large quantities, they can cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen.

Should I be concerned about mold in my home?

Yes, if the contamination is extensive. When airborne mold spores are present in large numbers, they can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems for people. Exposure to high spore levels can cause the development of an allergy to the mold. Mold can also cause structural damage to your home. Similarly, when wood goes through a period of wetting, then drying, itcan eventually warp and cause walls to crack or become structurally weak.

What does mold need to grow?

For mold to grow, it needs:

• food sources – such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt
• a source of moisture
• a place to grow

pregnant women,individuals with existing respiratoryconditions, such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma. People with these special concerns should consult a physician if they are having health problems.

 

What symptoms are common?

Allergic reactions may be the most common health problem of mold exposure.

Typical symptoms reported (alone or in combination) include:

• respiratory problems, such as wheezing, and difficulty in breathing
• nasal and sinus congestion
• eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity
• dry, hacking cough
• sore throat
• nose and throat irritation
• shortness of breath
• skin irritation
• central nervous system problems (constant headaches, memory
• problems, and mood changes)
• aches and pains
•  possible fever

 

Are some molds more hazardous than others?

Allergic persons vary in their sensitivities to mold, both as to amount and type needed to cause reactions. In addition, certain types of molds can produce toxins, called mycotoxins, that the mold uses to inhibit or prevent the growth of other organisms. Mycotoxins are found in both living and dead mold spores. Materials permeated with mold need to be removed, even after they are disinfected with cleaning solutions. Allergic and toxic effects can remain in dead spores. Exposure to mycotoxins may present a greater hazard than that of allergenic or irritative molds. Mycotoxins have been found in homes, agricultural settings, food, and office buildings.

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GENERAL CLEAN-UP PROCEDURES

• Identify and correct the moisture source
• Clean, disinfect, and dry the moldy area
• Bag and dispose any material that has moldy residues, such as rags, paper, leaves, or debris.

 

What can I save? What should I toss?

Substances that are porous and can trap molds, such as paper, rags, wallboard, and rotten wood should be decontaminated and thrown out. Harder materials such as glass, plastic, or metal can be kept after they are cleaned and disinfected. Ultimately, it is critical to remove the source of moisture first, before beginning remedial action, since mold growth will return shortly if an effected area becomes re-wetted.

 

Removal of Moldy Materials

After fixing the moisture source and removing excess moisture, the cleanup can begin:

• Wear gloves when handling moldy materials
• Remove porous materials (examples: ceiling tiles, sheetrock, carpeting, wood products)
• Carpeting can be a difficult problem –drying does not remove the dead spores. If there is heavy mold, disposal of the carpet should be considered
• Bag and discard the moldy substances
• Allow the area to dry 2 or 3 days
• If flooded, remove all sheetrock to at least 12 inches above the high water
• mark. Visually inspect the wall interior and remove any other intrusive molds. (This step may have to becarried out by a licensed contractor).

CAUTION: Spores are easily released when moldy material is dried out.
 

Soap Cleanup

Before disinfecting contaminated areas, clean the areas to remove as much of the mold (and food it is growing on) as possible.

• Wear gloves when doing this cleanup
• Use a non-ammonia soap or detergent, or a commercial cleaner, in hot water,and scrub the entire area affected by the mold
• Use a stiff brush or cleaning pad on block walls or uneven surfaces
• Rinse clean with water. A wet/dry vacuum is handy for this.

 

Disinfect Surfaces

• Wear gloves when using disinfectants
• After thorough cleaning and rinsing, disinfect the area with a solution of 10% household bleach (e.g., 1½ cup bleach per gallon of water). Using bleach straight from the bottle will not be more effective
• Never mix bleach with Ammonia – the fumes are toxic
• For spraying exterior large areas, a garden hose and nozzle can be used
• When disinfecting a large structure, make sure the entire surface is wetted (floors, joists, and posts)
• Avoid excessive amounts of runoff or standing bleach
• Let disinfecting areas dry naturally overnight — this extended time is important to kill all the mold.

CAUTION: Bleach fumes can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and damage clothing and shoes. Make sure the working area is ventilated well.

 

Can cleaning up mold be hazardous to my health?

Yes. Exposure to mold can occur during the cleaning stage. Mold counts are typically 10 to 1000 times higher than background levels during the cleaning of mold damaged materials. Take steps to protect your health during cleanup:

• When handling or cleaning moldy materials, consider using a mask or respirator to protect you from breathing airborne spores.