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1. What is Mold?
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds are fungus which can grown on cloth, carpet, leather, wood, sheet rock, insulation, and even on food when moist conditions exist. Mold is a common problem in many buildings including homes, apartments schools, hospitals, as well as industrial and commercial facilities. Molds reproduce by making spores which are spread throughout the environment in the air, as the spores land they begin to grow and multiply as long as there is moisture and organic material to eat. Because molds grow in moist or wet indoor environments, it is possible for people to become exposed to molds and their products, either by direct contact on surfaces, or through the air.
2. How do I know if I have mold?
You may see mold growth on porous surfaces in your home. It will appear as black, green, white, or brown "fuzzy" circles or clumps. You may not see mold in your building, but feel the effects of an allergic reaction to mold which is not visible. In this case, hiring a specialist to test the air for mold may be necessary. 3. Where do you find mold?
Molds can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, and something to feed on. Molds grow in our homes in moist warm areas like damp basements, closets, and bathrooms, even after the moisture has dried up. Also, molds can grow in places where fresh food is stored, refrigerator drip trays, house plants, humidifiers, garbage pails, mattresses, upholstered furniture, or foam rubber pillows. The worst place that molds can grow, however, is inside wall cavities and flooring of our homes, wherever there may be cellulose materials they can feed on, such as wood, ceiling tiles, or plasterboard, even if they are not visible, and they have sustained water damage at one time or another. This is very common if there has been a plumbing leak or an inadequate roof. 4. What are the potential health effects?
Molds have the potential to cause health problems. The health effects on people vary from no effects, to an allergic reaction, to a state of toxicity. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. For more detailed information consult a health professional. 5. How do I correct it?
Who should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors. One consideration is the size of the mold problem. Larger areas will require the services of an experienced mold remediation specialist. If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, following the EPA guidelines below. |
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