// What is Mold; and is it harmful to me or my family?
Mold is an issue that is invading the construction market. Mold-related issues for both health and property damage are on the rise. In fact, some insurance companies are deciding not to offer policies that cover liability related to mold.
Regardless of the source, property owners must move quickly to solve a mold problem to protect the health of it's residents and stop its growth.
- Mold is: Spores all around us that need moisture to grow
- Most Mold: is Not Harmful, Except to People With Allergies
- Some Molds (i.e., "Toxic Mold"): such as Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus, can release mycotoxins, which may be hazardous
- Organic growth: of mold occurs when wood mositure content is greater thatn 20%. Cellulose building materials (e.g., wallboard) are an excellent medium for mold growth
// How Does Moisture Enter A Building?
- Condensation... Moisture in the Air Can Get trapped Inside Walls
- Household Activities... Like Cooking or Bathing Can Release Moisture
- Flooding... If Not Properly Cleaned Can Leave Excess Moisture in the House
- Building and Roof Leaks... Frequently Undetected, an Entry Point for Moisture and Mold
// How Houses Can Trap Moisture
- New Siding... Vinyl Siding and Stucco Do Not Allow the Same Air Flow as Traditional Wood Siding
- New Windows... Sealed to Prevent Air Flow, They Trap Stale Air in the House
- New Roofs... Improperly Installed, Can Allow Moisture to Build up in Attics and Behind Walls
// Attic Ventilation
- May Reduce Mold Growth: By Increasing Air Flow
- May Keep the Attic Drier: By Releasing Moisture Build Up
- Has Been Shown to Reduce the Occurrence of Mold In The Attic...
"The quality of indoor air may deteriorate when one or more of these ventilation processes is inadequate."
From the EPA fact sheet (6607J) on interior air quality.
Inadequate ventilation is the number one cause of Sick Building Syndrome listed by the EPA.
 // MOLD TIPS - to prevent mold from forming:
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Keep humidity level below 40%
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Use air conditioners or dehumidifiers in humid months, especially in basements
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Provide adequate ventilation
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Use mold inhibitors in paint
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Wipe down areas that tend to accumulate moisture
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Do not use carpeting in bathrooms or basement
// MOLD FACTS:
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Greenish-black substance that is slimy to the touch, then you might have a mold problem
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Mold is not always visible
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There are about a half dozen varieties of household mold
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There are about three toxic varieties
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Toxic mold spores produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions, sometime as severe as fever and shortness of breath
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If you can smell the musty odor of mold, it is likely that invisible toxin-toting spores are in the air
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If an area is small, it can be wiped clean and the toxic invader killed with a mild bleach solution. Often times, people wipe molds away without actually knowing they are present.
// Some specialists' websites for your assistance:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/append_b.html - EPA - "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings"
http://nrca.net - National Roofing Contractors Association website
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds - Environmental Protection Agency : "Indoor Air - Mold"
http://www.acoemprivatepractice.com - American College of Occupational Environmental Medicine (ACOEM)
http://aiha.org - American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
http://www.ascr.org - Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR)
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