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1. What is mold?
Mold is neither plant nor
animal; they are microscopic organisms. These organisms are part of the fungi
kingdom, which also includes beneficial items such as mushrooms and yeast. Without mold, we would be
wading knee deep in dead plant matter. We would not have great foods and medicines such
as, cheese and penicillin. Molds become a problem only when they start digesting
organic materials we don't want them to, such as our homes.
From Biblical times to today,
mold has been in the news. ---If
the mildew has spread on the walls, 40 he is to order that the
contaminated stones be torn out and thrown into an unclean place outside the
town..
Leviticus 14:39-40
Mold is a common term for
fungus. Mold along with moisture can eat and digest organic materials such as
paper, cloth, leather and wood. Mold grows from spores, which are everywhere in
our environment. They are able to germinate and multiply when the relative
humidity exceeds seventy percent (70%). Temperatures above 65°
degrees increase the likelihood of mold growth.
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2. How do I get rid of mold?
Your best defense is a fast
response. Mold organisms will not become airborne as long as they are wet.
Protect yourself! Be sure to
wear protective gear, such as: goggles, hat, cartridge-type breathing filter mask,
gloves, boots and clothes covering your entire body, to protect yourself from the mold
and the mold disinfectant cleaner.
During the cleanup, only
those actually doing the cleanup should be in the home. Anyone with respiratory health problems, pregnant women and young children should NOT
perform the cleanup or be in the home during the cleanup process. Do not smoke,
eat or drink during the cleanup process.
Treat one area at a
time. If possible, move the
contaminated item(s) outdoors for treatment. Before removing visible mold,
use a garden sprayer containing diluted mold disinfectant cleaner to thoroughly mist all
visible mold. Let the mold disinfectant cleaner work for at least one hour
before proceeding to remove the dead mold.
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3. Who should do the clean up?
Minor mold infestations may be
cleaned with ordinary household cleaning products. However, larger infestations
may cause health problems for the nonprofessional, particularly for the allergy
sufferer or those with weakened immune systems. In most cases, you should
contact a Certified Mold Inspector.
The Inspector will inspect
suspicious wall and ceiling areas with a fiber optic inspection device; which is
used to examine inside wall and ceiling cavities. Many times mold is found in
areas the untrained eye may not find.
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4. What does mold need to grow?
For mold to grow, it needs all
of the following:
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A food sources such as:
leaves, wood, insulation, wallboard, drywall, carpeting, clothing, paper,
dirt, tobacco smoke, etc.
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A source of moisture for at
least 24 to 48 hours.
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A place to grow such as: a
dark place, relative humidity in excess of 70%, temperatures above 65°,
etc.
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5. What are sources of moisture in and around my home?
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Flooding.
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Backed-up sewers.
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Leaky roofs.
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Humidifiers.
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Mud or ice dams.
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Damp basements or crawl
spaces.
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Constant plumbing leaks.
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House plants (water can
generate large amounts of moisture).
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Steam from cooking or
boiling large amounts of liquids.
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Shower/bath steam and leaks.
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Wet clothes or indoor drying
lines.
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Clothes dryers vented
indoors.
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Combustion appliances not
exhausted to the outdoors.
CAUTION: If you see moisture
condensation on the windows or walls, it is also possible that you have a
combustion problem in your home. It is important to have sufficient fresh air
available for fuel burning appliances. A shortage of air for these appliances
can result in back drafting of dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide in the
home. To prevent back drafting of air, you need to either open vents or install a
ventilation system that brings fresh air into the home to replace air that is
exhausted out. It is recommended that you have your local utility company or a
professional heating contractor inspect your fuel-burning appliances annually.
If you operate a LP gas heater or kerosene heater in your home, you must have a
carbon monoxide detector or a combination carbon monoxide detector/smoke alarm
in each room.
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6. How can I be exposed to mold?
Mold is found everywhere,
indoors and outdoors. It is common to find mold spores in the air of homes and
growing on damp surfaces. Much of the mold found indoors comes from outdoor
sources. Therefore, everyone is exposed to mold on a daily basis without evident
harm. Mold spores primarily cause health problems when they become air borne and
are inhaled in large numbers. People can also be exposed to mold through skin
contact and food consumption.
There are 3 easy ways mold
spores can enter your body.
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Inhalation: Mold spores can be
airborne, and get into your homes or offices through doors, windows, cracks and crevices, or be carried in from the outdoors on shoes or clothing.
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Skin: Touching moldy
surfaces such as furniture or coming in contact with plants that may have
molds, can result in local skin irritations, (redness or mild swelling), or
possibly ulceration (rare).
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Ingestion: Several toxic
fungal species are able to grow on spoiled food (nuts, grain, rice,
agricultural products, etc), which can cause serious intestinal food poisoning,
liver cancer, (aflatoxin from Aspergillus mold), or even death.
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7. What health effects can be caused by exposure to mold?
Molds can cause many health
ailments. The most common symptom associated with exposure to elevated levels of
fungal spores or mold is Allergies. Other symptoms are; asthma, edema, bronchiospasms, pulmonary emphysema,
candida vaginitis, thrush, infections in the human skin, nails, eyes, nose,
sinuses, tongue, throat, esophagus, and the entire digestive tract and fungal
related ear infections. Molds can also be acutely toxic to the liver, brain,
kidneys, lungs and heart. A new medical study attributes nearly 100% of chronic
sinus infections to mold; plus a 300% increase in the asthma rate over the past
20 years have been linked to molds.
Symptoms of exposure to molds
can be chronic fatigue, headaches, memory loss, loss of concentration,
difficulties in logical thinking and learning, runny nose, bloody nose,
coughing, difficulty breathing, hives, itchy nose, mouth, eyes, throat, or skin,
sneezing, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, extensive internal
bleeding, coma, convulsions and could possibly lead to death.
Stachybotrys atra (pronounced
Stack-ee-BOT-ris) is an especially lethal mold. It's part of a family of molds
(others are Memnoniella and Aspergillus versicolor) that produce airborne
toxins, that can cause serious breathing difficulties, memory and hearing loss,
dizziness, flu-like symptoms and bleeding in the lungs. Whereas most mold spores
can begin growing after just 24 hours of wetness, Stachybotrys spores take at
least 48 hours of wetness.
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8. Should I be concerned about mold around my home?
Yes! Mold left unattended will
continue to grow and may cause structural damage to your home and/or foundation,
as well as possible health issues for you and/or your family.
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9. Can my home be tested for mold?
Yes, testing should be performed by
a professional. They should collect air samples from the contaminated areas,
non-contaminated areas (to serve as a reference, or control area) and outside
locations. These samples should then be sent to a Mold Inspector Laboratory for
professional laboratory analysis, which will identify the type of mold present
as well as the quantity.
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10. How should I clean moldy
surfaces?
The following are techniques
to help clean mold problems:
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Isolate the affected area
and/or materials and reduce the circulation of air from the affected area to the
rest of the building. This may be accomplished by hanging plastic sheeting and
sealing doorways, windows, vents and other openings. Avoid using fans, as this
causes the mold spores to become airborne.
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Remove all furnishings from
the area to be cleaned.
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Scrub mold off hard surfaces
with detergent and water, then dry completely.
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Fix plumbing leaks and other
water problems as soon as possible. Dry all areas thoroughly.
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Porous materials, such as
ceiling tiles and carpet may have to be disposed of if they become moldy. Mold
can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the
mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
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Wear protective equipment,
such as masks, gloves, goggles, boots, etc.
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Do not paint or caulk moldy
surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before caulking or painting. Paint applied
over moldy surfaces are likely to peel, blister, or discolor.
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Run a high capacity hepa air
purifier inside the affected area to remove airborne spores.
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Have the air tested to be sure the mold levels are at a safe level.
Please note, that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage.
It may not be possible to clean an item so that its original appearance is
restored.
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11. Where can I get more information about mold?
Mold is fast becoming a
4-letter word associated with panic, mysterious illnesses, insurance problems
and homeowner nightmares. Many homeowners are now attempting to educate
themselves. The following list is provided to help you in your search for
information.
Biological Pollutants In
Your Home
The Inside
Story: A Guide To Indoor Quality
The
Family Handy Man
American Lung
Association
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12. How can I reduce my exposure to mold?
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Eliminate tobacco smoke.
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Provide adequate ventilation.
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Maintain the ventilation
system.
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Remove sources of pollution.
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Remove sources of constant moisture.
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13. How does mold get into my home?
Mold spores are airborne and
can enter your home through an opening, (i.e.: window, door, etc) or by
attaching to your clothes, shoes, hair or pets. Once they have entered
your home all they need is a host to provide them the nutrients to grow and
reproduce.
Most homeowners have the
misconception and believe as long as they do not see visible signs of mold, their environment is free of
contamination. What they don't realize, however, is that large accumulations of
mold may be growing in areas they cannot see. Such as: air ducts, remote attic/basement spaces, or wall cavities.
What homeowners don't realize, is that new, tightly sealed buildings trap bad
air.
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14. Are there any circumstances where
I should vacate my home due to
mold?
At the present time, there are
no government agencies regulating the effects of mold to humans. However, if a
professional remediation is being performed in a large area of your home it is
recommended that individuals with existing health conditions vacate the home until
the remediation is complete.
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15. What is the first thing I should do when I suspect mold in my home?
Perform a careful physical inspection of your home and other buildings
(such as: detached garage, dog house, shed, etc.) as follows:
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Use a flashlight to see dark
corners and recesses.
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Check standing dust,
construction materials, and appliances for evidence of mold.
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Check for musty or moldy odor
or moisture on hard surfaces such as cracking, blistering or staining on
plasterboard or drywall. Drywall tape loosening, and/or wood warping, etc.
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Check for sagging or stained
ceilings, especially around exhaust fans and recessed lights.
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Check for peeling paint on the
inside and outside of windows and walls.
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Check along walls behind
dressers, headboards, and in closets where articles are stored against walls.
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Check rooms with high water
usage and humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements.
Check inside bathroom vanities for both moisture/water problems and mold.
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Other areas of concern are,
air conditioning units, heating/air ducts, basements, attics, crawlspaces,
bathrooms, carpets, humidifiers and refrigerator drip pans. Be sure to
check the attic roof for signs of dampness and the attic insulation for moisture
or moldy smells.
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16. How do I prevent mold from growing in my home?
Prevent mold with moisture
control. When anything in your home gets wet, dry it quickly. Mold can grow
within 2 days of continuous moisture.
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Fix leaks around the house.
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Prevent water from seeping
into the house; the ground should slope away from the house.
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Fix leaks in the roof; even
the smallest opening in the roof, wall or foundation can permit water to enter
your home, especially during heavy rain.
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Replace cracked or defective
mortar joints in foundations and basement walls.
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Apply waterproofing to
concrete, brick and other masonry walls surrounding your home.
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Waterproof basements and walls
on the outside of the home below ground level.
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Also use water-sealant paint
on basement floors and walls. The exterior basement walls should also be
treated. This may be labor intensive and cost intensive, but the benefits will
be a healthier environment for you and your family.
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Install or adjust outside
gutters and drains so that water does not collect near the outside walls,
foundation or basement. Check the drains regularly to avoid clogs.
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Adjust sprinklers so they do
not soak outside walls.
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Trim back trees and shrubs to
reduce shade on the house. Sunlight kills mold spores and dries moisture around
the house.
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Ventilate and insulate attic and crawl spaces.
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Use exhaust fans in bathrooms to remove moisture to the
outside: not into the attic.
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Use an exhaust fan in the kitchen to remove moisture to the
outside while cooking.
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Vent your clothes dryer to the outside to remove the moisture
from wet clothes.
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Turn off, or reduce the use of, moisture producing appliances when
you notice moisture on windows or other surfaces.
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Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to reduce moisture in the
air. Take precautions to make sure they do not become sources of mold.
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Use insulation and thermal pane windows or storm windows.
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Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture
away from wall corners to promote air and heat circulation. Be sure your home has a
source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from the home.
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Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological
pollutants to grow. If carpet is installed over a concrete floor, it may be
necessary to use a vapor barrier over the concrete then cover that with
sub-flooring to prevent a moisture problem.
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Place a container of moisture absorbing chemicals in closets,
chests or trunks. Areas where moisture collects, but air circulation is limited.
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Have major appliances, such as furnaces, heat pumps and central
air conditioners inspected and cleaned regularly by a professional, especially
before seasonal use. Change filters regularly (usually once a month during
use).
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Avoid the accumulation of dust. Have organic debris around the
home removed.
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17. What should I do if I suspect
an illness believed to be caused by mold?
If you believe you or your
family has an illness believed to be caused by mold, seek medical advice
promptly. Be aware the symptoms associated with mold exposure may be diagnosed
as allergies, flu or the common cold. Be sure to express your concerns to your
physician. Tell your physician
about the symptoms you are having and approximately when you think you were
exposed to mold and for how long.
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18. Can mold in my home be life threatening?
There is an estimated 100,000 types of mold
species known today. Only a fraction are suspected of causing some form of
illness and only a fraction of those are considered toxic. Molds are organized
into three groups according to human responses: Allergenic, Pathogenic and
Toxigenic.
Allergenic Molds
Allergenic molds do not usually produce
life-threatening health effects. They are more likely to affect only those with
allergies or asthma. The symptoms tend to be relatively mild, typically
producing only scratchy throats and rashes.
Pathogenic Molds
Pathogenic molds are capable of producing some
type of infection. They are capable of causing serious health effects in persons
with suppressed immune systems. A healthy individual can usually resist
infection, regardless of the exposure.
Toxigenic Molds
Toxigenic molds can cause serious health effects
in almost anyone. They are capable of producing health issues ranging from
short-term irritation to possible cancer(s). If you suspect a Toxigenic mold
infestation, it is recommended that you contact a professional for further
evaluation.
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19. I have a black stain on my wall that won't go away, is that mold?
A small dot on the room side
of a wall can mean that the inside of the wall is covered with black mold. A
through inspection is recommended.
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20. What does mold look like?
Active mold is slimy or fuzzy
and is usually green, black, white, orange or purple in color. Although mold can be almost any
color, mold is often seen as white thread-like growths or clusters of small
black specks (for example along a damp bathroom or basement wall). In early
stages, the mold may look like a fine web; in full bloom it looks bushy.
Inactive mold is dry and powdery and may be white.
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21. Why is mold growing in my house?
Molds are a part of our
environment. They play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter.
However, indoor mold growth should be avoided. Mold may begin growing indoors
when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. To avoid mold problems, it is
essential to eliminate unnecessary moisture. If a surface gets wet, dry it
immediately.
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22. What happens if mold is left untreated?
Mold left untreated will
continue to grow and has the potential of destroying everything it comes in
contact with. Serious consequences may result from untreated mold. Visit our
Photo Gallery to view how fast mold can grow if left
untreated.
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23. How much mold can make me sick?
It varies from one person to
the next. It may take a small number of mold spores to cause health problems for
one group of people, and more spores for others. The basic rule is: if you can
see mold or smell mold, you need to take the necessary steps to eliminate all excess moisture, remove the mold
and treat the area. The following individuals appear to be at higher risk
for adverse health effects of molds:
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Infants and children.
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Elderly.
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Immune compromised patients.
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Pregnant women.
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Individuals with existing
respiratory conditions, such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity and
asthma.
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