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What Is Mold?

Molds are microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are very tiny, light-weight, and easily-detached by airflow, vacuuming, walking on carpet, or sitting on a couch. In indoor environments they grow in air conditioning ducts, carpets, pots of house plants, etc. They produce and release millions of spores, which are small enough to stay airborne, threatening to invade the human respiratory system.

In large quantities, molds can cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen. Mold growths can often be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown or black.

In order for mold to grow, it needs food sources (such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt), a source of moisture, and a place to grow.

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

1.       Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.

2.       There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

3.       If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

4.       Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.

5.       Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:

a.       venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside;

b.       using air conditioners and de-humidifiers;

c.        increasing ventilation;

d.       and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.

6.       Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

7.       Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.

8.       Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

9.       In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).

                     10.  Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.