Mold Prevention Tips

Jun 21, 2018 by

Mold Prevention Tips

Control dampness – Moisture is the key ingredient for mold growth. Cleaning and keeping the area dry will help prevent mold from regrowing. If conditions aren’t improved, mold can regrow in as little as twenty-four hours after the area was cleaned. Keep the humidity level in your home between 40% and 60%. Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months and in damp spaces, like basements.

Image: Moldy basement wall due to leaky pipe.

Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dish-washing, and cleaning.

Humidity levels should stay between fifteen percent (15%) and below forty percent (40%) during the heating season, depending on the outdoor temperature.

Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Add mold inhibitors for mold prevention to paints before painting.

Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.

Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

Dead mold can continue to cause allergic reactions in some people so it is important that the mold is properly managed, neutralized and also removed.

To learn more about preventing mold in your home, see the Environmental Protection Agency’s publications about mold at
https://www.epa.gov/mold/

Next : How to Avoid Sick-House Syndrome

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Who Is Most Vulnerable to Illness from Molds

Jun 20, 2018 by

Who Is Most Vulnerable to Illness from Molds

Human bodies can tolerate molds and mycotoxins in small quantities, but common molds are a very common allergen. Because exposure to mycotoxins is relatively rare, allergic effects are more common than toxic effects, but flooding such as is caused by hurricanes and typhoons have led to some serious dangers from Mycotoxin, or what is commonly called Black Mold or Toxic Mold.

Image: Mold toxins can cause flu-like symptoms, especially in children and people with allergies.

Some people are more sensitive to mold than others. There does not have to be an extensive amount of mold in an area to affect certain people. Toxic Mold such as Stachybotrys and Memnoniella can cause serious and sometimes fatal health conditions. (Remember that all molds can be harmful to your health, especially in your home and especially to people with allergies.)

There are not really any laboratory tests of blood or urine that can determine absolutely whether a person has been exposed to mycotoxins. Blood can be tested for antibodies to some specific types of fungi, but these tests only determine if a person who has become allergic to fungi has been exposed recently to that specific type of fungus. Allergy tests cannot determine if a person has been exposed to fungal toxins.

Who Is Most Vulnerable to Illness from Molds

The most vulnerable are:

Infants
Children
Immune-compromised patients
Pregnant women
People who have respiratory problems
Diabetics
People with allergies or asthma
The elderly

Next: Symptoms of Toxic Mold Illness

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