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 course of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5.
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, 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 not 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, 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.
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Common Sources of Mold
-Mold grow best in warm, damp and humid conditions. They spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, even dry weather, that do not support normal mold growth.
-Outdoors, mold can be found in shady, damp areas, or where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors, they can be found in places where humidity is high, as in basements or showers.
How WISE Can Help
WISE personnel have Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) experience beginning in the late 1980's, and fungal (mold) projects experience beginning in the early 1990's, when fungi was first becoming recognized as a contaminant in contemporary buildings. The firm has developed a Fungal Remediation Plan using industry-leading techniques, which has been used to direct remediation of over 500 sites. The firm also developed a fungal remediation worker's course geared to providing contractors the knowledge, approach, and tools to effectively deal with fungal contamination, per U.S. EPA recommended procedures. Click here for more information on this, and other, training courses offered by WISE.
For More Information
EPA website: Mold and Moisture
CDC website: Mold
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