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MOLD

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Q. What is mold?

A. Molds are microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere even outdoors. Molds are fungi. In nature, molds help break down dead materials and can be found growing on soil, foods, plant matter, and other items. Molds produce microscopic cells called “spores” which are very tiny and spread easily through the air. Any wet, damp or humid surface becomes a breeding ground for mold colonies and more spores to humans. Spores are easily spread by air, water and insects.

Q. What does mold need to grow?

A. Mold only needs a few simple things to grow and multiply:

• Moisture
• Nutrients
• Suitable place to grow

Q. Why is mold growing in my home?

A. Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of
tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Molds naturally grow in the indoor environment under favorable conditions. Mold spores may also enter your house through open doorways, windows, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Plants and animals act as a very good carrier of spores which in turn makes clothing, shoes, bags, and pets’ convenient vehicles for carrying mold indoors. When mold spores drop on places where there is excessive moisture (due to leakage of roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or where there has been flooding) they will grow. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow. Wet materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly very common places for the growth of some molds. Other materials such as paints, wallpaper, drywall, insulation materials, dust, carpet, fabric, and upholstery provide place for mold growth. You cannot keep spores out of your home, but regular home cleaning and maintenance often can prevent mold problems before they arise.

Q. Should I be concerned about mold in my home?

A. Absolutely, Mold should not be permitted to grow and multiply indoors. When this happens, Apart from financial hassle it gives rise to health problems. If you have any indication of mold growth in your home it is in your best interest to get the mold inspection done by a certified mold inspector to avoid getting in to the complex situation which can lead to costly affair in fixing the property as well as getting your (occupants) health on track because of the “Sick Building Syndrome”.

Q. Can mold make me and my family sick?

A. Yes! Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. The severity differs from person to person and is difficult to predict. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. People can also be
exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) or by accidental ingestion resulting into “Sick Building Syndrome”.

Q. What is Sick Building Syndrome?

A. Sick building syndrome is a well described situation in which the occupants of the property report: Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, Dry, red mucous membranes and skin, Headache, Upper respiratory tract infections, Lower airway symptoms, Abnormal taste, Odor, General fatigue, Dizziness and Nausea.
These effects are very obvious when in the building, and decrease or not seen at all when those people leave the building. Women are more likely than men to report having these symptoms.

Q. What symptoms might I see?

A. The most common health problems caused by indoor mold are allergy symptoms. The commonly reported problems after exposure to mold are:

• Asthma
• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Cough
• Wheeze/breathing difficulties
• Sore throat
• Skin and eye irritation
• Upper respiratory tract infections (including sinus)

Q. Are the risks greater for some people?

A. Different people react to indoor mold problems differently. However, the long term presence of indoor mold growth may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. However, the following types of people may be affected more severely and sooner than others:

• Infants and children
• Elderly people
• Individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities such as allergies and asthma
• The people with special health concerns should consult a medical professional if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold. As some molds are more hazardous than others. All indoor mold growth is potentially harmful and should be removed promptly, no matter what types of mold is present or whether it can produce toxins.

Q. How can I control the level of moisture in my home?

A. Keeping the correct humidity levels in the home is the key to controlling the moisture in your home. Therefore it is highly recommended to monitor relative humidity in your home throughout the year and use humidifier or dehumidifier as needed to keep the humidity of you home within the recommended range i.e. between 35%-45%.You can take certain steps listed below to maintain the humidity levels in your home:

• Venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
• Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
• Increasing ventilation
• Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning
• Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

Maintaining the above mentioned relative humidity range will provide your family with the best comfort, while helping to protect your drywall, wooden furniture and other belongings or materials from the damaging effects of too low or excessive moisture. Depending on the climate and the air temperature the relative humidity levels actually fluctuate. So an average range to make it simpler has been provided. There are many other factors which can have a great impact. A few of them are: design, construction, vapor retarders and how airtight the building is.

Q. Can I clean up the mold in my home?

A. It is recommended to hire a professional if the area to be cleaned is larger than 10 square feet. Even if the area to be cleaned is smaller and you decide to clean by yourself, you need to be careful and take proper precautions and follow the procedures while cleaning up. If you have asthma, severe allergies and a weaken immune system get someone else to do the clean up. In all situations, protective gear including rubber gloves, a respirator and face shield should be worn.