Molds digest organic material and thrive in damp environments.
Submitted photo
Got mold? After our recent cold, rainy weather, the answer might well be yes. Left unchecked, mold can damage your home and belongings, and may even harm your health.
Molds are simple, microscopic organisms that digest organic matter and rely on moisture to grow. Their role in nature is to break down organic material such as leaves and wood in order to recycle nutrients into the environment. They reproduce by means of tiny spores that float through the air and can start to grow indoors if the spores land on damp surfaces. Because they grow by digesting any organic material, molds will eventually destroy whatever they’re growing on, including carpeting, drywall, wood, furniture, fabric or ceiling tile.
Molds also have the potential to cause health problems. According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), allergic reactions to mold are common, causing hay fever-like symptoms such as nasal and sinus congestion, sneezing, cough, eye irritation and shortness of breath. Skin rashes, fatigue, nausea and headaches are other possible symptoms of mold sensitivity. Some types of mold are more hazardous than others, producing potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins. If you have health problems that you suspect are cause by exposure to mold, consult with a doctor.
The key to mold control is moisture control. Itís important to stop water leaks quickly, since mold growth will start within 24 to 48 hours. Michael Tierney of CI Environmental Consultants in Petaluma, which specializes in indoor air quality investigations including mold inspections, recommends keeping an eye out for potential leaks around sinks, showers and the corners of ceilings. “If you take care of what was a small leak under the sink before it turns into a big problem, then you donít wind up with the expense of having to take out the cabinets,” he said. Tierney often directs his clients to the EPA’s web site for mold, www.epa.gov/mold, for good prevention and control tips.
Other practices are also important in ensuring a mold-free living space. Make sure that warm, dry air is flowing into all areas of your home; open doors or windows to increase ventilation when practical. Check around windows and plumbing pipes and wipe up any condensation or droplets promptly. Try to keep the humidity in your home low by using exhaust fans or opening windows to reduce steam from showers and cooking, and avoid drying wet clothing indoors. It is also a good idea to vacuum and clean your house regularly to remove mold spores.
So, how can you tell if mold has already taken hold in your home? First of all, trust your nose. An earthy or musty smell in your house is a good indicator. Check for discolored or speckled patches on walls, especially in damp bathrooms, laundry rooms and under sinks. Mold can also be found where moist air condenses on cooler wall surfaces, such as the inside of cold exterior walls, behind dressers and sofas, or in closets and cabinets where items are stored against the walls.
If you do have mold, you’ll need to act fast, since mold grows quickly and spores are more easily released when the moldy materials dry out. For larger clean-up jobs, you may want to look for a specialist in the Yellow Pages under “mold remediation” or “water damage emergency service.” If you decide to tackle the job yourself, stop the moisture source first and then bag and discard any affected porous materials such as carpeting, paper or ceiling tiles. Washable clothing and bedding can usually be laundered in hot water, but mattresses, sofas and non-washable furniture should be discarded if you suspect that mold is growing on or inside the item. Solid materials like glass, plastic and metal can generally be kept after being thoroughly cleaned. Wear an N-95 filter mask, goggles and gloves when handling any moldy materials.
To clean affected hard surfaces, the California Department of Health Services recommends scrubbing with hot water and a non-ammonia soap or detergent. Rinse, allow to dry, and then disinfect with a 10 percent household bleach solution – for example, 1 cup bleach per gallon of water. (Using bleach straight from the bottle is actually less effective than diluted bleach, according to information on the departmentís Web site, www.cal-iaq.org.) Leave the bleach solution on for about 10 minutes, then rinse and dry. Wear protective clothing, and open windows and doors while using bleach.
Don’t be tempted to simply paint over mold without cleaning and disinfecting first, since the mold will continue to grow and the paint will peel off. If you decide to paint after the clean-up process, Freddie Hurtado of the Sonoma Paint Center recommends sealing the area with an all purpose primer, and then using a premium grade paint containing mildewcide to give added protection in the future.
By keeping a clean, dry and healthy home, you can avoid mold contamination, even during the rainy season. “You can save yourself a lot of headache and heartache, and save your pocketbook, too,” said Tierney.
