Mold Prevention

The most effective way to deal with mold is PREVENTION!


Mold can cause a variety of health problems.  The most common is a variety of bronchial asthma and lung related problems.

Mold spores are present everywhere and by themselves do not necessarily present a health risk.  It is impossible to get rid of all mold spores.  This is why when we wipe up mold or bleach mold spots, it can re-appear relatively quickly.  Re-growth is typical if the moisture problem is not dealt with.  Mold spores need wet surfaces to land on before they can grow and present a health risk.

Bottom Line: 1.  Mold is a natural occurrence in the environment.  2.  It needs moisture to grow and become potentially hazardous.

All human beings create moisture.  Some normal moisture creating activities include: breathing, sweating, taking a shower, and cooking

Controlling moisture is the only way to prevent mold!
Some areas and times are more "at-risk" than other areas and times.

1. Winter time is most risky: During the winter we have our homes shut up tight to keep out the cold.  
2. Other risky areas are behind beds or behind clothes.
3. Condensation is a normal occurring event.  Warm air has more "moisture capacity."  It can hold more water.  Cold air has less "moisture capacity."  Cold air holds less water.  When warm air meets cold condensation occurs.  This sounds technical, but we see it all the time.  Have you seen:
• water collect on windows during the winter?
• beads of water appear on walls during or after a shower?
• water bead up on door knobs or other metal surfaces?
• water appears above stove or on range hood?
• black spots appear around a plumbing leak?

 These are all signs of condensation.  If water is present for 24-48 hours it presents wonderful living conditions for mold.

Bottom Line:  Condensation = Mold Risk

The most common areas we see mold are in bathrooms above the shower, around windows, and under sinks in a cabinet.  The most at-risk time is during the winter because warm moist air meets cold dry air creating condensation.

Prevention:

1. Reduce moisture in air
1. Take a short shower
2. Turn bath fan on
3. Open window while cooking or showering
4. Check behind beds and keep clothes cleaned up.
5. Run de-humidifier
6. Wipe walls/windows where moisture appears especially in and around shower/bathtub.  During winter exterior corners are typically the worst because that is where it is the coldest.
7. Report leaks roof leaks and plumbing leaks IMMEDIATELY!  Follow up to make sure repair is fixed correctly.

Mold spores are naturally occurring part of our environment.  They only become a risk when they have a moist surface to attach too.  If mold grows unchecked, it can present health risks.  It is the resident's responsibility to prevent mold by controlling moisture and reporting water leaks.
More information at http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldbasics.html