Clean Air +
"Indoor Environmental Solutions"
Louisville: (502) 499-9898 OR Lexington: (859) 255-0448
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COMMON CAUSES FOR MOLD GROWTH IN THE HOME
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Do You Know What To Look For?
Visual mold growth on the walls, floors and ceilings. An idea location on the walls would be around baseboards or flooring, under windows, around door and window trim.
Musty Odors
Allergic Reactions such as headaches, sneezing, water eyes, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, coughing, bloody noses, etc.
Health problems that become more noticeable when you enter certain rooms that are infected or an entire house or building that is infected.
Visible water stains
Condensation on the windows
Common Causes For Mold:
Leaky pipes
Previous flooding
Poor ventilation
High temperature and/or high levels of humidity
Excessive moisture
The mold spores become airborne when disturbed. When toxic mold spores become airborne, they travel throughout the airways of the structure that they are in which includes every room, the HVAC system ductwork, attic space, basement, on and in furniture upholstery, clothing, shoes, and in every space or crack in the walls, cabinets, appliances and anywhere else they can penetrate. Molds of all types can adversely affect you and your family’s health. NEVER take mold for granted as being okay!
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Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
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Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
- 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.
- If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
- Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
- 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.
- Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
- Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
- Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
- In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
- 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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