Mold FAQ
Below you will find the answers to some of the frequently asked
questions about mold. For more information or if you have any questions to the
contents below, please call 888-204-9624.
1. Why does mold form and what
makes it grow?
Mold likes dark and humid spaces and most often develops
as a result of standing water and high levels of moisture. Whether the water
damage comes from a leaking pipe or a stormy night it often leads to mildew,
which can be very smelly and unattractive. Most importantly, mold grows fast and
can replicate at staggering rates. Standing water can start producing dangerous
mold in as little as 48 hours.
2. What should I do if I discover
mold?
If you discover mold, the best thing to do is call a
professional. The professional will be able to locate the source of the mold
problem and using proper equipment and tools remediate the mold. If the mold
problem is very minor and you decide to clean it up on your own, make sure to
wear goggles, gloves and some form of breathing protection. Seal off the mold
infected area from the rest of the property and immediately dispose of all mold
infected materials. Finally clean, clean and clean again. Check back again to
make sure that mold has not returned.
3. What are some of the
misconceptions about mold?
One misconception about mold is that it can be removed
with high heat, dry air and sunlight. Although these solutions may make sense
considering they are the opposites of what actually causes mold, they are not
powerful enough to completely get rid of the mold. The proper sure-free way to
clean up mold is to use strong detergents. Mold remediation should be done by
professionals using proper equipment and safety measures.
4. Does bleach kill mold?
Contrary to what you have probably heard, bleach cannot
kill mold. It can be used to remove mold, but it will only work successfully on
hard surfaces. Bleach not only fails to kill mold, but can actually enable it to
grow faster as it is primarily composed of water.
5. How can I keep my property mold
free?
There are several steps you can take to ensure that your
property stays mold free. First, you must make sure there are no water problems.
Open windows and doors for good air flow and, if needed, use a fan in kitchens,
bathrooms and laundry rooms. Attics and crawl spaces should be properly
insulated and ventilated. Another key step is to vacuum your property regularly
to remove mold spores. Finally, check windows for condensation and wipe away any
water droplets you find.
6. How are people exposed to mold?
People are usually exposed to mold by breathing in spores
or other tiny fragments of it. Exposure can also occur through skin contact or
by swallowing it.
7. Can mold make me sick? What
makes a person more susceptible to becoming sick from mold?
Yes, mold can make you sick and will pose health risks
especially to people who are at high risk for sickness and allergic reactions.
This includes infants and children, the elderly, people with respiratory
infections and asthma and people with weakened immune systems due to other
medical conditions. Other factors include a genetic predisposition to allergies,
people working in an occupation that consistently exposes them to mold, people
living in a house with a wet basement or high humidity and people living in
newer houses.
8. Why are people who live in a
newer home at high risk for mold exposure and sickness?
Newer homes are built extra air-tight to promote energy
efficiency, which means that indoor moisture can easily become trapped inside
and prevent proper ventilation. Damp areas are particularly vulnerable to mold
growth such as kitchens, basements and bathrooms.
9. What health problems can be
traced to mold?
Mold can cause the following health problems:
-
Allergies and asthma attacks Infections
-
Irritations of mucous membranes in eyes and
respiratory system
-
Decreased attention, disorientation and dizziness
-
Suppression of immune system
-
Higher susceptibility to cancer
-
Headaches, tremors and nausea infertility
10. What should I do if I think I
am sick from mold exposure?
Go to your primary care physician who will determine
whether you need to see a specialist for the problem. The specialists your PCP
may refer you to include allergists or infectious disease physicians.
11. What are the treatments for
people who are sick due to mold?
Treatment may include the use of antihistamines,
decongestants and/or nasal sprays. Asthma attacks due to mold may be treated
with inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators (seek the advice of a
physician).
12. How can mold problems be
prevented?
One key step for prevention of mold is immediate clean-up
after water damage. Paying close attention to damp areas such as basements or
places of pipe leaks is also extremely important. The use of a dehumidifier is a
good idea in any part of your property that smells damp or musty. Humidity
should be kept below 50 percent. Here are some additional ways to prevent mold
growth:
-
Use the ventilation fan for an additional 30 minutes
following a shower or bath.
-
Clean bathroom and basement walls regularly with a
bleach solution.
-
Clean gutters often to promote ground water drainage
away from the property.
-
Sleep with your windows closed at night so that damp
air does not enter. Wear a mask when raking leaves or mowing the grass.
13. What other places have a high
risk for mold exposure?
There are several places outside your home or place of
business that can foster mold growth. These places include antique shops,
greenhouses, saunas, farms, mills, construction areas and flower shops to name a
few.
14. Where should I check for
mold?
When dealing with mold, there are several places on a
property that are extra susceptible to mold growth. Here are some key places to
check when you suspect that mold is present:
15. Are there any uses for mold?
Although everything so far has focused on the negative
side of mold, there are actually uses for it. Here are some ways that mold is
important to the environment:
-
The mold penicillium is used to make the
antibiotic penicillin.
-
Other types of mold are used to make cholesterol lowering
medications.
-
Mold is used to make foods such as cheese, sausages and soy sauce.
-
Some compounds and enzymes are formed by mold such as citric acid, gluconic acid
and riboflavin.
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