10 Key Factors Home Owner's Should Know about Mold!
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment cautions home owners that conditions such as: Flooding / Leaky roofs /Sprinklers (spray hitting the house) / Plumbing leaks/ Overflow from sinks or sewers/ Damp basement or crawl space/ Steam from shower or cooking/ Humidifiers/ Wet clothes drying indoors or clothes dryers exhausting indoors are some examples of how mold can grow in your home. Simply stated mold can multiply when both moisture, in conjunction with an organic material source, are prevalent.
Whether your home is located in an area of a previous flood, or you've experienced serious past plumbing concerns, protecting you and your family with a simple mold inspection can be advantageous and a significant precaution to preventative harmful health issues. On their website Colorado Home Inspect provides the following list, "Ten Things You Should Know About Mold," as well as, other key factors and common questions you may be wondering about.
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2. 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.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
a. venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside;
b. using air conditioners and de-humidifiers;
c. increasing ventilation;
d. and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. 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.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. 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).
10. 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.
referenced website for more information @ http://www.coloradoproinspect.com/mold-inspections.html
