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Answers to some
"moldy" questions
Molds are usually not a
problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and
begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems.
Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic
reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic
substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores
may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic
responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny
nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to
mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also
cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.
In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose,
throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.
It is impossible to get
rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be
found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores
will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and
should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors.
If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and
fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the
water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.
Who should do the
cleanup depends on a number of factors. One consideration is the
size of the mold problem. If the moldy area is less than about 10
square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most
cases, you can handle the job yourself.
If you choose to hire a
contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the
cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold.
Check references and ask the contractor to follow the
recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial
Buildings, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional
or government organizations.
If you suspect that the
heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be
contaminated with mold (it is part of an identified moisture
problem, for instance, or there is mold near the intake to the
system), consult EPA's guide Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your
Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC
system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it
could spread mold throughout the building. Visit
epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html, or call (800) 438-4318 for a free
copy.
If the water and/or mold
damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call
in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings
damaged by contaminated water.
If you have health
concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.
If you decide to clean
the mold yourself, here are some pointers. Fix plumbing leaks
and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items
completely. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water,
and dry completely.
Absorbent or porous
materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown
away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty
spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be
difficult or impossible to remove completely.
Avoid exposing yourself
or others to mold.
Do not paint or caulk
moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before
painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.
If you are unsure about
how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental
value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists in
furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and
conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or
water restoration are commonly listed in phone books. Be sure to ask
for and check references. Look for specialists who are affiliated
with professional organizations.
Avoid breathing in mold
or mold spores. In order to limit your exposure to airborne mold,
you may want to wear an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware
stores and from companies that advertise on the Internet.
Wear gloves. Long gloves
that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. When
working with water and a mild detergent, ordinary household rubber
gloves may be used. Avoid touching mold or moldy items with your
bare hands.
Wear goggles. Goggles
that do not have ventilation holes are recommended. Avoid getting
mold or mold spores in your eyes.
For more information on
mold, visit the Environmental Protection Agency website at
www.epa.gov and perform a search on
mold. Next month we will discuss how to prevent mold from
growing in your home. |
