EPA Releases Guide to Clean up Mold in Homes

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Recent Developments from the EPA

U.S. Newswire

10 Oct 13:11

http://www.usnewswire.com/topnews/prime/1010-129.html

EPA RELEASES GUIDE TO CLEAN UP MOLD IN HOMES

Milbourn: 202-564-7824 or milbourn.cathy@...

The publication " A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home "

provides information to homeowners and renters on how to clean up

residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth. " Molds

have the potential to cause health problems and allergic reactions

such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash, " said EPA

Administrator Christie Whitman. " If you already have a problem,

act quickly, mold damages what it grows on, the longer it grows the

more damage it can cause. " Molds are part of the natural

environment that help to break down dead organic matter such as

fallen leaves and dead trees. Even though molds are usually not a

problem indoors, they can have the potential to cause problems if

spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds produce

tiny spores to reproduce that can grow on wood, paper, carpet and

foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold

growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem

remains undiscovered or unaddressed. If mold is a problem in a

home, the homeowner should clean up the mold promptly and fix the

water problem. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and

items within 24- to 48-hours to prevent mold growth. The guide is

available at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/moldresources.html.