Mold in the home can cause problems

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Mold in the home can cause problems

By M.

Extension agent, family and consumer sciences and community development

Mold growth in the home. That doesn't sound like an interesting topic. Not

until you see it in YOUR house. Then it becomes a problem.

What are molds and how do they grow? Molds are fungi, usually microscopic in

size, that occur in nature in large quantities. They reproduce by releasing

spores into the air that settle on surfaces and, under the right conditions,

grow. Growths of mold often can be seen in the form of a discoloration,

ranging from white to orange and green to brown and black. Mold can

sometimes be detected by its musty odor. Mildew is a common mold.

When mold spores settle on organic or contaminated surfaces and when other

conditions of temperature, humidity, shade or darkness, and oxygen supply

are conducive, they germinate and develop new colonies of mold. Even

surfaces from which mold has previously been removed can have mold growing

again if the conditions are right.

Mold thrives on organic materials, such as paper, leather, wood or surfaces

coated with the slightest amount soil, grease and food. It grows best at a

temperature of 77 degrees to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, though some growth may

occur anywhere between 32 and 95 degrees.

Moisture is another requirement for mold growth. Moisture is usually the

cause of mold problems. Leaky faucets, roof, plumbing, foundation and

improperly vented dryers are common sources of moisture to support mold

growth. Common water vapor in the home from showers, cooking and laundry can

support mold growth if the area is not allowed to dry with normal

ventilation or the help of a vent fan.

The best way to control mold is to keep areas clean and dry.

Keep areas dry by using a dehumidifier, increasing air flow, preventing

condensation and reducing sources of moisture.

We often have questions about mold and testing. Specialist response is if

you see and smell mold, you've got mold. If you are thinking of some test

without tearing apart the wall, I don't think that is possible. If you see

discolored areas -- black, gray, maybe green -- there's a problem. Find the

source of the problem and fix it. Spend the money on repair not testing.

Can mold cause health problems? 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 also

can 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. Symptoms other than the

allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of

inhaling mold.

Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This is a brief overview; it

does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For

more detailed information, consult a health professional. You also may wish

to consult your state or local health departments.Ê

Clean up is important because dead mold can cause problems. So it is not

enough to spray with a biocide (chlorine bleach, for example) and leave it.

The mold must be removed. Simple soap and water can do the trick. TSP is

often used, depending on the surface and what is recommended for each

specific material. Seek to control the environment so temperature is at 72

degrees, and relative humidity is at 25 to 40 percent.Ê

It is important to take precautions to limit your exposure to mold and mold

spores.

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. (They

cost about $12 to $25.) Some N-95 respirators resemble a paper dust mask

with a nozzle on the front, others are made primarily of plastic or rubber

and have removable cartridges that trap most of the mold spores from

entering. In order to be effective, the respirator or mask must fit

properly, so carefully follow the instructions supplied with the respirator.

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. If you are using a disinfectant, a

biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should

select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane or

PVC. 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 further information, the K-State Research and Extension publication,

" Controlling Mold Growth in the Home, " is available at your local Harvey

County Extension office, which is in the basement of the courthouse. Stop by

and pick one up.

M. is the Harvey County Extension agent, family and consumer

sciences and community development.