Preventing Summertime Mold

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Preventing Summertime Mold

WSIL TV - ville,IL*

http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?newsID=2792 & type=top

CARBONDALE -- With the summer season upon us, some local cleaning

companies are urging residents to be aware of a fungus that could be

taking over your home. While mold has it's share of benefits for the

environment, it could be harming your house, and your health.

The Centers for Disease Control say mold grows both indoors and

outdoors. It thrives in moist and humid environments, can be

different colors, and may have a musty smell.

With over one-thousand different types of mold, Mueller with

Majestic Janitorial Supply says chances are, there's some in your

home.

" Mold grows at 50% humidity or above so if you can maintain a 50% or

below humidity, you can control mold, " says Mueller.

But that can be easier said than done since humidity and moisture

are everywhere. " Something as simple as cooking, washing dishes,

shower of course-- steam we get in our bathrooms. "

So Mueller says it's important to keep those areas ventilated. " If

you have a wet surface more than 24 hours, it has the potential to

grow. If it's been wet 48 hours, you're guaranteed that mold is

growing. "

All it needs is moisture and a food source such as cellulose from

wood. Mueller uses an infrared camera to detect heat and moisture.

And once he's located mold, he says it has to be completely removed.

" It has to be physically scrubbed from the surface-- treated--

scrubbed-- treated again-- and dry the surface out, " says Mueller.

You've also got to figure out what caused the excess moisture to

begin with, otherwise the mold may redevelop. Mueller says signals

sent by might be the biggest clue for finding mold.

" Probably the most common thing we hear is that people say, 'after I

leave the house, after about an hour or so I feel fine', " says

Mueller.

Mueller says that shows that people may have developed an allergy,

stemming from their home environment. " It affects everyone

differently. What might give you a headache might cause me to itch

or cough or sneeze. "

In the long run, Mueller says mold may produce potentially toxic

substances.

" If you're exposed to it over a period of time, it's going to affect

the healthiest person, " Mueller says.

Mueller says the bottom line for controlling mold growth is

controlling moisture, and though there's not a miracle cure, there

are some things you can do.

He recommends sealing off your crawl space to prevent condensation.

Also if you're remodeling, look for a preventative chemical to

apply. And don't try removing mold with bleach. Mueller says it

won't penetrate the surface. Mueller says If you've got a large area

to deal with, seek help from a professional to safely remove it.

Visit the links below for additional information.

By: Eddington

eeddington@...