Behold the mold

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Behold the mold

Tahlequah Daily Press - Tahlequah,OK*

By GARRON MARSH

gmarsh@...

http://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/features/local_story_253105940.htm

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While molds are a natural part of the environment, indoor mold can

prove a serious health problem if left unchecked.

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration,

there are around 100,000 known species of mold worldwide, some of

which (according to a recent Daily Press Story) might even be found

growing on the walls of City Hall.

By breaking down organic materials, molds play an important role in

nature, and without them, medicines like penicillin would not exist.

Likewise, cheese lovers across the globe would not have their

favorite food without the lowly mold spore.

They can grow on almost any substance, needing only moisture/water,

oxygen and organic matter upon which to feed, and they are a

constant part of the air everyone breathes -- indoors or out.

Indoors, however, molds can do harm to buildings and their occupants

alike, eating away at woods and other building materials or causing

severe health effects like asthma, allergic reactions, mucosal

infections and more.

NeoHealth Tahlequah Physicians Assistant Becky Wofford said that

molds can cause a plethora of health problems.

" You name it, you've got it, " said Wofford. " It can cause sinus

infections, allergic reactions, sinus drainage -- it depends on what

kind of mold it is. Most of the time it's allergy-based, but it can

develop into more severe breathing problems, headaches, problems

with motor function -- several factors are involved, like how bad

the mold is and how long you've been exposed. "

Builders and home repair experts say that if indoor mold is a

problem, several steps can be taken to remedy it.

" Basically for household mold, what we would recommend is to clean

it as thoroughly as possible, " said Lowe's Store Manager Kenny

Baize. " You can use anything like detergent or dish soap, a mixture

of bleach and water, or anything with antibacterial properties. "

Baize said that in more severe cases, in which the mold is beneath

carpet or inside walls, it might be good to bring in a little

outside help.

" You might have to call someone in to remove sheet rock or even pull

up carpets to remove any mold inside, " Baize said. " There are also a

lot of products you can use to help absorb any moisture that is

contributing to the problem. "

In extreme cases, mold removal can become a costly prospect for a

homeowner, and experts agree that the best way to combat indoor mold

is through prevention.

OSHA health officials have provided a list of mold prevention tips

designed with the homeowner or business owner alike, among them are:

• Repair plumbing leaks and leaks in the building as soon as

possible.

• Look for condensation and wet spots. Fix sources of moisture

problems as soon as possible.

• Prevent moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature

or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). To increase

surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce

the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation

(if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is

warm and humid).

• Maintain indoor relative humidity below 70 percent.

• Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the

outside where possible.

• Make sure there is adequate venting in kitchens and bathrooms.

• Clean and dry wet or damp spots as soon as possible, no longer

than 48 hours after discovery.

• Pinpoint areas where leaks have occurred, identify the cause, and

take preventive action to ensure that they do not reoccur.