Take My Mold, Please

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Take My Mold, Please

Winchester Star - Lexington,MA*

By Harold Chasse

Wed. 27, 2008

http://www.wickedlocal.com/winchester/news/lifestyle/columnists/x1382

804330

Winchester, MA - If you think you have a mold problem, consider the

specifics of your situation. If you have health concerns such as

allergies or asthma, if your mold problem is hidden, or if your mold

damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call

in a professional. Do not put your health at risk.

Sometimes you can see the mold, or perhaps you can smell it. Other

times it is harder to recognize, and may be hidden. Some common

locations of mold include: the backside of wallpaper, drywall,

paneling, ceiling tiles, or the underside of carpets or pads; areas

around pipes, walls behind furniture, inside ductwork, and in

roofing materials.

Once you've located the mold, you must dry it out. Avoid disturbing

it to prevent distributing live spores. Also, limit your exposure as

much as possible. Run a fan or open a window, and ventilate the area

to promote drying. This also means fixing any leaks that may have

caused the moisture.

It's not enough to kill the mold – it must be removed to prevent

allergic reactions. And never paint over mold or mildew; paint

applied over a moldy surface will likely peel.

Once the area is completely dry, you can start the cleanup process.

Wear protective gear, as you should limit your exposure as much as

possible. Some items to consider:

· A mask or respirator — they can resemble a paper dust mask with a

nozzle on the front, or plastic or rubber with a removable cartridge

that traps the spores

· Long gloves to the middle of the forearm — if you are using a

cleaning solution with bleach or another strong cleaning solution,

be sure to select gloves made from natural rubber

· Goggles that do not have ventilation holes — this will keep you

safe from backsplash of any cleaning solvents, and also prevent mold

spores getting into your eyes.

Scrub the area with a mild detergent (e.g. laundry detergent) mixed

with warm water. Allow it to dry completely. You may choose to

follow up with a bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach to one quart of

water), but often this is not necessary. Always use extreme caution

when using bleach or other biocides to clean an area. Never mix

cleaning chemicals, and always maintain a well-ventilated work area.

The final step is to apply a borate-based detergent solution, and

don't rinse. This will help prevent mold from growing again (borate-

based laundry and dishwasher detergent is commercially available,

and will have " borate " in the ingredient list).

Porous areas may require replacement (e.g. ceiling tiles). If you

are removing tiles or another material with mold, be sure to follow

the guidelines for drying the area first. Also, keep the pieces as

contained as possible to prevent spreading the spores.

After clean up is complete, watch the area for any signs of new mold.

Prevention is the best cure, so reducing moisture buildup in your

home will go a long way in preventing mold. Clean and repair your

gutters regularly. Check downspouts and make sure water doesn't pool

around the foundation. Clean A/C drip pans and drain lines and

eliminate obstructions. Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent

(ideally between 30-50 percent).

Vent appliances that produce moisture — clothes dryers, stoves, etc.

Use a dehumidifier in areas with moisture (e.g. basement). Run fan

or open window in bathroom when showering, and also when cooking,

running the dishwasher, etc. Do not install carpeting in wet areas

(concrete floors with condensation problems). Do not store porous

materials (books, paper) in areas with moisture. If you have a

crawlspace under your home, cover the soil in the crawlspace with

waterproof polyethylene plastic.

The U.S. Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act was introduced in the

House or Representatives in 2003. This bill would mandate

comprehensive research into mold growth, initiate programs to

educate, and provide assistance to victims. Legislation is still

pending.

You cannot eliminate all mold or mold spores in an indoor

environment; mold can grow almost anywhere and on almost anything.

But you can control mold growth through moisture control.

If a water leak or spills occurs, act quickly. If the area is

cleaned and dried within 24 – 48 hours, in most cases mold will not

grow.

About Harold: Harold Chasse is co-owner and founder of Chasse Home

Maintenance and Repair, Inc. Please send your home improvement

questions to info@....