Real Estate *HS11 - Mold in Your Home

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*HS11 - Mold in Your Home

Mold Basics

Flinsk Real Estate home buying:different

http://flinskrealestate.org/2008/11/14/mold-in-your-home/

By Marcus Fleming

Molds come in many colors, both black and white molds are shown in

this picture

The key to mold control is moisture control.

If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold

promptly and fix the water problem.

It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48

hours to prevent mold growth.

Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a

part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen

leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided.

Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to

the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may

begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are

wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow

without water or moisture. Mold growing outdoors on firewood. Molds

come in many colors; both white and black molds are shown here.

Click on the image for larger version.

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on

a wet or damp spot and begin growing. 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 can also 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 brochure provides a brief overview;

it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold

exposure. For more detailed information consult a health

professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local

health department.

How do I get rid of mold?

Magnified mold spores Molds gradually destroy the things they grow

on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money,

and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and

eliminating mold growth It is impossible to get rid of all mold and

mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through

the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture

is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or

controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth

in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem.

If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then,

most likely, the mold problem will come back.

For additional information and resources see the Environmental

Resources post and additional articles tagged with Mold

14 November 2008 in Hazardous Substances