Guarding against dangerous household mold

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Guarding against dangerous household mold

Elk Grove Citizen - Elk Grove,CA,USA

http://www.egcitizen.com/articles/2009/01/22/lifestyle/doc4978f03e5e6

82287998411.txt

Published: Thursday, January 22, 2009 2:53 PM PST

Household mold is being blamed for more health problems today than

ever before, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Excess moisture within a family home can cause allergic reactions

such as asthma and other major respiratory problems. Apparently

there are no areas of the country that can escape mold problems,

including the Sacramento Valley, which enjoys sunny weather much of

the year. There is still rain and fog related problems that can

cause ailments related to mold.

According to doctors affiliated with the Environment Protection

Agency, tiny spores are produced thus forming mold, and the results

can multiply much faster than most of us realize. Wood is a major

conductor of mold, along with composite wall material. Anywhere that

people congregate can be a source of unhealthy mold. According to

the E.P.A. mold can also develop in refrigerators.

The Consumer Federation of America has suggested ways to help

prevent mold in your home. One is to keep dampness as low as

possible. Bathrooms should be vented to reduce humidity, areas where

dryers are kept should also be air conditioned, if possible, and

also de-humidifiers are help in this respect.

Be aware of possible exterior walls, floors and windows as possible

mold developing areas. Adding insulation is often in such areas,

including where piping is present, will help prevent mold from

spreading.

According to the Consumer Federation of America leaks and seepage in

any living area should be remedied immediately. And do not install

carpeting where there is a perpetual moisture problem.

Sometimes high water conditions will occur in neighborhoods least

expected. This has happened in the Elk Grove area during heavy

rainstorms. This happened a few years ago in the neighborhood where

this writer lived, and although the situation was remedied rapidly

there was a concern. If high water has caused a problem area in your

home clean the affected area within 24 hours.

Another problem related to home lifestyle is third-hand smoke. This

is a situation where smoking leaves a tobacco or nicotine residue on

clothing in closets, bedding, even rugs. This is a newly discovered

problem that will be heard about more frequently in times to come.

First-hand smoke is the most dangerous. Then comes second hand smoke

where people are endangered by the smoke exhaled by others. And now

there is third-hand smoke regarding the residue when the smoke has

entered objects ranging from bed sheets to sofas.

However, to become more informed about mold in your home, consult

the Environmental Protection Web Site at www.epa,gov /mold.