In moist Southeast, people should not live in moldy homes

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Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Story last updated at 5/6/2009 - 11:10 am

In moist Southeast, people should not live in moldy homes

By Dr. Sonja Koukel

Capital City Weekly - Juneau,AK,USA

http://www.capweek.com/stories/050609/hea_436928291.shtml

Mold is a problem that spans generations. In fact, there is reference to mold in

the Bible. Leviticus 14:45 states: " A house desecrated by mildew, mold, or

fungus would be a defiled place to live in, so drastic measures had to be

taken. " The presence of mold in houses can cause structural damage and health

problems. If mold is detected it should be removed immediately.

Living in Southeast Alaska, we are all too familiar with mold. Exposure to mold

is common both inside and outside our homes. It's everywhere. Outside, mold can

be found on our cars, stairs, walkways, in our gardens, and well, on just about

everything. When mold moves into our homes, however, is when we are most at

risk.

I receive a number of phone calls and emails from clients wanting to diagnosis

whether or not what they are seeing in their homes is mold, how to determine the

best and safest methods for removing the mold, and how to keep the mold from

returning. In this space over the next few months, I will provide research-based

information that addresses these issues because, " People should not live in

moldy houses! "

What is mold?

Molds are fungi. They are microorganisms that occur naturally in nature and in

large quantities. Molds help break down dead biological materials and can be

found growing on soil, foods, plant matter and other items. Molds thrive on

organic materials like natural fibers (such as cotton and wool), paper, leather,

wood, or surfaces coated with the slightest amount of organic matter such as

food, grease and soil. Molds that continue to grow can eventually eat away the

organic medium that is their source of food. Wood structural materials and

textiles can deteriorate when mold is allowed to thrive on them. Mold and people

don't live together well. When mold is found inside housing units, it should be

removed for the long-term health and comfort of the occupants.

Why is mold in my home?

The conditions in your home support mold growth. Molds grow best in warm

temperatures, 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, though some growth may occur anywhere

between 32 and 95 degrees.

Mold requires moisture to thrive, so it may begin growing indoors when mold

spores land on surfaces that are wet. Moisture can come from water leaks,

flooding, high relative humidity and condensation. Materials that are exposed to

a constant leak or have been soaked and not dried thoroughly can support mold

growth.

You can unknowingly bringing mold into your house as well. For instance, if mold

is found on your winter firewood supply, the spores will become airborne when

you bring the wood inside. Burning the wood kills the mold spores, but by that

time they may have found a moist area in which to grow. Some molds can take hold

and form a new colony in one or two days on damp materials.

Molds require oxygen, but not light, for growth. Mold growth can continue

indefinitely without light.

Where would mold be most likely to grow in my home?

Generally, mold may be found anyplace where moisture or relative humidity levels

are high.

Crawlspaces built over uncovered earth can have mold problems when the moisture

in the ground causes dampness in the space.

In laundry rooms, unvented clothes drying produces high levels of relative

humidity that support mold growth. Damp towels and clothes in laundry hampers,

washers or dryers can develop a fungus- producing mildew.

In bathrooms, large amounts of moisture can remain in the shower or tub if an

exhaust fan is not used. Soap scum on bath and shower walls is a nutrient source

for mold growth.

Humidifiers can raise the relative humidity high enough that mold will grow,

especially in the winter in areas where there is little air movement. Dark

patches of mold can sometimes be seen inside the upper corner of a closet on an

outside wall or behind furniture placed against outside walls. Window

condensation can result in mold growth where the moisture runs onto the sill or

wood trim.

In kitchens, mold growth can be found on the walls if cooking involves large

amounts of boiling water and no exhaust fan is used. Cooking that spatters food

and grease film on walls, combined with the high humidity levels in those areas,

are prime for mold growth. Additionally, the floor pans that collect

condensation from automatic defrosting refrigerators are often found to have

mold growing in them.

Spills or leaks, such as a sink or toilet overflow onto carpet and other

flooring materials, can cause those materials to become moldy.

Flooded and fire-damaged houses that have had water-soaked carpeting and other

materials often have mold growth starting within a day or so after being soaked.

Hopefully, you've recognized the common denominator here. The important factor

in dealing with these conditions is understanding that mold is not the problem -

moisture is. Moisture control translates into mold control; mold is merely the

inevitable result.

Next month's installment will focus on types of health problems caused by or

related to the presence of mold and how to determine whether mold is present in

your home. For resources on mold problems and environmental health, contact the

Juneau District office at 796-6221.

Sonja Koukel, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Health, Home & Family

Development Program for the ative Extension Service UAF Juneau District.

Reach her at ffsdk@... or 796-6221.