Toxic Mold Tips

January 31, 2002

Toxic Mold Tips

X. Mullen Jr.

RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL

1/30/2002 10:54 pm

The following are recommendations for preventing toxic-mold growth and how

to spot it:

* Fix plumbing leaks, roof leaks or basement flooding immediately. Mold can

sprout within a day.

* Keep bathrooms and kitchens well ventilated.

* Scrub small patches of mold - less than a few square feet - with a

solution of one part bleach and five parts water. Larger infestations need

professional cleaning so that the dry spores don't spread the problem.

* Inspect closets, crawl spaces, areas near drains, bathrooms and any sealed

off areas for mold.

* Mold-related health symptoms may include chronic fatigue, respiratory

problems, such as wheezing, headaches, burning eyes, shortness of breath,

skin irritation, memory problems and mood changes. There is no blood test

for mold exposure. If the symptoms clear up when absent from the building

for a week or more, the symptoms may have an environmental cause. Different

people have different tolerances for mold exposure.

* Get mold information from the Washoe District Health Department, 328-6140.

The department has a publication listing frequently asked questions about

toxic mold.

* For a listing of Web sites dealing with mold: www.cal-iaq.org/iaqsheet.htm

Source: Reno Gazette-Journal Research

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