Mold is growing source of concern
Several months ago, I wrote a couple of articles on mold and its effects. Since then, I've had numerous phone calls about mold.
Most folks want to know how mold can affect their health or damage their homes. In this week's article, I thought I would take the mold problem apart and explain the health effects, testing and the best way to get rid of it.
Health effects
Individuals with chronic exposure to this fungus' toxins have reported cold and flu symptoms, sore throats, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis and, sometimes, intermittent hair loss. The toxins produced by this fungus will suppress the human immune system. People with allergies may be more sensitive to mold. People with immune suppression or underlying lung diseases are more susceptible to fungal infections.
Testing for mold
As stated in past articles, it is not necessary to identify the specific species of mold growing in a home, and the Centers for Disease Control does not recommend routine sampling. If sampling must be done, it is usually done in three ways. Air sampling for airborne spores, swab sampling and adhesive tape sampling for spores that have settled on vertical and horizontal surfaces.
Prevention methods
1. As part of routine building maintenance, buildings should be inspected for evidence of water leaks and visible mold.
2. Conditions causing mold must be corrected immediately. Mold requires heat, moisture and a food source to thrive. Eliminate one of the three, and mold cannot grow.
3. Keep humidity levels in the home between 40 percent and 55 percent.
4. Make sure there is adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
5. Do not carpet bathrooms.
6. If the home was flooded, remove and replace flooded carpets immediately because mold starts to colonize within 24 to 48 hours. If you want to salvage the carpets, they can be dried. However, I strongly recommend the entire area be dried using a commercial dehumidifier.
7. Basements and crawl spaces that collect water should have installed liner systems with a sump pump. This system blocks water from entering the space and pumps out any water that collects under the liner.
8. If you've had a major flood where the carpets and drywall got wet, I recommend calling a remediation company immediately.
They will save you thousands of dollars in damage prevention by quickly drying out your living environment. Your insurance company will appreciate your prompt action as well.
If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabrics and paints before using any chemical compound. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes.
If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?
Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified executive housekeeper, fire, water and mold inspection/testing remediation contractor, Northwest Environmental Services, specializing in commercial, residential, construction and crime scene cleanup.