Act quickly to get a handle on mold
Frequently my company is called to inspect a home because the family has headaches, runny noses, eye dryness and irritation, nose bleeds, coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and/or sneezing. After further investigation, it is determined they have a mold problem in one or more rooms of their home.
Because of many phone calls and inquiries, I thought I would share some basic information about mold this week.
Mold invades attic spaces, climbs up bathroom walls, invades carpets, and infests and sets up house in drywall. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate there are six types of mold that live in home, three of which produce toxins that are harmful to humans. The CDC has linked one (Stachybotrys atra) in particular that has produced lung disorders in small children and the elderly. Unfortunately, it's almost impossible for the homeowners to tell between the ones that produce toxins and the ones that do not.
In small quantities, mold can be cleaned up with regular household bleach. Actually most of us don't realize that the mold we just cleaned up produced toxins, primarily because we don't allow it to get big enough to become a problem. For mold to grow, it has to have four things — moisture, heat, a food source and time. If the conditions are right, mold will start colonization within 24 to 48 hours. Mold likes humidity levels of between 40 and 50 percent in the home.
Regardless of the type of mold that has invaded your home, your safety depends on the size of the colony. If the black mass is less than a three-foot square, you probably can take care of it yourself with bleach. Larger infestations indicate that you have gross colonization and a remediation contractor should be called to assist you with the problem.
If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabrics and paints before using any chemical compounds. 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 at NWES (255-2266) or send them to the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?
Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified executive housekeeper, and fire, water and mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is CEO of Northwest Executive and Environmental Services, LL. NWEES specializes in commercial, construction, fire, flood, mold and trauma scene cleanup.