Indoor Air Quality - Mold

Mold is one of those hot topic items that occasionally makes the news. Unfortunately, journalists often sensationalize the stories (quite extremely in a lot of cases). Additionally, there are mold remediation websites that try to get you to panic and spend thousands of dollars to test for and clean up the mold (but not the cause - they want your repeat business). In most cases, this is totally unnecessary. So don't panic, but do go to some 'good' websites, like those listed at the bottom of this page, and get properly informed.

What are molds?

Mold is a member of the fungus family, just like yeasts and mildew. Mold is a branching type growth called hyphae; whereas, yeasts are a single cell type. Molds, like most fungi, break down plant and animal matter in the environment. Of note is that molds rarely die from heat or cold, but remain dormant until a particular season (or set of conditions), such as spring or fall (or inside your home), where it grows and thrives. To reproduce, mold releases spores.

Where can mold spores be found?

Everywhere, with the possible exception of a hermetically sealed sterile environment. Mold spores can travel on the wind or can hitch hike on ours clothes or our pets.

What should I do to prevent mold growth in my home?

First off, you need to understand that mold needs four things to grow.

1. Mold Spores - unfortunately these are everywhere, including inside your house unless you live in a hermetically sealed sterile building.
2. Something to eat - organic in nature - luckily (for the mold) there are plenty of wood based products in your home. The more processed the wood product, the easier it is for mold to consume. Thus, plywood is easier to eat than solid wood, OSB is easier to eat than plywood, particle board is easier to eat than OSB, and paper is easier to eat than particle board. This is why mold tends to grow well on the paper face of drywall and cardboard boxes that get wet. Additional sources of food include (but are limited too) dirt, dust, dander, and cotton and wool fabrics.
3. Water - lots (think soaking wet) or a continuous source.
4. The right temperature ~ 40 to 100 degree Fahrenheit.

   Thus, your house can presents the nearly perfect place for mold to grow, unless you change something. Of these four needs, water is the easiest for us to control and no water means "no mold". It REALLY is that simple.

   Therefore, the key to preventing mold growth is to identify and control moisture and water problems.

   Every time you take a bath or shower, the bathroom fan should be running from start to well after you have finished. This will remove a lot of the water vapor and help the bathroom dry out faster. However, make sure the bathroom fans dumps the moisture outside or you could be causing a problem in your attic or between the floor joists.

   Make sure your range hood vents to the outside. Then you should run the range hood every time you cook, especially when using boiling water to cook such things as pasta.

   
   

   Common sources of moisture are:

   • Roof leaks
   • Indoor plumbing leaks
   • Outdoor drainage problems
   • Damp basements and crawl spaces
   • Steam from the bathroom or kitchen
   • Condensation on cool surfaces
   • Humidifiers
   • Wet clothes drying inside the home
   • A clothes dryer venting indoors
   • Poor or improper ventilation of heating and cooking appliances
   • Flooding
   
   

   Health implications

   
   
   

   Only about 10% of the population is actually allergic to mold (individuals with a compromised immune system are also at a higher risk) even a low levels, but mold spores can trigger an asthma or similar reaction for those with asthma or other breathing related issues at intermediate concentrations. Mold spores can even trigger a reaction in otherwise healthy individuals at higher concentrations. Symptoms include;

   • Coughing
   • Wheezing
   • Sneezing
   • Runny or stuffy nose
   • Itchy eyes, nose, or throat

   A dust mask rated at 'N95' (available in your local home improvement stores) are enough protection for most individuals while dealing (cleaning or removal) with molds.

   
   

   What is 'Toxic (Black) Mold'?

   
   
   

   The term 'toxic mold' is not accurate and is misleading. Typically, it is used by journalist to sensationalize their stories or mold remediation companies to scare people. While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning that they can produce toxins (specifically - mycotoxins), the molds themselves are not toxic or poisonous, and are not that common in homes. Additionally, the toxins become a serious airborne threat only when there is extensive mold growth (think - most of your walls covered in a room). Remember, all molds in high enough concentration can cause health problems. Hopefully, you won't let it get that far before dealing with the water issue. Consuming food contaminated by the mycotoxins is the greatest threat to your health, so keep food storage areas dry. Remember - No Water = No Mold.

   
   

   What about Mildew?

   
   
   

   Mildew is also fungus, very similar to mold, that grows flat on the surface and it does not necessarily need a good food source (meaning it can grow on inorganic materials such as your ceramic tile or vinyl window framing). However, it does still need water to grow, so get rid of the water and the mildew can not grow. The good news is that mildew tends to be easy to remove, since it is only grows on the surface of the material, unlike molds that often grow INTO the materials on which they grow.

   
   

   Should I get my house tested for Mold?

   
   
   

   Honestly, NO. It realy does not matter what type of mold you might have, the treatment is always the same. Additionally, virtually every house has had some (small amount of) mold growing in it, this is simple because of how houses are built (open to the weather). Therefore, if you get it tested, the test will mostly show some mold (even if it is not growing anymore). Therefore, it is better to save your money on testing and spend it on keeping your house drier.

   
   

   How do I know if I have a mold problem?

   
   
   

   You can usually see or smell a mold problem. Mold can appear as slightly fuzzy, discolored, or slimy patches that increase in size as they grow. Most molds produce musty odors that are the first indication of a problem. Mold can grow anywhere there is adequate moisture or a water problem. The best way to find mold is to look for signs of mold growth, water staining, warping, or to follow your nose to the source of the odor. It may be necessary to look behind and underneath surfaces, such as carpets, wallpaper, cabinets, and walls. There are some areas of the home that are always susceptible to mold growth and should be part of routine cleaning to control mold growth. These are:

   • Bathrooms especially shower stalls, bathroom tiles, and shower curtains
   • Window moldings
   • The seal on the refrigerator door
   • Surfaces on and around air conditioners
   
   

   How do I get rid of mold in my home?

   
   
   PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL LABEL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANY CLEANING PRODUCTS
   1. The first step to mold cleanup is to control the moisture problem. The source of the water or dampness must be identified and corrected.
   2. Porous materials with extensive mold growth should be discarded (e.g., drywall, carpeting, paper, and ceiling tiles).
   3. All wet materials that can't be cleaned and dried thoroughly, should be discarded.
   4. Hard surfaces that are not decayed (rotten) can be cleaned. Small areas can be cleaned with soap and water. A licensed contractor should do the work if it is a large (greater than 10 square feet) mold problem or if you are highly sensitive to mold. Rubber gloves and an N95 dust mask are recommended for jobs other than routine cleaning.
   5. In areas where it is impractical to eliminate the moisture source, diluted chlorine bleach (one cup of bleach in five gallons of water) can be used to keep mold growth under control. In areas that can be kept dry, bleach may not be necessary, as mold cannot grow in the absence of moisture. When using bleach or any cleaner, ensure that enough fresh air is available to prevent eye, nose, or throat irritation.
   6. Inspect the area for signs of moisture and new mold growth. These may indicate the need for further repairs or material removal. High moisture areas like bathrooms need extra attention to prevent excessive moisture and water problems from causing mold growth.
   
   

   Interesting Links

   
   
   Inogen - The Fungus Among Us: The Truth About Household Mold and Your Lungs
   
   
   Environmental Protection Agency - Indoor Air - Molds and Moisture
   
   
   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Mold Website
   
   

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