Get the Mold Out!

Preventing Mold in Your House

Molds are small organisms that are part of the Fungi kingdom. In their natural environment they help break down and digest organic materials. Mold reproduction is by small spores that float in the air so it makes it easy for them to get indoors. These small spores don’t grow in dry environments, mold needs moisture to grow. Keeping the interior dry helps limit mold growth. A dehumidifier can help keep a moist basement dry and a good exhaust fan can help keep the bathroom dry.

People’s health can be effecedt by mold in a number of ways. Molds can trigger an asthmatic attack as many asthmatics are mold sensitive. Molds also can trigger allergic symptoms of runny nose and sneezing. Persons who are immune compromised such as people with AIDS and cancer can have their lung invaded by mold setting up a respiratory infection.

Molds such as Stachybotrys chartarum release poisonous mycotoxins. Over 200 mycotoxins in common molds have been identified and more are yet to be discovered. We can be exposed to this mycotoxins from inhaling them, ingesting them or even skin contact. There is little health information on mycotoxins however you can find more information on common mycotoxins at Mold-help.org.

The CDC gives the following recommendations for preventing and cleaning up mold.

• Clean up and dry out the building quickly (within 24-48 hours).

• Open doors and windows, and run fans to facilitate rapid drying. Fans placed in windows need to blow out.

• Remove all porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried.

• Examples of these items include: carpeting, carpet padding, and upholstery; insulation materials, drywall, and wallpaper; leather, paper, and wood; some clothing.

• To prevent mold growth, clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water.

• To remove mold from hard surfaces, use commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than one cup of bleach per gallon of water. Use a stiff brush on rough surfaces like concrete.

If using bleach to clean up the mold make sure to check out the safety precautions on the CDC website. WebVitamins offers a safer natural alternative for mold clean up called MoldZyme which uses enzymes to help dissolve the mold.

Many people who clean up mold spaces feel congested, achy and also have difficulty breathing for a number of days. It makes sense to invest in a quality respirator to make sure you don’t inhale either the molds or the mytoxins they produce. A good set of goggles and rubber gloves will help protect your skin and eyes from mold and mycotoxins.

Most importantly it makes sense to clean up water and keep the basement dry before mold sets in. Try to keep porous items such as books documents stored in water tight containers. Use *paperless drywall* in your basement construction. Look for leaks in plumbing and in roofing to prevent moisture buildup. With a little prevention you can help keep this health problem out of your life.