MOLD INFORMATION
  
   
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
1. If mold is a problem in your home, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. It may be necessary to have a professional conduct an investigation of your home to find the mold problem and to clean areas of mold that are not easily cleanable.

2. Molds can be found almost anywhere (outdoors and indoors); they can grow on virtually any substance, provided moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet and foods, even glass!

3. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.

4. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

5. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.

6. Reduce indoor humidity to decrease mold growth by: venting kitchens, bathrooms, clothes dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners or dehumidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever bathing, cooking, dishwashing, or cleaning.  As a matter of fact, using exhaust fans on timers or humidistats to run several hours a day will assist with indoor air quality and reduce indoor humidity in the Alaska climate zones.

7. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

8. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.

9. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e. windows, piping, exterior walls, toilet tanks, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

10. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting.


MOLD CLEANUP
If you already have a mold problem – ACT QUICKLY. Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows, the more damage it can cause.

The tips and techniques presented below will help you clean up your mold problem. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. It may not be possible to clean an item so that its original appearance is restored.

􀂃 Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water (not chlorine bleach), and dry completely.  (Oxygen bleach will not harm people or most materials)

􀂃 Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all
items completely.

􀂃 Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be
thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible
to remove completely. Non-porous materials can be cleaned.

􀂃 Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold. Use protective clothing such as
long sleeve shirts and pants, use a dust mask or respirator, long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm, and wear goggles.

􀂃 Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces
before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.

􀂃 If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist.


A MOLD RESOURCE I RECOMMEND....

      EPA Mold Resources



(This material is borrowed from a brochure by the Erie County, New York, Environmental Health Services)