SEE MOLD IN YOUR HOME? A BRIEF GUIDE TO THE HANDLING OF MOLD AND MOISTURE Mold is a fungus that grows in multi-cellular filaments known as hyphae. As a living organism, mold is a natural occurrence in outdoor environments. In such settings, it is an intricate and necessary component in the breakdown and biodegradation of dead organic matter, such as leaves and other vegetation. Mold can also play important roles in biotechnology and food science in the production of various foods, beverages, antibiotics, pharmaceuticals and enzymes. In your home, however, mold should be avoided. When found, proper clean-up should take place upon discovery and precautions taken to avoid any reoccurrences of growth, as prolonged exposure to mold can cause serious health problems in humans and pets. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and sometimes mycotoxins, which can be lethal. Inhaling or touching mold can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, with symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and rashes being common. Asthma attacks in those with asthma can occur, and exposure can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs of both allergic and non-allergic people. Proper cleanup of mold depends on a number of factors, the first of which is the size of the problem. If the affected area is less than 10 square feet, you can probably handle the problem yourself. Follow the guidelines listed below. However: • If there has been a lot of water damage, or the affected area is greater than 10 square feet, then you should probably enlist the help of professionals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a page on mold remediation -- epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html -- that is written for handling issues with mold in schools and commercial buildings, but its directives can be focused on homes and other buildings as well. • If you suspect that your heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system has been contaminated with mold you should cease use of that system. Continued usage may lead to the spread of mold throughout the rest of the building. • If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, call EDR or another professional who has experience in cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water. • If you have ongoing health issues, it is best if you call in the experts to take on the problem. CLEAN-UP GUIDELINES It is important to note here that eliminating all mold and mold spores in an indoor environment is virtually impossible. The key to fixing the problem is in eliminating the moisture and controlling future moisture. Without moisture, mold cannot spread. If you clean-up the mold and do not fix the moisture issues then you can count having to repeat the clean-up process within a short time. Fix all leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Wear gloves and goggles. Safety glasses will not prevent spores from getting into your eyes. Since the process of cleaning up mold will always result in the release of mold spores into the air, it is recommended that you wear a mask, such as an N-95 respirator (available at most hardware stores for $15-$25), while the clean-up process is ongoing. Scrub off of hard surfaces with detergent and water. SOS Pads work very well. Bleach is not necessary unless a sewage release has occurred. IF USING BLEACH, DO NOT USE AMMONIA OR CLEANSERS THAT CONTAIN AMMONIA. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may need to be thrown away. Mold tends to find cracks and crevices and hide there, making a complete clean-up very difficult. After scrubbing, rinse and then dry all surfaces completely. Mold will sometimes leave stains or other cosmetic damage behind. Upon completion of clean-up, there should be no visible mold and no scent of mold left behind. Re-visit the site of the clean-up daily to make sure there are no further signs of water damage or mold growth. If signs are present, you need to stop the moisture from returning and repeat the cleaning process. Ultimately, it’s your health and the health of your family that are the primary concerns. People should be able to occupy or re-occupy the affected areas without experiencing health concerns. If this is not the case, contact a professional. If you’re ever in doubt about moisture, mold, or mold clean-up, contacting Andy or Kyle at Emergency Disaster Recovery, Inc. is always a great option.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 03:37:03 +0000
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