The Mayo Clinic published an article describing how 93% of all chronic sinusitus is caused by breathing airborne particles of mold. Plumbing leaks, flooding and damp climates are just a few of the many mold-growing factors. These can quickly lead to more serious health problems once mold produces spores that waft continually through the air. If left untreated, the mold will grow into thriving communities. The EPA has stated that "toxic mold may become the defining environmental issue of the 21st century."
Mold Grows in Many Places
- roofs
- windows
- pipes
- shower stalls
- in flooded areas
- cardboard
- ceiling tiles
- paint
- wallpaper
- drywall
- carpet
- fabric
- upholstery
- wood products
Mold Enters Your Home in Many Ways
- open doorways
- vents
- heating units
- air conditioning systems
- mold can attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags and pets
Health Concerns Associated with Mold
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause several kinds of irritations including nasal, throat, eye and skin irritations; coughing and wheezing. People with mold allergies can often have severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and those with chronic lung illnesses may get serious infections in their lungs when exposed to mold. These people should stay away from areas in their homes (or outside their homes) with mold such as compost piles, cut grass, wooded areas, flooded areas in or near the home.
The CDC doesn't recommend or perform routine sampling for molds. The best practice: No matter what type of mold is present, you should remove it. Since the effects of mold can vary greatly, and because of the amount or type of mold, you can't rely on sampling and culturing to know your health risk.
Control Mold in Your Home
- Keep humidity levels between 40-60%
- Promptly fix leaky roofs, windows and pipes
- thoroughly clean and dry everything after flooding
- ventilate shower, laundry and cooking areas
If mold is already growing in your home, you need to clean it up and fix the moisture problem.
You can remove mold from hard surfaces with a simple solution of 1 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water.
What Mold Looks Like
Mold growth looks like dark spots and can be many different colors and can smell musty. If you can see or smell mold, a health risk may be present.
What You Can Do to Avoid the Risk of Mold
- sleep with windows closed - airborne mold spores have the greatest concentration at night
- if you rake leaves or shovel compost, wear a dust mask
- eliminate mold in the home by spraying bleach as soon as you notice it
- dry out wet areas within the home
Get Help
Water intrusion, the main factor in the production of mold, can be controlled by calling a professional mold consultant. Air, tape and swab samples can be taken and sent to a lab within 24 hours to determine exactly what type of mold may be infesting your home or office. The CDC insists that all molds are treated the same and regarded as a potential health risk.
Dirty air ducts are a health risk because they directly affect the air you breathe in your home. New homes may also have dirty air ducts due to exposure to sawdust, dirt and other contaminants left behind in the construction process. An inspection, diagnosis, and elimination of all possible pollutants in your home or office will ensure your safest air quality.
References:
Environmental Protection Agency
Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com
CDC: www.cdc.gov
 |
