By now, virtually everyone has heard horror stories about the damage mold can wreak on a home and on the health of its occupants.
While the stories that have garnered the most media attention certainly aren’t typical and most homeowners will never have a serious problem with mold, understanding what mold is and how to prevent it from growing in your home can be key to maintaining a healthy house.
Mold is a type of fungus that is a natural part of the environment. Yeast and the antibiotic penicillin are both types of molds. So is the mildew that sometimes grows in showers and bathtubs. The spores, or reproductive cells, that create mold are everywhere and enter homes through open doors and windows, heating and cooling systems or your clothing or your pets’ fur. They thrive and grow in warm, damp areas with temperatures between 40- and 100-degrees Fahrenheit, such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
Like many allergens, indoor and outdoor mold can cause some people to develop health problems, such as asthma, stuffy or runny noses, itchy eyes, wheezing, inflammation in the lungs, skin rashes or fevers. Other people have no problem at all when exposed to the same mold.
Since the symptoms associated with mold are similar to those associated with a variety of allergens, you shouldn’t automatically assume your home has mold if you suffer from itchy eyes and a stuffy nose. However, a musty odor or blotchy discolored spots are a good indicator of the presence of mold.
Mold’s affection for damp, warm environments means that parts of the home that have gotten wet from flooding, leaking pipes or even over-watered plants will be particularly welcome habitats for mold growth.
Any serious water-related problems, such as sewer back-ups, overflowing toilets and leaking roofs or windows, could lead to the growth of mold within as little as 24 to 48 hours. Be certain to clean and dry any wet or damp areas thoroughly, and repair leaks as soon as possible to keep mold at bay.
While it may not be possible to avoid all water related accidents, there are many things you can do to keep mold from growing in your home. Regular vacuuming and cleaning to remove sources of mold growth is one step. Also, in areas susceptible to moisture, use washable area rugs, or install flooring that can be easily cleaned, rather than wall-to-wall carpeting.
To read the complete article on Understanding Mold in your home and how to prevent it please click here.
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