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Mold Frequently Asked Questions
Why is mold growing in my home?
Molds
are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen
leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are
invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land
on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Can
mold cause health issues?
Molds are usually not an issue indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp
spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health concerns. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some
cases, potentially toxic substances. Allergic reactions to mold are common and include hay fever-type symptoms, such
as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic
to mold.
How do I know if there are dangerous levels and types of mold present in my home?
Before any remediation or clean up in undertaken, air and surface sampling must be done. A Certified Mold Inspector
is trained to obtain samples of the air and suspected mold surfaces. The samples are then sent to a registered lab for
analysis. A report is generated listing the types and levels of molds found in the samples. If warranted, a remediation
protocol will also be produced. After remediation by a licensed mold abatement company, sampling is again performed
to be certain that there are no remaining dangerous levels of molds in the home.
How do I get rid of mold?
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors, but indoor mold
growth can be controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold
and also fix the water situation. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water issue, the mold most likely will return.
Who should do the cleanup?
If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, you can probably
handle the job yourself. However:
If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than
10 square feet, consult the EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types.
If
you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience
cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools
and Commercial Buildings, or the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold, consult
the EPA's Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could
spread mold throughout your home.
If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water,
then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.
If
you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.
