Mold and moisture in the home

GA

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HOME MOLD PREVENTION TIPS

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Georgia is part of the Deep South and is subject to high humidity, especially in the summer. Below are a few steps to help decrease the humidity and moisture levels within the home :
Keep home humidity levels between 30-50%

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Georgia Department of Public Health
Indoor Air Quality (404) 656-2459 or 404-463-2619

MOLD AND MOISTURE IN ,THE HOME

Use exhaust fans when cooking and showering. Make sure the duct work for fans is vented to the outdoors.
Ventilate and/or de-humidify attics , crawl spaces, and basements.

http://dph.georgia.gov/indoor-air-quality
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1-800-CDC-INFO or 1-800-232-4636 http://www.cdc. gov/mold/

Keep bathrooms dry and well ventilated.

Observe walls, insulation, etc., for condensation and wet spots.
Clean , dry, or remove water damaged materials from the home within 24-48 hours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can test my home for mold? Testing is generally not necessary. The report can identify the mold spores, but it won't matter because ANY mold growth means that moisture is present. Solve the moisture problems to get rid of the mold.
I think I have mold in my home. Is it toxic? Although the media talks about "toxic mold", only a few fungi produce toxins (mycotoxins) on their spores. It is best to limit all mold growth.
How can I be certain my home is mold-free? No -home will ever be completely mold-free. Control mold growth by controlling moisture in the home.

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service
1-800-ASK-UGA 1 http://extension. uga.edu/
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service - County Offices
Contact your local county office http://extension .uga.edu/aboutlcounty!
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Indoor Air Quality Protection Program (404) 562-9143
http://www.epa. gov/iaql
Sources: US EPA "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"; CDC "Basic Mold Facts", Georgia Department of Public Health "What Can I Do About Mold in My /-lome?"

Mold Spores Stachybatrys chartarum
Environmental Health Section GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Georgia Department of Public Health

WHAT IS MOLD?
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Species grow best in warm , damp, humid conditions. Mold cells reproduce by making spores. The spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry cond itions, that do not support normal mold growth. Molds come in a variety of shapes , colors , sizes, and can often appear fuzzy or slimy. Most often , there is a damp, musty odor around molds .
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HOW CAN MOLD AFFECT MY HEALTH?
Mold has the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, toxic substances known as mycotoxins . The tiny spores travel through the air and may be easily inhaled into the lungs or by touching the spores unknowingly.
Inhaling or touching mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The most common allergic response symptoms are similar to Hay Fever:
Runny nose , scratchy throat, red & itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and skin rash (dermatitis).
Wheezing , especially if the person has asthma. This situation should be immediately evaluated by a physician .

No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to i.1
perhaps three hundred thousand or more.
WHAT CAUSES MOLD TO GROW INSIDE THE HOME?
Molds are not usually a problem indoors unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds create spores to reproduce , like plants produce seeds . In the home, mold spores float through the air and settle on surrounding surfaces. Water is the key factor affecting how quickly mold reproduces .

Allergic reactions to mold , whether delayed or immediate , are common. Mold triggers can lead to asthma attacks in people who are sensitive to exposures. Mold exposure can cause irritating symptoms in mold-allergic and non-allergic individuals.
Although molds produce toxins under specific conditions, research has not been able to identify specific measurements which cause serious health effects from indoor air exposure.
Individuals sensitive to mold should not participate in cleaning mold. If unavoidable, the use of personal protective equipment, such as an (N-95) mask with a filter, plastic gloves, and

safety glasses or goggles should be worn when cleaning surface molds .

HOW DO I CLEAN MY HOME TO GET RID OF MOLD?

It is impossible to eradicate all indoor mold spores . Some mold will float in the air and settle in house dust. Mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can be controlled by controlling the moisture in the home. If there is mold growth in a home, the owner must first correct the existing moisture problem . The next step is to clean surfaces with a damp cloth to remove the existing mold .

Mold gradually destroys items on which they

grow. Prevent damage to your home &

furnishings by controlling moisture and

eliminating mold growth.

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A small area less than 3 ft. X 3 ft. of surface mold growing on hard plastic, tile , wood , and some drywall can be cleaned by the homeowner. Carpets and upholstered furniture require a wet vacuum or a steam cleaner. For larger areas and/or general inquiries, consult a professional about how to proceed. Repairing the moisture problem is the first step in this process :

Repair water leaks or sources of moisture.

Wet clean all contam inated surfaces with warm water and a non-ammonia cleaner.

Rinse & dry the clean surface thoroughly.

NOTE: If desired, a bleach solution may be used to disinfect the surface after cleaning. Bleach will NOT prevent the mold from recurring. Do NOT mix bleach and ammonia products. A toxic gas will form that could be lethal. Bleach may cause discoloration so test a small area first.