Mold and Moisture: The Big Enemies

We all hear a lot about mold today, and while moisture may not be as dangerous, health problems can be attributed to moisture in the house. In fact, high moisture levels are often the breeding ground for things like mold. With these high moisture levels, a room feels stuffy. Respiratory infections are the result of low moisture levels where dust is allowed to build up.

But of course the most familiar result of high moisture in the home is mold. Mold and mildew grow on the surface of things where the degree of moisture is high. Second or third floor mold is most common in older homes although this fungus can be found in the basement of newer models as well. It can be found wherever moisture accumulates in places such as such as kitchens and bathrooms, window sills, carpets, furniture against outside walls, wall cavities, unvented storage areas, or wherever leaks and flooding occur.

One of the things that people might not know about mold is that it spreads in an unlikely way.   The Microbes from mold commonly grow within the ductwork of forced air heating systems. This is how it spreads throughout your home. As well, anything that has a water reservoir can be a breeding ground for mold.  This means your toilets and other modern appliances such as humidifiers need to be kept spotlessly clean.  Even the mold that is contained inside your walls can travel on the slightest air current and be inhaled into you lungs.

Of course that’s where the health problems start. Once inhaled, mold creates a variety of allergic reactions that include, in the worst-case scenario, infectious diseases. There are even a few varieties that are known to cause cancer or birth defects. In addition to the important health problems that it creates, mold eats away at surfaces and homeowners can face large bills for structural damage when mold is left unchecked to run rampant.

Contrary to a popular misconception, there is something the average person can do to get rid of the mold that they have in their home and the first step involves washing the infected area with soap and water. After that, you’ll want to disinfect the area with a solution of bleach and detergent. This procedure should be done quickly as mold breeds in one to two days. The affected area should be left to dry overnight.

It’s also necessary that you flag and discard any materials that have been affected by the mold such as drywall and carpets. These articles should be bagged at the work area to prevent the mold from spreading through the home and always remember to wear gloves and a high quality respirator when you’re working near the area. As well, make sure to provide clear and controlled ventilation in the work areas, with slightly more pressure in the contaminated area so the air flows from clean to dirty areas.

Lastly, you must also have the air tested to determine whether or not the mold is airborne, and if so, the air will need to be remediated.   

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