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Molds
Concerns, Trigger Description and What you can do
- Poor Air Quality
- Tobacco Smoke
- Smoke from Wood Burning Stoves
- Volatile Organic Compounds
- Pollen
- Molds
- Dust Mites
- Cockroaches
- Pet dander
- Poorly Maintained Appliances
- Traveling
Complete Solutions (PDF 196kb)
Trigger
Description and What you can do
Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores which are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Molds can cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. If you think you have symptoms related to mold, contact a health professional for advice, especially if you suffer from COPD or asthma. If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup of mold.
What you can do:
Prevent mold by controlling moisture. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 - 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Use an exhaust fan in the bathroom or open a window to remove moisture after showering. Wipe down damp surfaces after bathing and dry completely.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. If your symptoms are severe, wear a dust mask, goggles and rubber gloves while cleaning. N-95 respirators can be purchased at many hardware stores and on the Internet.(about $12 to $25.) Check with your doctor before wearing any respirator.
Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers as needed. Monitor humidity in home with a hygrometer (about $10-$50) available at many hardware stores. Keep indoor humidity below 60% (ideally between 30% and 50%) relative humidity.
Remove
moldy or dusty wallpaper and regularly wipe walls and hard floors with
a damp cloth. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and
carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.
Empty air conditioner, refrigerator and de-humidifier drip pans regularly. (Some refrigerators built after 1989 have drip pans built into unit instead of underneath appliance. Check for possible leaks.)