There is so much contradicting information and so many myths concerning mold, mold cleanup, and its effects on people’s health that most people get confused, unnecessarily alarmed, and sometimes resort to potentially hazardous methods to deal with the problem.
This article will try to clarify some points and debunk some of the myths concerning mold.
Mold is everywhere. According to Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology, 25% of Earth’s biomass is comprised of fungus. There are more than 1.5 million species in existence. At any given moment, the air we breathe is filled with tiny, invisible mold spores; we inhale them on a regular basis.
Mold is an important part of our ecosystem. Different fungi species help break down and clean up dead organic matter in nature, such as fallen leaves and dead trees. It reproduces by releasing tiny seeds in the air, which then cling to moist organic matter, grow and feed on it.
Outdoors, the mold is usually harmless to humans: – the spores are not concentrated enough in the air to cause health issues. Only people who are highly sensitive to mold feel sick in places like wooded areas and shady, moist gardens.
When mold is found indoors, there is reason for concern. When a colony develops inside a home, the concentration of spores in the air raises considerably triggering mild to severe allergy symptoms among its inhabitants.
Every home, no matter how clean, has mold, but extensive mold growth should be avoided by eliminating the conditions that allow it to thrive. When mold problems start to develop indoors, homeowners need to act quickly, and use effective, safe methods to kill it and prevent new growth.
This is why it is so important to understand mold and proper cleaning procedures.
1- Myth: Indoor Mold is Toxic.
Fact: Not every species of mold is toxic, but the spores released by non-toxic species can trigger allergies in sensitive people.
Only very few species of mold are toxic. A mold species is considered toxic when it releases mycotoxins in the air. That is the case of the species known as “black mold”. Contact with black mold can make most people very sick. However, not all species of mold who look black or have a dark color are toxic. There is only one way to tell if a specific colony is of the toxic kind: by having it tested.
The test is usually expensive, and according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, unnecessary in most cases. According to them, any type of mold, toxic or otherwise, is bad if growing indoors. All mold releases spores, and the spores have the potential to trigger allergies. Homeowners should just take steps to eliminate mold and prevent it from developing again.
2- Myth: As Long as it’s not “Black Mold” it’s not a Problem.
Fact: All types of mold are bad indoors. They indicate the presence of moisture – and moisture attracts more problems than just mold.
Even nontoxic molds release spores that are known to trigger mild to serious allergy symptoms in sensitive people, and sometimes even pets. Still according to the U.S.C.D.C, “people who are sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. People allergic to mold may have difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. People with weakened immune systems and with chronic lung diseases, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.
Mold is still the second most common cause of indoor allergies in America. Dust mites are the number one, and both mold and dust mites develop under the very same conditions: high humidity and the presence of organic matter. It’s is very common to find both infestations occurring at the same time. If you or your family members have health problems after exposure to mold, contact your doctor.
3- Myth: If it is Mold, You Can See Mildew and Moldy Spots
Fact: If it smells like mold, it is mold. Even if you can’t see any mold spots.
Long before you can see mold, it smells. Mold species usually have a musty odor, but the smell varies slightly from one species to another. Some smell woody, some have a sour smell almost like cat urine. Have a funky smell in your basement and can’t pinpoint the source? Buy an inexpensive hygrometer and check the RH levels. If it is anything at or above 60% you can be absolutely sure that mold is present, lurking somewhere. Invisible but very much active.
4-Myth: Bleach Kills Mold.
Fact: Bleach is only safe and efficient in low concentration, small areas and when applied on non-porous, non-absorbent, and inorganic surfaces.
Organic and porous surfaces, such as insulation, drywall, fabrics, paper and upholstery, when moldy or wet for more than 48 hours must be removed and discarded.
Although bleach can be used to combat indoor mold problems, the misuse and misinformation about its use for this purpose is one of the most dangerous myths surrounding mold and the proper ways to treat it.
Bleach is also a very harsh chemical. When used improperly, in high concentration, large areas or in places with little ventilation such as basements, it can cause serious harm. Mixed accidentally with other common household cleaning products, such as ammonia-based cleaners, it can even produce nerve-damaging and potentially lethal fumes.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, bleach should not be used in very large infestations. If you have an infestation that is larger that 10 square feet you should call a professional.
Bleach is also ineffective for treating organic, absorbent and porous surfaces such as fabrics, upholstery, drywall, insulation, and wood. The mold roots grow deep in these surfaces, and there is no safe, effective way to completely remove it. The E.P.A recommends that any such surfaces be removed and discarded, as even dead mold can trigger allergies.
Mold Cleanup.
Do not underestimate mold. It is a living thing and has the instinct to survive and reproduce. Cleaning it up properly is only the first step. You need to take measures to prevent it from growing back as well.
If not sure about what you are dealing with or if you are faced with a mold problem that spreads for more that 10 sq feet, consult a professional.
Do not try to savage anything organic or absorbent with mold spots or must smell unless it is a small piece of fabric that can be washed in hot water. Other than that, bag it and discard it.
To clean up small infestations, make sure there is enough ventilation, use protective gear (gloves and mask a bleach solution can be used according to EPA specifications. In general a cup of unscented bleach for each gallon of water.
How to Get Rid of Mold for Good
Mold needs three things to grow: organic matter in which it feeds, sufficient warmth, and high levels of moisture in surfaces and the air.
You can’t get rid of all the organic surfaces in your home and it will always be warm enough for mold to grow. You can, however, control moisture. Mold only grows with relative humidity levels at or above 60%. Fix leakages in pipes, roofing and siding as soon as they appear, remove standing water and its sources. If necessary run a dehumidifier to keep RH levels around 30-50%. This is the only proven way to get rid of mold and prevent it from coming back.
Sources:
Cornell University – College of Human Ecology – Mold Information Sheet (pdf)
http://emergencypreparedness.cce.cornell.edu/disasters/Documents/PDFs/Mold%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
U.S. Center for Disease Control – Protect Yourself from Mold
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/protect.asp
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html
Basement Systems – House Mold Testing and Concerns
http://www.basementsystems.com/mold/house-mold-testing.html
Basement Troubleshooting Guide – Mold and Rot
http://www.basement-repair.com/basement/basement-mold-rot.html
