Mold questions with answers 2024/2025

MoldHealth effects - stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing/weezing, burning eyes, skin rash - those allergic to mold may have severe reactions - immunocompromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in lungs How is mold brought into the home? - open doors, windows, vents, heating and air conditioning systems - clothing, shoes, bags, even pets Full screen Where does mold grow? - wherever there is moisture - leaks in roofs, windows, pipes, flood areas - grows on paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood - can grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric and upholstery If you have mold in your home Mold can look like spots Many colors Can smell musty Need to clean it up and fix the moisture problem Can be removed with household products, soap and water or bleach solution (1 cup bleach: 1 gallon water) on hard surfaces If you use bleach to clean up mold •Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce a poisonous gas. •Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when you use bleach or any other cleaning product. •Open windows and doors to provide fresh air. •Wear waterproof gloves and eye protection. To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home •Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can—no higher than 50%--all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. You can buy a meter to check your home's humidity at a home improvement store. Humidity levels change over the course of a day so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day. •Be sure the air in your home flows freely. Use exhaust fans that vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home. •Fix any leaks in your home's roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow. •Clean up and dry out your home fully and quickly (within 24-48 hours) after a flood. ••Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting. You can buy mold inhibitors at paint and home improvement stores. •Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.