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Building Maintenance Pics :: Mold Basics :: Carpet Cleaning: The Process -  Commercial  - Residential -  FAQ

• The key to mold control is moisture control.
• If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
• It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

*All contents on this page cannot be copied or used without permission.*

MAIN TOPICS (click on link to view topic) Why is mold growing in my home? Can mold cause health problems? Actions that will help prevent condensation. Actions that will help reduce humidity. How do I get rid of mold?

Mold growing on a wall (click on picture for larger view)

Why is mold growing in my home?

Mold growing on a wall (click on picture for larger view) opens in a new window

Mold are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided.

Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air.

Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and non of them will grow without water or moisture.

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Can mold cause health problems?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).

Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold.

Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This webpage provides a brief overview;it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.

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Actions that will help prevent codensation:

• Reduce the humidity. Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical. Use fans as needed. Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation. Increase air temperature.

• Keep indoor humidy low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10 to $50) instrument available at many hardware stores. If you see condensation or moisture collecting on wiindows, walls or pipes - ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture /water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

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Actions that will help reduce humidity:

• Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible. (Combustion appliances such as stove and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.)

• Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.

• Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.

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How do I get rid of mold?

Person removing mold (click on picture for larger view) opens in new window

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating though the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors .

If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then most likely, the mold problem will come back.

Mold can gradually destroy the things they grow on.

You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.

See the Mold Removal process!

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For Mold Removal, please contact American Home Town Services:

1405 North 12th Street
Quincy, IL 62301
217-228-7563 or
1-866-297-7563 or
E-mail us!

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