Mold

Molds are living things that produce spores to reproduce, just as plants produce seeds. Mold spores float through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on damp places indoors, they may begin growing. Inhaling or touching molds can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks. 

Actions You Can Take

If mold is a problem in your home, you need to clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

  • Scrub mold off hard surfaces with soap and water, and dry completely. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. It may not be possible to clean an item so that its original appearance is restored. What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas.
  • Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely within 24-48 hours to prevent mold from growing.
  • Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
  • Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.
  • Places that are often or always damp can be hard to maintain completely free of mold. If there’s mold in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom that seems to reappear, increasing ventilation (running a fan, using exhaust fan, or opening a window) and cleaning more frequently will usually prevent mold from recurring, or at least keep the mold to a minimum.
  • Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally between 30-50% relative humidity. Humidity levels can be measured by hygrometers, which are available at local hardware stores.

Check out the Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home for information and guidance for homeowners and renters 

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