How to Limit Mold Growth

The most practical approach to limit mold growth is early detection and prompt resolution of excessive moisture. If you can see mold or detect an earthy or musty odor, you can assume you have a moisture problem that must be resolved to achieve a permanent solution to arresting mold growth. Mold growth is found behind walls or under materials where water has damaged surfaces. Look for discoloration and mold on surfaces.

Controlling indoor air moisture will limit the probability of supporting mold growth from condensing water on interior surfaces; such as on walls, windows, and areas near air conditioning supply registers. Relative humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor in air. Relative humidity meters are useful for detecting excessive moisture and they are available from most hardware stores. Moisture sources that increase indoor air relative humidity are: habitation (people release moisture), bathing, cooking, plants, washing and air-drying of dishes and clothes, unvented combustion appliances, humidifiers, and outdoor ventilation air in humid climates.

Another moisture source is water from leaks; such as from pipes, rain water leakage through windows, roof flashing, ice dams, etc.

Strategies that can help minimize mold growth:

• Take notice of musty odors in the home because they indicate the presence of mold. Look for visible signs of mold and abate the moisture source.
• Watch for condensation and wet spots and eliminate sources of moisture.
• Prevent moisture resulting from condensation by increasing surface temperatures or reducing moisture levels in the air. To increase the surface temperature, insulate or increase the circulation of heated air. To reduce moisture levels in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify.
• Perform building and HVAC inspections and maintenance. Repair the condensate drain if the air conditioning system's drip pan overflows with water.
• Vent clothes dryers to the outdoors.
• Run the air conditioner and/or a dehumidifier during the humid months of the year. Controlling indoor air moisture to below 65 percent relative humidity will limit the probability of supporting mold growth.
• Keep the relative humidity as low as is comfortable during the winter season for houses in cold climates. Mold growth on interior surfaces of exterior walls can occur during the heating season. The combination of cool surfaces and excessive humidity can cause a high near-surface relative humidity and condensation. Experience has shown that an air moisture level below 40 percent relative humidity during the heating season will prevent condensation on surfaces. This level of humidity may not be appropriate for houses in severe cold climates. A sign of excessive humidity is condensation on the inside of windows. If condensation is present for prolonged periods take steps to reduce the moisture source or increase ventilation.
• Clean and dry any wet or damp areas within 48 hours.
• Provide drainage for roof rainwater and maintain the ground with a slope that drains water away from the foundation.
• Repair water leaks in the building envelope as soon as possible.
• Do not store organic materials such as paper, books, clothes, etc., in humid locations (such as in unconditioned basements).
• Exercise extra care when cleaning up after water damage from flood and sewer water.
• Consider the use of dehumidifiers in areas such as unconditioned basements

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Fixing school air - 13 WTHR

Fixing school air - 13 WTHR

Check out this article and video on WTHR regarding implementing tougher indoor air quality requirements in Indiana schools.

Staff & Students have been subjected to Mold, Carbon Dioxide, Pestisides & more...

What is in the air at your child's school???  

Don't Look the Other Way When You Suspect Mold

Are you looking the other way when you see a moldy substance growing in the dark and damp areas of your home?  You shouldn't be if that substance is greenish-black.  It's known as Strachybortrys atra and it's very toxic and deadly.  That's why when you're dealing with molds; you need to know all the facts.  And when you're dealing with black mold removal you need to be very aware of this dangerous fungus and you need to know how to stop it dead in its track, now.

To understand what Strachybotrys atra can do to someone, you need to be aware of the symptoms it can cause.  A person who has been exposed may have difficulty breathing; they may experience headaches, coughing, nausea, memory loss, dizziness, asthma, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and even infertility.

They symptoms can be very scary.  Many people refuse to believe that they even have this nasy substance in their home.  They belive that if they keep their hous spic and span clean, they will never encounter this dangerous fungus.  Unfortunately, that just isn't true!  Even the cleanest home can create the perfect place for fungus to grown.

For instance, when you live in an area that has a lot of humidity, you're definitely prone to toxic fungi.  Since moisture causes molds to become more suscpetible to the area, the risk of having Strachybotrys atra in your home is even greater to homes that are not in a high humidity area.

However, humidity in the environment isn't the only factor that can create a breeding ground for Strachybotrys atra.  Leaky pipes can also become a potential toxic hazard for the fungus.  And often, those leaky pipes go unnoticed because the leak is so small.  To make matters worse, the fungus isn't always visible
since it can attach itself to the insides of the pipes, which makes it virtually impossible for removing black mold.

Another common breeding ground for Strachybotrys atra is anywhere a flood has occured.  It makes no difference if it's a major flood that happened during a rainstorm or a minor flood that occured when the toilet overflowed, it's all breeding ground for fungi.  Yet the worse part is it can take several days to dry that area out which gives the dangerous fungi an even better chance to grown.

Some other good indications that you have a problem with fungus growth are stains on the walls or ceilings of the home.  These stains are usually yellowish in color, but signs of black, green or brown can indicate a fungi problem.

Another sign that could mean your home has the deadly fungus is, odor.  If the smell of mildew or must is present, it could mean that there are molds growing where the odors are lingering.  Common areas may include closets and heating and air conditioning units.

Finding our where the problem lies is only the tip of the iceberg.  The next step is to remove the dangerous fungi.  While this may seem like an easy task, it actually requires careful handling when coming in contact with the substance.

Given the dangers of black mold, a professional is needed rather than trying to remove black mold yourself.  American Mold Experts uses a naturally-occurring,organic plant components that simply cleans and removes mold, including black mold, safely and effectively. 


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