About Mold and Moisture 

Undesirable health effects may be caused by exposure to nonliving mold-related substances such as mycotoxins, nonliving mold spores and other nonliving cellular structures.  

Mold spores are found virtually everywhere and only need the opportune set of conditions, nutrients and moisture, to establish a colony and grow. Molds can colonize many different types of materials and have even been known to grow on mildew-resistant material. Measures to control mold growth should be utilized to prevent mold from establishing itself within a building environment.

If a building exhibits chronic moisture control problems, it is likely to have or to develop a mold problem. Mold can be very elusive and can exist in a building even if it cannot be seen. Mold testing can help find and identify mold within a building; however, testing can be very expensive and is often unnecessary. Mold found in a building should be removed using proper clean-up techniques, as soon as practical, to lessen the health effects on building occupants. 

Because mold can grow on many different types of materials, it is essential to maintain effective moisture control within a building. The fact that molds need moisture to colonize a surface means that preventing excess moisture in a building usually will prevent mold from growing. Once mold has established itself as a colony, it often can survive in much less moisture than was required to establish the colony. Additionally, the reintroduction of even a slight amount of moisture into an environment where an inactive mold colony exists can trigger new growth of the colony.

Moisture can enter a home through many different means, such as pipe leaks, roof leaks, high ground water and condensation. In addition, many daily activities can produce moisture. Some of these include cooking, showering and drying clothes. In fact, people themselves produce about three pints of water vapor per day while breathing.

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can – between 30 and 50% all day.
• Promptly fix leaky roofs, windows and pipes.
• Thoroughly clean after flooding.
• Ventilate cooking areas, laundry and shower.

Clean and dry out your home within 24-48 hours after flooding. Dig out mud and dirt.  Use a wet vacuum to remove remaining dirt. Scrub cleanable surfaces (such as wood, tile, stone) with soapy water and a bristle brush.  Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, and sinks) with water and dish detergent. Dry surfaces quickly and thoroughly after cleaning. If you have a fan, air conditioner or dehumidifier that wasn’t affected by flooding, use it to help the surfaces dry after you finish cleaning.

If you can see or smell mold, a health risk may be present. Mold may be tested by a professional company. No matter what type of mold it is, it should be removed.

• Promptly remove moldy items such as carpets, rugs, ceiling tiles and wallboards.
• Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup (8 ounces) of bleach in 1 gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners.
• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
• Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
• Small areas such as showers and sinks may be cleaned by residents, but larger areas may need professional help.