MOLD
The key to mold control is moisture control.
Moisture is the biggest enemy of the house. Mold is just one of the results of high moisture levels.
Mold is a type of fungi that have a cottony or woolly appearance and can be black, white, orange, green, or purple color. Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture.
Mold risk falls into three broad categories:
- Some mold is harmless, a cosmetic nuisance.
- Some mold is allergenic to some people, in much the same way some people are allergic to peanut butter or shellfish.
- Toxic mold is dangerous for everyone, although young people, old people, and people with respiratory problems or compromised immune systems are most vulnerable.
You can’t tell by looking.
You cannot tell what kind of mold you are dealing with by looking at it. There are nearly a million species of mold. Don’t assume that “black mold” is “bad” and that other mold is OK. Lots of black molds are cosmetic concerns, not “toxic killers. Some light colored molds, which are hard to see in your house, can be a health concern.
How do you keep mold out of the house?
You can control mold growth by:
- Controlling humidity levels;
- Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
- Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
- Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas:
