Molds play an important role in the outdoor environment, where they help to break down dead organic matter. Although molds are useful outdoors, they can cause illness when they grow indoors. Once molds settle on a damp indoor surface, they can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Homeowners should take steps to prevent or eliminate mold to protect the health of residents.
Cause
Mold spores naturally float through the air and household dust, but they cannot grow without moisture. When an area inside your home stays wet, the spores can settle and grow. Common molds that cause indoor problems include cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria and aspergillus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health Risks
When people who are allergic to mold are exposed to indoor mold growth, they may develop allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, eye and skin irritation and wheezing. People with serious mold allergies may develop fever and shortness of breath. If you have asthma, indoor mold exposure may trigger symptoms. People with chronic lung diseases may develop mold infections of the lungs, according to the CDC. Mold exposure may also cause allergy-like symptoms in healthy people. Some people may not experience any obvious symptoms after mold exposure.
Cleanup
You can usually clean small areas of mold, those less than about 10 square feet, on your own, according to the EPA. You should first fix any leaks or sources of moisture in the area, and then scrub the mold off with detergent and water. Once the area is clean, dry it thoroughly. The EPA recommends anyone cleaning mold wear an N-95 respirator, available at hardware stores, as well as gloves and goggles to prevent mold exposure. If the item is porous, such as carpet or ceiling tile, you may have to throw it away or consult a professional. Consider hiring a professional if you need a large area of mold cleaned, or check the EPA's mold remediation guidelines if you intend to do the job yourself. If you suspect you have hidden mold--for instance, behind walls or in a heating, ventilation or air conditioning system--consider hiring a professional experienced in mold removal.
Misconceptions
You may have heard of the "toxic" or "black" mold, stachybotrys. While the public may view this mold as more toxic than others, the CDC recommends that it be treated the same as other common indoor molds. Any indoor mold growth can cause health problems and should be cleaned up, and no link between "toxic" mold and rare health problems has been proven, according to the CDC.
Prevention/Solution
To prevent indoor mold growth, you need to control moisture in your home. Clean up leaks and spills within 24 to 48 hours, and repair any leaking source of moisture. Use air conditioners or dehumidifiers to keep humidity in your home below 60 percent, and promptly dry condensation on windows, walls and pipes. The EPA recommends using exhaust fans or opening windows when you shower, cook or wash dishes. To prevent hidden mold growth, do not carpet areas that are likely to get wet, such as bathrooms and basements, recommends the CDC.
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