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Schultz Construction
Lincoln, Nebraska |  |
What is mold?
Molds are microscopic fungi, which are neither plants nor animals. In nature, molds use enzymes to eat dead plants and animals. If there is a moist environment and other proper conditions, molds can attack house or building materials including fiberboard, drywall, carpet backing, paper, dust, wood or exposed soils in crawl spaces. Once established in a building, mold can spread causing the destruction of structural wood components. This mold can be very difficult to eliminate.
Why is mold hazardous?
Molds use tiny spores to reproduce. Spores that become airborne are hard to filter out and can stay suspended in the air for long periods of time. The spores can then be easily inhaled, causing symptoms like headaches, coughing, sinus problems, flu-like symptoms, skin rashes, diarrhea and asthma. A few mold species are capable of producing toxins if a proper food source is available.
How do I prevent mold?
As part of routine maintenance, buildings should be checked for evidence of water damage and visible mold. Conditions that can cause mold like water leaks, flooding, high humidity and condensation, should be corrected.
Should I test for mold?
Testing is expensive and sometimes unreliable because molds are naturally present outdoors. If you can see it or smell it, you probably have mold in your house. Unless it is for legal or insurance purposes, testing or sampling for mold is not recommended.
How do I remove mold?
For any mold problem, the moisture source needs to be eliminated first. Air circulation and increased light may also reduce mold growth. If the area is less that two (2) square feet, wear protective gear, remove contaminated porous materials in a sealed plastic bag and wash all remaining non-absorbent surfaces and surrounding areas.
The solution used for this cleaning should be 10% bleach and 90% water solution (1.5 cups of bleach per every gallon of water). Let the area sit for 15 minutes, rinse with water and allow time for thorough drying.
For areas up to 30 square feet, use the same precautions, but also cover the contaminated material with plastic sheets and tape, and seal the porous material in a plastic bag before carrying it through the rest of the house. Please note that the hiring of experienced personnel, in mold clean-up and disinfecting, is necessary for larger areas.
...SOURCE: Nebraska Health and Human Services System.
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