|
|
Concerns about moldBy Cindy Williams Meadowlark District Extension Agent With an abundance of wet weather, concerns about mold always arise. An abundance of conflicting information and media coverage about hazards of mold problems have left many people confused, concerned, and sometimes frightened. Molds are a category of fungi that serve as "nature´s recycle agent" by helping to break down dead materials. Although mold spores are everywhere, they are most prevalent in humid conditions. Care should be taken not to allow mold colonies to grow and multiply indoors. Mold problems can result in damage to materials and health problems. The longer mold is allowed to grow indoors, the greater the risk and the harder it is to remedy. So, if you find mold in your home, don´t delay in correcting the problem. When mold is visible, commercial testing is usually not needed nor even recommended. Spend your money and time to remove mold and correct any moisture problems rather than wasting money on commercial testing. The most practical way to find a mold problem is to use your senses. If you see mold or if there is an earthy or musty smell, you should assume a mold problem exists. Other clues are signs of excess moisture or the worsening of allergy-like symptoms. A moisture detector can be a helpful tool. Look for visible mold growth (may appear cottony, velvety, granular or leathery and have varied colors of white, gray, brown, black, yellow, green). Mold often appears as discoloration, staining or fuzzy growth on the surface of building materials or furnishings, or behind vinyl wallpaper. To clean up and remove indoor mold growth in small quantities, follow these steps as they apply to your home. --Find the cause of excess moisture and correct it. --Seal off the work area from the rest of the house and ventilate it to the outdoors. --Cover (to prevent spore release), remove and dispose of mold-contaminated materials. --Clean and disinfect surfaces. --Speed drying of wet materials. --Remain on "mold alert." Cleaning Up Mold One of the most effective and least expensive disinfectants is chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) bleach. Check the label and use only bleach with 5.25 percent sodium hypochorite. The walls should be thoroughly cleaned with a detergent solution before disinfecting. For most hard surfaces, disinfecting with a solution of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water is effective. The area must be kept wet with the bleach for 10 to 15 minutes to kill the mold. If the surface is porous like wood, the solution may need to be reapplied to keep the surface wet for the required time. If large areas of a basement need to be disinfected, a garden sprayer can be used to apply the bleach solution to the walls. When cleaning with chlorine bleach solution, wear rubber gloves and protect the skin. Avoid contact of the solution with the eyes and skin and avoid prolonged breathing of vapors. Never, never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleansers containing ammonia. For more information about mold and mold problems, contact the Meadowlark District Extension Office at any of these locations: Oskaloosa, Holton or Seneca. Date: 9/21/07
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
