Mold

Molds are naturally existing both indoors and outdoors and are encountered by people every day, generally by airborne exposure or by touch. There are numerous types of mold that may be encountered. Molds are beneficial to the environment in that they break down dead material. However, excessive exposure to mold can cause some people to suffer from allergic reactions, while others may not be affected.

Like most living organisms, mold needs food, moisture, and a habitable place to grow. Food could include dead plant or animal tissue or even building materials such as wood or wall paper. Mold can grow in less than 48 hours. Ideal conditions for growth are temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees with high humidity and relative darkness.

The Illinois Department of Public Health does not test for mold, nor are guidelines provided to determine what are acceptable amounts of mold. Testing for mold will not determine if health effects will occur. IDPH does not recomment testing for mold and testing is generally not useful to determine what should be done to clean up the mold. If mold is smelled or is visible, then there is a source of moisture that needs to be eliminated. The mold would also need to be cleaned or removed.

Neither IDPH nor the Crawford County Health Department inspect for mold in residential properties. Both can provide assistance in the form of information by telephone and recommendations to take to alleviate conditions that may be a potential health hazard.

Individuals with allergies, those who are immunocompromised, or have lung disease may be more sensitive to mold. Typical symptoms that are reported from mold exposure include:

• nasal & sinus congestion or dry cough
• respiratory problems such as sneezing, asthma attacks, etc.
• eye irritation
• nose or throat irritation
• skin irritations
• nervous system - headaches, memory loss, mood changes
• aches & pains

How can mold be prevented?

• Repair leaky plumbing pipes and fixtures
• Repair leaks in the building such as roof leaks or leaks along walls
• Prevent condensation by increasing air circulation, ventilation, or dehumidify. This is especially important in bathrooms and basements which generally have a higher humidity level. Insulating cold surfaces such as cold water pipes, will also help reduce condensation.
• Do not allow spots to stay damp or wet
• Ensure that water will properly drain away from your home's foundation by having the ground slope away from your home
• Keep the relative humidity inside your home below 60%. The ideal range is 30-50%.

How can I clean up mold?

Before cleaning up the mold, the source of moisture must be eliminated or mold will grow again. If you suffer from a chronic respiratory illness, do not clean up mold. When cleaning up mold, wear protective clothing that can be cleaned or discarded, wear rubber gloves & goggles, shut off HVAC systems to prevent the spreading of mold spores, and work over short time spans and get plenty of fresh air during breaks. If a large area has been contaminated with mold, it is a good idea to consult a professional. Different surfaces will require different steps to clean the mold. Porous materials such as carpeting or drywall, should be removed and replaced.

If the surface you have is a non-porous surface such as tile, you can use the following steps:

• First clean the surface with soap
  • use a non-ammonia soap or detergent in hot water (do not mix bleach with ammonia as the fumes are toxic)
  • use a stiff brush or cleaning pad on block walls or uneven surfaces
  • rinse with clean water
• Next disinfect the surface to help prevent mold from coming back
  • use a solution of water & bleach (1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water); ensure you have proper ventilation
  • let the disinfectant air dry on the surface

In a situation where your home has been flooded, drywall should be removed up to about a foot above where the water level was and discarded. If there was insulation in the wall, all wet insulation should also be removed and disposed of. The surfaces should then be disinfected and allowed to air dry before replacing materials.

Common Sources of Mold-Causing Moisture in the Home

• leaky roofs & gutters
• backed up sewers
• damp basements/crawl spaces
• clothes dryers vented indoors
• overflows from bathtubs/sinks
• steam from baths/showers not vented outdoors
• flood waters

 

Because it's virtually impossible to elminate all mold spores in your environment, controlling the moisture present is the key to preventing mold growth. By taking the proper steps to prevent future mold from growing and cleaning up existing mold, you can help prevent potential health problems for you and your family.

"Toxic" Mold

The term "toxic" mold is sometimes used to describe molds that produce toxins called mycotoxins. This does not mean the the mold itself is toxic. The mycotoxins produced can cause adverse health affects. Some molds that are known to produce mycotoxins are Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys.

 

The above information was taken from the websites listed below. If you have other questions regarding mold please click on the links below or contact the Health Department.

IDPH Mold and Your Health

IDPH Common Questions About Mold

IDPH Reducing Your Exposure to Mold

IDPH Moisture in the Home

IDPH Cleaning Up After Flood & Sewer Overflows

CDC - Mold

EPA - Mold

FEMA - Removing Mold From Your Home

 

 

Updated 1/7/10