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What is mold?
Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, found virtually everywhere,
indoors and outdoors. Molds can be found on plants, foods, dry leaves,
and other organic material. Molds are needed for breaking down dead
material. Mold spores are very tiny and lightweight, and this allows
them to travel through the air. Mold growths can often be seen in the
form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to
brown and black. When molds are present in large quantities, they can
cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen.
Should I be concerned about mold in my home?
Yes, if the contamination is extensive. When airborne mold spores are
present in large numbers, they can cause allergic reactions, asthma
episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems for people.
Exposure to high spore levels can cause the development of an allergy to
the mold. Mold can also cause structural damage to your home. Similarly,
when wood goes through a period of wetting, then drying, it can
eventually warp and cause walls to crack or become structurally
weak.
What
does mold need to grow?
For mold to grow, it needs:
-
food sources - such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt
- a source of moisture
- a place to grow
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Can
mold become a problem in my home?
Yes, if there is moisture available to allow mold to thrive and
multiply. The following are sources of indoor moisture that may cause
problems:
- flooding
- backed-up sewers
- leaky roofs
- humidifiers
-
mud or ice dams
- damp basement or crawl spaces
- constant plumbing
leaks
- house plants -- watering can generate large amounts of moisture
- steam from cooking
- shower/bath steam and leaks
- wet clothes on
indoor drying lines
- clothes dryers vented indoors
- combustion
appliances (e.g. stoves) not exhausted to the outdoors
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CAUTION:
If you see moisture condensation on the windows or walls, it is also
possible that you have a combustion problem in your home. It is
important to have sufficient fresh air available for fuel burning
appliances, such as the furnace, water heater, stove/range, clothes
dryer, as well as a fireplace. A shortage of air for these appliances
can result in back drafting of dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide
into the home. To prevent back drafting of air, you need either open
vents or a ventilation system that brings fresh air into the home to
replace air that is exhausted out. Have your local utility company or a
professional heating contractor inspect your fuel-burning appliances
annually.
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