Training: Mold
Mold Introduction
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
Basic Mold Cleanup
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
- Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures
include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
- There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores
in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is
to control moisture.
- If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the
mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
- Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
- Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by:
venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to
the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing
ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing,
and cleaning.
- Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings
within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
- Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely.
Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need
to be replaced.
- Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold
surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors)
by adding insulation.
- In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install
carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on
concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
- Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
At BAOS we are committed to increasing the awareness in indoor air quality through research, education and training. Our goal is to assist engineers, environmental consultants, building managers, and other industry workers in incorporating safety standards and best practices in managing indoor air quality.