Dealing with Mold
In the Nick of Time
Mold is, to put it simply, fungi. Microscopic mold particles are always present both indoors and out and can be found in soil, plant matter, foods, and other items. Although molds typically get a bad rap, they are an essential part of the world around us as they help break down dead organic matter like fallen leaves and dead trees. Molds also produce spores, which are microscopic cells that can spread through the air. When mold spores land in the right conditions, they can form new mold growths or colonies. No one knows exactly how many types of mold there are; estimates range from tens of thousands to as many as 300,000 or so.
Mold and mildew growth are the some of the biggest reasons why it's important to start cleaning up water disasters right away. Mold and mildew are the same thing; mildew is just another common term for mold growth.
Mold has received a lot of media attention in recent years, as problems with it indoors are on the rise. Interestingly, it's more of a problem in newer homes than in old construction. Such things as the materials used and more airtight construction methods are believed to be the culprits.
Not all molds can cause serious problems. But some definitely can. One infamous example of mold gone rampant involved an 11,500-square-foot luxury home in Texas. In the late 1990s, the house developed several plumbing leaks. This led to the growth of a mold called Stachybotrys atra, an especially lethal strain that produces airborne toxins that can cause breathing difficulties, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, bleeding in the lungs, and memory and hearing loss. Other, less potent molds can cause skin and eye irritation, asthma, and sinus problems.
The family involved developed serious health problems, including difficulty breathing, stomach problems, brain seizures, and memory loss. They also had to abandon their dream home. They eventually won a $32 million judgment (it was later reduced to $4 million) against their insurance company.
Mold problems draw their share of controversy. While there's scientific evidence linking mold in homes and buildings to asthma symptoms and other respiratory problems, a 2004 report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies didn't find enough evidence to support the association between indoor dampness or mold and other health problems they reportedly cause. The panel, however, did warn that research was limited and that further studies were warranted.
Putting Out the Mold Welcome Mat
As mentioned, mold spores are part and parcel of the world around us, both inside and outside our homes and other buildings. For the most part, they don't present too much of a problem. But they don't need much to become one. All it takes are the following:
Nutrients. As mentioned, molds ingest organic materials. Different molds will attack different kinds of materials.
A favorable place to grow. Most molds favor relative humidity levels above 60 percent and temperatures between 50 to 90 degrees F. They also like poorly ventilated areas with little air movement.
Moisture. It's impossible to get rid of all indoor mold and mold spores since they travel through the air. However, mold can't grow without water. As such, controlling indoor moisture levels is the best way to keep mold in check.
Keeping Mold at Arm's Length
You can be exposed to mold in one of three ways: by breathing spores (the most common), touching moldy surfaces, and eating it. For this reason, it's important to wear protection-at a minimum, a dust mask and gloves-when you're cleaning moldy surfaces and materials. For the best protection, experts recommend the following:
A Fine Mess
Never apply a bleach solution to any surface on which you used an ammonia-based cleaner. Doing so can cause a toxic chlorine gas to form. Always use bleach in well-ventilated areas. Test it on a small spot or corner before use;bleach is corrosive and can mar or damage the finish on some surfaces.
Rubber gloves.
Eye goggles.
Pants with long legs and shirts with long sleeves.
A medium- or high-efficiency filter dust mask or an N-95 respirator. You can find them at most hardware or home stores.
You also want to minimize the spread of mold spores and protect others from breathing in moldy air by doing the following:
Isolate the area you're working in by draping plastic over door openings. Tape plastic over air vents and other openings.
Put all moldy materials you're discarding into plastic bags, or wrap with plastic sheets, before carrying through the home. Better yet, put a large, lidded garbage pail in the area you're working in, and throw everything in it.
Remove your clothing in the work area. Bag and dispose of it or wash it separately from your family's wash.
If you moved moldy objects to a dry area for cleaning, wash down the entire area you worked in after you're done.
If you're cleaning a basement from a sewer or other type of leak, what you've already done will go a long way to keep mold growth down.
If you're cleaning an area where there's been a water leak for quite some time, seeing and/or smelling mold may have been the first indication of a problem. While there might not be much water to clean up, there may be a good deal of mold-related damage to deal with. You might have to remove and throw away some mold-contaminated materials, including…
Sheet rock.
Plaster.
Insulation.
Ceiling tiles.
Carpet and pad.
Laminated wood products.
These are all porous materials, which means mold can grow on them and in them. If only the top painted surface is moldy, you should be able to clean it off. However, mold growing underneath paint or inside of materials is virtually impossible to eliminate, especially if colonies are well established.
Nonporous materials with mold growing on their surface can often be saved via a thorough cleaning and drying. These include…
Concrete.
Glass.
Hard plastic.
Metal.
Solid wood.
A Fine Mess
TSP is a very strong cleaner. As such, it's important to follow dilution instructions carefully when using it. Always wear skin and eye protection when mixing and applying it, and be careful where you apply it. It can damage some metal and painted surfaces, especially if not properly mixed.
Follow the previous procedures for cleaning these surfaces. Disinfecting with bleach is recommended, but is not essential if you're not cleaning up after a sewer or septic break. If you do disinfect, mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water and apply to all surfaces where mold was growing. A sponge or spray bottle works well for this. Don't rinse or wipe off the bleach solution. Instead, let it air dry. Collect any solution that runs off with a sponge, wet/dry vac, or mop.
After you're done cleaning up, keep an eye out for new mold growth. Pay particular attention to areas where mold has grown before. New growth in these areas may mean that moisture still isn't under control. If you see new mold growth, repeat the above cleaning steps and use a stronger cleaning solution such as trisodium phosphate (TSP). TSP is a caustic chemical commonly used as an all-purpose cleaning agent. It's a powerful degreaser and cleaner and makes short work of things like grease and soot. You can use TSP to clean clothing, walls, floors, and some furniture. You can also add bleach to this mixture at a ratio of one part bleach to four parts water.
If mold growth continues, you might have to remove and discard the affected materials.
For help with cleaning other objects damaged by mold, see Cleaning Possessions and Valuables after a Flood.
Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Common Household Disasters © 2005 by Paul Hayman and Sonia Weiss. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
To order this book visit the Idiot's Guide web site or call 1-800-253-6476.
