Questions and Answers
Q. What are molds?
A. Microscopic organisms virtually everywhere.
Q. How am I exposed to indoor molds?
A. It is common to find mold spores in the air inside homes.
Q. Can mold become a problem in my home?
A. MOLD will grow and multiply whenever the conditions are right-sufficient moisture is available and organic material is present.
Q. What symptoms are commonly seen with mold exposure?
A. Molds produce health effects through inflammation, allergy, or infection.
Q. How much mold can make me sick?
A. It depends. For some people, a relatively small number of mold spores can trigger an asthma attach or lead to other health problems.
Q. Are some molds more hazardous than others?
A. Allergic persons vary in their sensitivities to mold. Certain types of mold such as Stachybotris may produce compounds that have toxic properties.
Q. Who is at greater risk when exposed to mold?
A. Infants and young children, the elderly, persons with weakened immune systems and individuals with existing respiratory conditions.
Q. How can I tell if I have mold in my house?
A. If you see discolor patches or speckled growth on walls or furniture or smell an earthy or musty odor.
Q. Should I test my house for mold?
A. Some states do not recommend testing for mold. There are few available standards for judging what is acceptable quantity of mold.
Q. What are a few clean-up procedures when mold is detected?
A.
1. Identify and eliminate sources of moisture.
2. Clean and dry moldy areas.
3. Bag and dispose of all material that may have moldy residue such as rags, paper, leaves and debris.
Q. Can cleaning up mold be hazardous to my health?
A .Yes! You need to use a respirator.
Q. What can I save? What should I toss?
A .Discard items that are porous, ( wallboard, rotten wood, carpet, drapes and upholstered furniture.) Solid materials-glass, plastic, and metal can usually be kept
after they are thoroughly cleaned.
Q. Can air ducts become contaminated with mold?
A. YES! Ducts need to be cleaned or removed and discarded
Q. Can Ozone air cleaners help remove mold or reduce oder.
A. Ozone is not effective in controlling mold and microbial contamination.
Q. How can I prevent indoor mold problems in my home?
A.
1. Stop the sources of leak or flooding.
2. Run portable fans to increase air circulation.
3. If water has soaked inside of walls, it may be necessary to open cavities, remove baseboards, and pry open paneling.
Q. Can you effectively sterilize a house?
A .Sick buildings cannot be cured.
Q. Water and high moisture are the main causes of indoor mold growth?
A. YES
Q. Mold is a structure and an environmental problem?
A. Yes
Q. The EPA has set guideline levels for mold problems?
A. NO
Q. Who should I contact to get more info about mold?
A. EPA Air Quality Information 1-800-438-4318 or www.epa.gov/iaq/molds