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The Dreaded "M" Word
Mold. The mere word strikes fear into the hearts of potential homeowners.
Mold ruins sheetrock, causes flooring to have to be replaced, and creates unmovable stains on carpets, upholstery, and curtains. Worst of all, mold exacerbates allergy symptoms, and can even cause illness or death!
Moisture = mold. So where does moisture come from? Just a few sources:
§ An average family of four contributes at least 2 gallons a day to home indoor air just by breathing and perspiring
§ Normal household activities are sources of moisture too. Cooking, bathing, and cleaning raise the moisture level in your home. Hanging clothes inside to dry and storing firewood indoors raises the humidity significantly
§ Poorly vented gas cook tops release unwanted moisture in to the house. And unvented gas logs produce over 1 gallon of moisture every 3 to 4 hours.
Moisture also causes dust. Dust mites feed on moisture and can only thrive when moisture is above 55% RH. Moist home = dusty home.
Is your home a target for hungry mold spores and dust mites? There are several simple options for preventing mold growth and moisture problems in new construction, and choices to help reduce the problems in existing homes.
Top 3 Mold FAQ:
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.
Should I be concernd about mold in my home? Yes! 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.
What symptoms are common of mold exposure? Allergic reactions may be the most common health problem of mold exposure. Typical symptoms reported (alone or in combination) include:
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