Combat MOLD with EPA’s New Guidelines

Frightening mold stories on national television highlighted the potential health effects of mold in our homes. Mold can make your family sick. Indoor mold can trigger asthma attacks, allergic reactions and affect the upper respiratory system. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home” contains revised guidelines for the safest and most effective ways to clean up mold and get rid of excess moisture.

Moisture Control is the key to Mold Control. If you have a mold problem ACT QUICKLY! Prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth. Molds thrive wherever moisture is present. Mold can be found in damp basements, closets, bathrooms, houseplants, refrigerators, air conditioning systems, foam pillows, dryer vents and furniture. If there is mold in your home you must clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem as soon as possible.

Act quickly to dry all wet materials
Remove and dispose of all absorbent or porous materials such as ceiling tiles, carpet, or bedding. Cover in plastic when removing.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely.
Lower indoor humidity to 30 – 50 % with increased ventilation or a dehumidifier.
Disinfect surfaces that came in contact with sewage.

The use of a biocide (like chlorine bleach) is no longer recommended as routine in mold cleanup. If you choose to use bleach, as in the case of sewage contamination, always ventilate the area. Use only ¼ - ½ cup bleach per gallon water. Never mix chlorine bleach with other cleaning solutions! It can create poisonous gas. Allow the bleach to dry on the surface

Should I test for mold? Mold testing is expensive and usually not helpful. EPA recommends: Investigate – don’t test. The most practical and reliable tools for detecting a mold problem are your eyes and nose. If you see something that looks like mold, or you detect an earthy, musty smell, you should assume you have mold. The presence of moisture or increased allergy-like symptoms can also tip you off. Search behind and underneath materials like carpet and pad, wallpaper, vinyl flooring, sink cabinets, furniture against a wall and stored items. If you see or smell mold, you don’t need to test for it; clean it up instead.

Who should do the cleanup?

If the moldy area is less than 10 square feet (about 3 ft. X 3 ft) you can handle the job yourself, unless you have health concerns such as asthma. For larger areas with lots of water damage or mold growth, consider a professional contractor experienced in mold cleanup. People who have health problems or are mold sensitive should not do cleanup or be in the area during cleanup.

Take precautions to limit your exposure to mold.

Avoid breathing mold spores. Wear a N-95 respirator, or high efficiency dust filter.
Do not touch mold with bare hands. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning.
Wear goggles to protect your eyes from mold spores.
Wear outer clothing (long sleeved shirt – long pants) that can be removed before leaving the work area, and later washed or discarded.

For a free copy of “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home” EPA Pub #402-K-02-003. write to: IAQ INFO, P.O.Box 37133, Washington DC, 20013-7133. or call 1-800-438-4318. Available online at www.iaqinfo@aol.com. Contact your Extension Office for more information.