Mold spores move through indoor and outdoor air continually.  When mold spores land on a damp indoor spot they may begin to grow and digest whatever surface they're on.  When moisture accumulates indoors, mold growth can occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed.  There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in indoors.  The key to mold control is moisture control.  It is important to dry water damaged areas as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.  If mold is a problem in your home, kill the mold and get rid of the water.  Fix leaky plumbing or other unwanted water sources.  Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

1. Potential health effects associated with mold exposure includes allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.  
   
2. There is no practical way to eliminate mold in the indoor environment.
   
3. If mold is a problem in your home, you must kill the mold growth and eliminate sources of moisture.
   
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
   
5. 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; and increasing ventilation.
   
6. Clean and dry wet building materials and/or furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
   
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Moldy absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles may need to be replaced.
   
8. Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
   
9. Do not install absorbent floor coverings in wet areas, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation.
   
10. Mold can be found almost anywhere and can grow on virtually any substance.

   Moisture Control

• Fix leaks and seepage. Your options range from landscaping (ground should slope away from the house) or installing gutters and downspouts to extensive excavation and waterproofing.
• Use air/vapor retarders/barriers in exterior walls, ceiling, and in the crawl space,
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens and vent your clothes dryer to the exterior.
• Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid  climates.
• Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture can condense.  Be sure your house has a source of fresh air.
• Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological pollutants to grow. In certain climates, if carpet is to be installed over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier.
• Moisture problems and their solutions differ from one climate to another. The Northeast is cold and wet; the Southwest is hot and dry; the South is hot and wet; and the Western Mountain states are cold and dry. The types of construction and weatherization for the different climates can lead to different problems and solutions.   

Mold Links

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/
• National Jewish Medical and Research Center: (800) 222-LUNG (5864); http://www.njc.org/
• EPA's publication, Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals, assists health professionals in diagnosis of patient symptoms that could be related to indoor air pollution.  This booklet lists key signs and symptoms from pollutant exposure, provides a diagnostic checklist and quick reference summary, and includes suggestions for remedial action.  This booklet was developed by the American Lung Association, the American Medical Association, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the EPA. EPA Document Reference Number 402-R-94-007, 1994.
• The EPA publication, "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" , is available here in HTML and PDF formats.  This Guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth.
• CDC's National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) has a toll-free telephone number for information and FAXs, including a list of publications: NCEH Health Line 1-888-232-6789.
• CDC's "Molds in the Environment" Factsheet
• CDC's "Questions and Answers on Stachybotrys chartarum and other molds

Biological Pollutants in Your Home - This document explains indoor biological pollution, health effects of biological pollutants, and how to control their growth and buildup.The EPA publication, "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" , is available here in HTML and PDF formats.  This Guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth.  A printed version will be available soon.   This brochure was prepared by the American Lung Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. EPA Document Reference Number 402-F-90-102, January 1990.

Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers ( http://www.aham.org/).

Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? - excerpt on duct cleaning and mold follows, please review the entire document for additional information on duct cleaning and mold.

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