When Mold Takes Hold, Indoor Air Quality Suffers
By Eric Green, President, Siamons International
Don’t let mold decay your health this winter. Writer Eric Green, President, Siamons International will explain the risks associated with indoor mold and healthy ways to prevent and destroy it.
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When Mold Takes Hold, Indoor Air Quality Suffers
Tips for homeowners and property managers to combat mold
By Eric Green, President, Siamons International
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| Mold is not only ugly, but a danger to your health too |
Consider the following: According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2-5 times, and occasionally more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. These levels are of particular concern because it is estimated that most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors.(1)” Whether you’re a homeowner with a small family or a property manager of buildings with hundreds of tenants, these staggering statistics put into focus the issue of indoor air quality.
From dust mites and pet dander to waste from microscopic pests, there are hundreds of contaminants that contribute to the nasty state of our indoor air quality, and it all takes a toll on occupant health. Symptoms of poor indoor air include sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, fever, digestive problems and more serious effects like pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis and some types of asthma.
Indoor mold is another contaminant and one that warrants particular attention. According to the EPA, molds and mildews release “allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).(2)” Indoor mold in residential and commercial buildings is much more than a cosmetic nuisance–it’s a health issue for homeowners and a liability and customer satisfaction concern for those who run, maintain and design built environments.
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION
To thrive indoors, mold needs two things: water and a food source. In an interior environment, the food source is typically an organic or cellulose-based material. Common items on the mold menu are drywall, wood paneling and framing, ceiling tiles, grout and even fabrics. When these savory surfaces become damp, they provide ideal landing zones for ambient mold spores, which attach and colonize into potentially harmful mold.
The key to mold control, whether in a small apartment or a large commercial facility, is water control. By being vigilant about the sources of indoor moisture, homeowners and professionals can stop mold before it starts:
GOT MOLD? DON’T REACH FOR BLEACH!
If mold does manage to infiltrate your indoor environment, it can take the form of unsightly discoloration on a water-affected surface; if visually hidden, a musty, earthy smell can be your best clue to determine if mold exists. In some cases, health reactions are the first indication of the presence of mold – sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing or other symptoms can often serve as ‘the canary in the coal mine.’
When mold takes hold, homeowners and maintenance staffs alike will be faced with the challenge of remediating the surface themselves (unless it’s a severe infestation, in which case a mold remediation expert should be consulted). Traditionally, a solution of household bleach and water has been recommended for mold removal, but this is no longer the case. In fact, according to the EPA, the use of chlorine bleach is “not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup.(3)”
The reason for this is twofold. First, bleach does not effectively remove the hyphae or roots of the mold, which means that while the surface may appear to be mold-free, the organism remains intact and ready to re-colonize. Perhaps more importantly, bleach is a toxic chemical that will affect the indoor air quality you’re trying to protect. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration web site states, “biocides [such as bleach] are toxic to animals and humans…(4)”
When searching for a fungicide, homeowners and professionals should look for solutions that don’t contain bleach, ammonia or other harmful chemicals that will further contaminate indoor air. Equally critical is to find a mold-fighting product that is EPA-registered. Non-registered ‘mold removal’ products may clean the surface, but they won’t solve the mold problem. EPA-registered antimicrobial solutions can typically be found at your local home improvement retailer or a professional cleaning supply house.
And finally, when the mold clean-up is done, remember to always address the water issue that led to the mold in the first place. By keeping your indoor environment dry and mold-free, you’re taking a critical step toward protecting the health of your family and customers!
About the author: Eric Green is President of Siamons International, the manufacturer of Concrobium Mold Control. Green can be reached via e-mail @ egreen@siamons.com.
