While we all diligently work to create eco-compliant, green-friendly homes, a few organic obstacles may arise, acting as inexplicable anti-progressive stymies on our indigenous journeys to health and environmentally sustainable longevity. What few may realize is that not all organic, green compounds growing in our homes are good for us. In fact, some are not only extremely toxic, but also very difficult to detect. Mold is one of the most common household "intruders", haunting almost homes of all kinds: from modern and air-tight, to dingy and drafty. And because mold grows at room temperature, the house is the perfect environment for mold to thrive in, growing on everything from tile, grout, wood, paint, plaster to fabric. Mold problems can arise due to water damage, leaky pipes, condensation on windows, improper insulation, moisture, food-sources, and humidity.
Most molds are benign and pose no serious threats to our health. There are about 200,000 different types of harmless molds out there, making up the bulk of molds you will find in soil, air, oxygen, organic matter, gardens, grasses, weeds, grains, at home, in moist shady areas, or in the work place. So considering the high-level of mold-infiltration in our every day surrounds, why the worry? Well, there are a handful of mold strains that are toxic and pose serious health threats if they hold and multiply in your home. This type of mold is referred to as toxic mold or toxic black mold. When toxic mold multiplies, it sends dangerous spores called mycotoxins into your living environment, spawning health problems that range from cell and DNA interference, to asthma, respiratory illness, cancer, and myelin sheath degeneration (Long term degeneration leads to neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, dimentia, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's etc.). A few of the most dangerous molds are: Stachybotrys mold or black mold, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Alternaria, of which have been linked to serious internal fungal infections, respiratory illness, skin rashes, memory problems, and brain damage. Some diseases also associated with toxic mold exposure are kidney cancer, esophagus cancer, leukemia, and liver cancer. It is estimated that mold affects about 25% of the homes in the U.S. One can only hypothesize that mold in the home is on the rise because of modern building techniques that create air-tight, tightly-sealed environments that do not allow air to readily flow in and out. Here are a list of places in the home that mold loves to inhabit:
- Air conditioning duct joints that aren't sealed properly
- Washing machines with no floor drain beneath them
- Bathrooms that do not have sufficient ventilation
- Humidifiers that are not cleaned and treated properly
- Basement walls that are not water proofed
- Vinyl wall covering that traps moisture in the drywall
- Upholstery
- Attics
- Carpets
- Mattresses
- Air conditioners
- Foam rubber pillows
How to Detect and Prevent Black Mold
Look for the following indicators that black mold may be dwelling in your home. There are certain environmental factors that mold needs to thrive, and in fact, will not be able to survive without.
- Smell- If there is a funny smell in a room, this could indicate that mold is "breeding", and making room for its family amidst your family. Be aware of any smells that are noticeably offensive or obtrusive. Particularly food- virtually any substance that is a carbon-based organic material will provide sustenance for mold.
- Moisture- If there is thick or heavy humidity anywhere in the house, this could be a strong indicating factor of mold habitation. Mold requires a 70% humidity level to thrive, which relieves most of the worry surrounding this condition, since most of us live in climates that are a bit dryer than this. However, extenuating circumstances in isolated rooms may cause a rise in the humidity level, opening up pure breeding grounds for toxic spores to hold, multiply, and infiltrate, so beware! Obtain a humidity sensor and keep track of your household humidity. During the summer when your air conditioning is running, your humidity level should ideally be less than 55%. A level of over 55% might indicate leaks in the duct system, or another air conditioner problem. Monitor water usage in the home. Just by bathing and cooking alone you can add as much as 3 gallons of water a day to your home unless you have adequate circulation.
- Repair water problems quickly- If you had a bathroom or kitchen leak that never got fixed, be cautious not to overlook this fact.If there are water stains in your home, there is large reason to suspect that black mold may be present. Leaks are primary causes for mold problems, particularly because the pipes that house the leaks are out of our site, behind dry-wall, or in basements where they remain visually obscure to us, and therefore slip from our health consciousness. Consider hiring a certified industrial hygienist to test for mold, and repair all water problems quickly! You may also use vent fans in your bathrooms, or keep humidity low by using a de-humidfier.
- Temperature- Mold acclimates to the same temperature as people, so our homes provide a cozy shelter to their "families" as well as ours!
- Air Flow and ventilation- Specifically in attics or basements. It is important that one not confuse adequate air flow with air-tight central air conditioning systems, as we established that this will actually contribute to the spreading of toxic pores throughout the house. Proper air flow that is not too cold (creating condensation) or too hot (creating warm, humid environments) will work perfectly. Here are a few ideas:
- Air conditioner setting- during the summer, try to set your thermostat to the highest temperature you can bear...a temperature above 77 is ideal. Setting your thermostat lower could cause higher humidity and increase the risk of condensation in the walls, floors, and ceilings...leading to moisture (you see where I'm going with this!)
- Ceiling fans or room fans- using ceiling fans in the summer allows you to tolerate lower air conditioner settings, for the sole purpose of avoiding too-cool air temperatures that could create condensation in the home. It also provides adequate air circulation, curbing "settling spores".
- Watch for condensation on windows. Humid air will condense on cold windows forming frost, which then melts into water down onto the wall boards, causing water stains and water damage: the perfect environment for mold.
- Dispose of any wet materials- Any wet or soggy areas in the house due to leakage or condensation should be immediately cleaned up to avoid the possibility of mold.
- Manage the exterior of your home- If you have sprinklers, re-direct the flow of water away from the walls of your home. Also, use gutters that direct the flow of water away from the home and keep the gutters free of debris.
- Establish the location, cause and extent of mold presence.
- Identify and eliminate sources of moisture immediately. Once mold starts to grow in insulation or wallboard, the only way to deal with the problem is by removal or replacement.
- Clean and dry the moldy areas while containing the affected areas. bag and dispose of all material that may have moldy residues. For areas of high contamination, or in excess of 10 sq. ft, professional services are recommended.
- If removing mold yourself, ALWAYS wear gloves and mask protection. To decontaminate non-porous materials, use no-ammonia soap or detergent in hot water and scrub the entire area. Rinse cleaned items in water and dry thoroughly.
- And finally, the last thing you want to do is go out and buy a bunch of toxic chemical cleaners for the clean-up job. Bleach solutions have been found to "eliminate" molds only temporarily, whereas green removal products tend to remove molds completely and prevent them from coming back. Here is a list of organic mold removers and cleaners:
- http://www.propertyperfections.net/natural-cleaning-products-s/21.htm
- http://www.mycleaningproducts.com/mold-removal/
- Using household vinegar diluted with part water (half vinegar, half water), has proven to be an extremely effective mold-fighter. To apply, spray directly on mold, let sit for a while, them remove with a brush (all while wearing a mask and safety gloves of course!)
- Another eco-friendly, cheap mold-removing option is mixing tea tree oil, water, and baking soda
- If the idea of cleaning up mold on your own makes your skin crawl, research environmentally-friendly water damage and mold remediation companies such as Wipe Out that offer eco-friendly water damage services by implementing lean production standards and green business solutions that reduce environmental waste.
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Mix with a hand mixer until frothy. Scoop the froth onto a sponge, brush, or rag, and scrub into the stains. Rinse.