What is mold?
Mold is a kind of microscopic fungus. There are many types of molds, and they are present throughout the environment, indoors and out. Tiny mold particles are always present in the air, in the form of tiny microscopic cells known as spores. Mold spores can germinate and grow in a moist or damp environment, on any surface that contains organic matter. A home thatŐs been flooded can provide ideal conditions for the growth and proliferation of mold.
Health concerns:
Indoor mold can trigger allergies or allergy-like symptoms affecting the upper respiratory system. The most common complaints are:
Nasal and sinus congestion
Cough
Wheeze/breathing difficulties
Sore throat
Skin and eye irritation
Upper respiratory infections (including sinus infections)
Finding a Mold Problem:
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 or musty smell, you should assume a mold problem exists. The presence of moisture or worsening allergy-like symptoms can also tip you off to a mold problem.
Where to look for mold:
Look for visible mold growth (may appear cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery and have varied colors of white, gray, brown, black, yellow, green). Mold often appears as discoloration, staining, or fuzzy growth on the surface of building materials or furnishings.
Search areas with noticeable mold odors.
Look for signs of excess moisture or water damage. Look for water leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation problems.
Search behind and underneath materials (carpet and pad, wallpaper, vinyl flooring, sink cabinets), furniture, or stored items.
Take precauctions around mold:
Use rubber gloves
Wear eye goggles that seal out fine dust-like materials
Wear outer clothing (long sleeved shirts and long pants) that can be easily removed before leaving the work area, and later laundered or discarded
Wear a medium-efficiency or high-efficiency filter dust mask (available from safety equipment suppliers, hardware stores, or some building supply stores).
Do not eat, drink or smoke in the contaminated area, since disease-causing organisms from sewage or floodwater may be present.
Avoid spreading mold:
Enclose moldy items in plastic (bags or sheets) before you carry them out
When transporting moldy materials, use the shortest path into and out of the building
Hang plastic sheeting to seal off the work area
Remove the outer layer of work clothes before leaving the work area. Bag contaminated clothes or wash them separately.
Damp clean all surfaces in and around the work area to remove any fine dust.
Steps for mold removal:
Identify and remove any sources of moisture.
Begin drying any and all materials that got wet. To avoid spreading mold spores, do not operate fans if visible mold is already present.
Remove and dispose of mold-contaminated materials.
Clean non-porous or semi-porous items. Mold can grow on materials like hard plastic, concrete, glass, or metal - but it can usually be removed with careful cleaning. Solid wood items can also be salvaged through cleaning, if they are structurally sound.
For heavily contaminated items, begin by using a HEPA vacuum (not a conventional household vacuum or shop vac) to remove as much contamination as possible.
If you canŐt get a HEPA vacuum, carefully damp wipe the item, to remove as much surface contamination as possible.
Rinse wipes often with clean water. Dispose of your wipes and rinse water frequently and properly - theyŐll be contaminated with mold.
After HEPA-vacuuming or damp wiping, thoroughly scrub all contaminated surfaces. Use a stiff brush, hot water, and a non-ammonia soap/detergent or commercial cleaner.
Collect excess cleaner/cleaning water with a wet/dry vacuum, mop or sponge.
Rinse the surface or item - and the clean-up area -- with clean water. Collect the excess rinse water, and dry everything as quickly as possible.
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