| Mold | | | | Molds are microscopic organisms found everywhere in the environment; indoors and outdoors. When present in large quantities, molds have the potential to cause adverse health effects.
Health Effects of Mold Exposure- Sneezing
- Cough and congestion
- Runny nose
- Aggravation of asthma
- Eye irritation
- Dermatitis (skin rash)
People at Greatest Risk of Health Effects- Individuals with allergies, asthma, sinusitis, or other lung diseases
- Individuals with a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV patients)
How to Recognize Mold- Sight – Usually appear as colored woolly mats
- Smell – Often produce a foul, musty, earthy smell
Preventing Mold Growth- Remove excess moisture with a wet-dry vacuum and dry out the building as quickly as possible
- Use fans to assist in the drying process
- Clean wet materials and surfaces with detergent and water
- Discard all water damaged materials
- Discard all porous materials that have been wet for more than 48 hours
General Mold Cleanup Tips- Identify and correct moisture problem
- Make sure working area is well ventilated
- Discard mold damaged materials in plastic bags
- Clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water
- Disinfect cleaned surfaces with 1/4 to 1 1/2 cup household bleach in 1 gallon of water. CAUTION: Do not mix bleach with other cleaning products that contain ammonia
- Use respiratory protection (A N-95 respirator is recommended)
- Use hand and eye protection
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