Information About Mold
Why is mold growing in my
home?
Molds are part of the
natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by
breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and
dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds
reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to
the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold
may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces
that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them
will grow without water or
moisture.
Can mold cause health
problems?
Molds are usually not a problem indoors,
unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin
growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems.
Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases,
potentially toxic substances.
Allergic
reactions to mold are common and include hay fever-type
symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin
rash. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with
asthma who are allergic to mold.
How do I get rid of
mold?
It is impossible to get rid
of all mold and mold spores indoors, but indoor mold growth
can be controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is
mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and also
fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix
the water problem, the mold problem most likely will
return.
Who should do the
cleanup?
If the moldy area is less than about 10
square feet, you can probably handle the job yourself.
However:
If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or
mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult the
EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and
Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools
and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other
building types.
If you choose to hire a contractor (or
other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make
sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check
references and ask the contractor to follow the
recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and
Commercial Buildings.
If you suspect that the
heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be
contaminated with mold, consult the EPA's
Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home
Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the
HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated
with mold - it could spread mold throughout your
home.
If the water and/or mold damage was caused by
sewage or other contaminated water, then call a professional
who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by
contaminated water.
If you have health concerns,
consult a health professional before starting cleanup.
For more information, read the EPA's
A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your
Home.
The above information is provided
as a public service by the Environmental Protection Agency for
educational
purposes.
