Mold & Mildew Mediation
Mold and mildew grows in moisture and can affect buildings. Mold becomes trapped in porous materials and can become a serious problem if it's not cleaned and removed promptly. Mold is dangerous to those with respiratory problems and other chronic issues. Does this Spark an idea?
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Control
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Water-damaged items and areas should be dried within 48 hour to prevent mold from developing, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Identify and stop the source of the water or moisture issue, such as leaky plumbing or cracks in the foundation.
Removal
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Porous and absorbent materials, such as carpet and clothing, that are moldy should be removed and thrown away. Throw away anything you suspect may have mold growing inside of it. It is important to wear the proper equipment, such as rubber gloves, a protective suit and a breathing mask when working in a mold infested site, said Robert Archila, a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hazard mitigation specialist.
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Cleaning
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All hard surfaces should be washed with detergent, water and a scrub brush. There are mold and mildew removal products on the market to disinfect affected areas. You can keep glass, metals and plastics as long as they are properly disinfected, Archila said. The area should be allowed to dry before any other activity takes place there.
Decrease mold
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The Environmental Protection Agency advises lowering indoor humidity to 30 to 60 percent by using dehumidifiers, bathroom vents and exhaust fans. Do this especially on hot, humid days. It will decrease the potential for mold growth. Avoiding putting carpet in areas that are prone to moisture issues, such as near sinks.
Companies
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There are companies that specialize in removing mold and mildew from homes and buildings. If you aren't sure if you have mold, first hire a certified mold inspector for an unbiased analysis, said Phillip Fry, a mold expert. Then, get three independent bids for mold and mildew removal services.
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References
- Photo Credit mold on petrified wood image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
