If My House Smells Musty, Does It Have Mold?
Mold is a problem in many homes and can cause serious health conditions. Mold grows in warm, damp areas of the home and reproduces by making spores. The growth of mold in the home, can cause a musty smell. According to the Center For Disease Control, if mold is seen or smelled in the home there is a potential risk to your health. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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Mold is a type of fungi that grows both indoors and out. Common indoor molds are aspergillus, penicillium and cladosporium. Mold grows best in humidity, but can survive in dry conditions that are not conducive to its growth. In homes, mold thrives in showers and basements, where humidity is high.
Symptoms
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Musty odors in your home could indicate the growth of mold. Many people can see mold growing in or around the showers or other damp areas of their home. Often the only indication people have of mold growth in the home is allergic reactions to mold. Those with mold sensitivity often suffer from nasal stuffiness, wheezing, eye irritation and skin conditions. Those with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, are more susceptible to the effects of mold.
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Prevention
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Several things can prevent mold growth in your home. First, keep the level of humidity in your home between 40 and 60 percent. If you live in a humid area, use an air conditioner or dehumidifier during the humid, summer months. Avoid carpeting bathrooms and basements and replace any carpet that becomes soaked. Always use mold killing cleaners in your bathroom to reduce mold growth.
Solution
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According to the Center For Disease Control, if you see or smell mold in your home you should clean it with a bleach solution. Mold growth is removed with commercial mold removal products or with a bleach solution of 1 gallon bleach to 1 gallon of water. Fix any water leaks to discourage the future growth of mold.
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References
- Photo Credit mold on petrified wood image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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there is a smell in my rv I'm not sure if it is mold but the smell is in my cloths my plastic kitchen wear mattress and it makes me sick I live close to the lake and my front yard stays wet and there is lots of trees with moss I told my husband it was coming from the ac vent the trees hang over the ac can anyone help me figure out what this is.
