Mold
Molds are tiny microscopic organisms that digest organic matter and reproduce by releasing spores. The spores, which cannot be seen by the naked eye, need moisture to begin growing and do best when there is lots of moisture from a leaky roof, high humidity, or flood. Molds can grow on almost any surface, including; wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, carpet, sheet rock, and insulation.
Some molds produce chemicals called mycotoxins that may be harmful to a person's health. The average healthy person's immune system usually provides enough protection from the harmful effects of mold. Most health problems caused by mold are from allergic reactions to it. People with special health concerns (infants, children, and adults with respiratory conditions or impaired immune systems) may be more sensitive to mold allergens than the general population.
How can you tell if you have a mold problem?
If you see:
signs of moisture or water damage such as water leaks, standing water, water stains, discoloration on walls or other surfaces white, gray, brown, black, yellow, orange or green growths with a cottony, velvety, granular, or leathery texture
or smell:
musty or earthy odors
To find some mold growths, you may need to look underneath flooring, behind furniture, near stored items, or may need to make an opening in a wall. Look especially for any obvious water leaks or high moisture problems.
How can you clean up mold?
1. Locate and fix the water leak or moisture problem.
2. Wear disposable rubber gloves, goggles that don't have ventilation holes, and a respirator available at a local hardware store (N-95 or HEPA cartridge types) to reduce exposure to mold spores.
3. Be sure the area is well ventilated. Open windows and doors and use fans to create a path of fresh air from the cleanup area through the closest door or window leading to the outdoors. Avoid blowing mold spores through the rest of the house.
4. When mold is growing on porous material (for example, ceiling tiles, leather, cloth, drywall, plaster, paneling, wood products, paper, carpet, or padding) remove the material, bag, and discard it. When removing drywall, cut at least 12 inches beyond the area of visible mold. Hard (non-porous) material such as glass, plastic, or metal does not need to be thrown out. It can be cleaned and disinfected.
5. Use non-ammonia soap or detergent in hot water to scrub non-porous areas. Use a stiff brush or cleaning pad on block walls or uneven surfaces.
6. Thoroughly rinse the area with hot water. Using a wet-dry vacuum is an easy way to pick up excess water.
7. Disinfect the area with a dilute solution of 1 part household bleach to 10 parts water. Do not use straight bleach – it will not be more effective.
8. Allow the area to completely dry. This can take two or three days.
9. Vacuum the home thoroughly with a HEPA or filtered vacuum.
10. If you still have mold odors after cleaning and ventilating, it is possible the mold is hidden within walls or behind wall coverings. It is important that these sources are found and cleaned.
11. If you have mold damage caused by sewage or other contaminated water, call in a contractor who has experience in cleaning up this kind of building damage.
12. If you choose to hire a contractor to do cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience in cleaning up mold. Check the contractor's references.
Try to control moisture to prevent mold from growing.
- Cover crawlspace floors with a vapor barrier such as 6 mil (minimum) plastic sheeting.
- Promptly attend to leaking pipes, flooded basements, roof leaks, and other issues that can allow water to get into living spaces.
- Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms and cooking areas to allow moisture and steam to escape outdoors.
- Vent clothes dryers to the outdoors.
- Insulate water pipes and install chimney liners if necessary to limit condensation.
- Maintain storm windows to limit indoor window condensation or install new energy efficient windows.
- Have the heating system inspected by a qualified professional.
- Consider using a dehumidifier during humid months to help control indoor humidity levels.
Are there laws in the State of Michigan related to mold issues?
The State of Michigan does not have laws that require cleanup, removal, or reporting of mold in any indoor environment, nor is there currently a program to in place to address issues related to mold. The State of Michigan does not certify or license contractors for mold removal.
("Mold: Information for the Public". Department of Community Health. Published 9 June 2006. Accessed 4 August 2008.)