Mold can affect indoor air quality

Mold spores waft through the air, land on a wet spot, and if that spot provides food, the mold can grow. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Outdoors, molds are part of a natural environment. Indoors, where concentrations in the air can be greater, many molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common and can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Research on mold and its health effects is ongoing.


How To Address Mold In Your Home

Step 1: Test for the presence of mold

Mold testing can be divided into two basic categories: testing for visible mold and mold screening (testing to determine the presence of mold).

Testing for visible mold
When mold is visible on a hard surface, a standard testing method is a Lift Tape test. A special type of tape is pressed against the moldy substance and then sent to a laboratory for analysis. If mold is suspected or visible on a softer surface like carpet, then an air sample using a special tool is used. The consumer receives an analysis of the sample.

Mold Screening
Mold is often present in a home but not visible. If the consumer wants to determine the presence of mold in the home without specific visible evidence, the standard method employed is an air sample. An air pump gathers large amounts of air and deposits any airborne particles on a gel substance in a special collection device. Two samples are taken – one in the home and one outdoors, the latter as a control for the study. The consumer receives a report with the analysis of the sample.

If mold is detected by either of these two methods, the Indoor Air Alliance recommends the consumer contact a Certified Mold Specialist to continue the mold investigation and to develop a remediation plan.

Step 2: Repair The Source of Moisture
If the home experienced a specific “moisture event” such as a burst pipe or if it has an ongoing leak in the foundation, this problem needs to be fixed before proceeding. Removing mold without first fixing the moisture problem will not solve anything.

Step 3: Remove Harmful Mold Areas
The removal of mold is called “remediation.” Remediation should be carried out by a certified professional due to the health risks and complexities involved. The mold and any affected materials should be cleaned or removed. Where removal is necessary, it is important that these material are removed in a safe and secure way (respirators and bio-suits may be necessary). Once the area has been remediated, a clearance test is performed by a third party.

Step 4: Humidity Control
Once the mold has been identified and removed from the home, it is important to ensure it does not return. Proper humidity control is important (see the section Humidity at Home for more information). It may be necessary to install humidification control.

Step 5: Controlling Naturally Ocurring Mold In The Home
Mold is everywhere in the outdoor environment and will find its way indoors as a normal process of opening doors and windows. Many people have allergic reactions to airborne mold in the home, even if there are no colonies of mold actively growing in the home. In such situations, a good air cleaning system will remove mold (and other airborne particles) from the air. See the section Air Cleaners for more information.