Mold in Your Home

Molds and mildew are usually the main biological pollutant in a home. Mold spores are in our homes typically at levels relative to outdoor air. Usually these molds are not harmful at these levels. But when winter arrives and we start to close up the home in hopes of saving energy costs, we can create the ideal environment for these molds to multiply quickly.


In Winter, we often trap humidity within the home producing elevated levels mold growth. Daily reductions in humidity and moisture prompt the mold “plant” to produce spores. Mold growth is often found in areas or high humidity levels such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and laundry rooms. They often cause a condition that promotes the growth of other possibly more harmful agents such as bacteria. Symptoms usually include watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching, congestion, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness and fatigue.


Mold grows on organic materials such as paper, textiles, grease, dirt, and soap scum. The spore produced floats through the house, forming new colonies where they land on a suitable media for growth.


To prevent mold growth it is important to keep basements, bathrooms, and other areas clean and dry. Use a 5% bleach solution disinfectant to clean the surfaces. If carpeting or furnishings become wet, they must be quickly and thoroughly dried or discarded. Humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioning condensing units should be regularly cleaned with a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach. Keep humidity at an acceptable level and make sure there’s plenty of ventilation, especially in areas where moisture tends to accumulate. This may mean running a bathroom fan more often, or running a fan and dehumidifier in basements.


For more information on mold, visit my link to frequently asked questions regarding mold at http://www.environmentalhealthguy.com/faq_category.php?catID=31


Christopher A. Hinz
Environmental Health Specialist
Waushara, Green Lake, and Marquette Counties