Indoor air quality problems can result from excessive moisture, radon, combustion gases, and many other contaminants that may accumulate inside. The first strategy to achieving good indoor air quality is to stop these contaminants at their sources. However, not all contaminants can be eliminated at the source. For example, moisture in kitchens and bathrooms cannot be completely eliminated.
Proper ventilation strategies can reduce indoor pollutant levels by bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by carrying indoor air pollutants out of the home.
Ways to improve indoor air quality
While remodeling or improving the energy efficiency of your home, steps should be taken to minimize contaminants from sources inside the home. These sources may include VOC off-gassing from paints, cabinetry, carpets and other new materials. Pollutants may also arise from disturbing materials already in the home, such as lead-based paint and asbestos insulation. In addition, remodeling efforts should pay particular attention to preventing moisture from entering the home and in ensuring proper ventilation to remove moisture, combustion gases and other contaminants from the home. These issues should be addressed either before or during the remodeling process.
How to get rid of mold
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The key to mold control is moisture control. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Some strains of mold are very dangerous to humans. If you are unsure as to the type of mold you have we recommend lab testing and/or seeking experienced professionals to assist you.
Should I use bleach to clean up mold?
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely. Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold. Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.
If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Find your specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration. Be sure to ask for and check references. Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.
Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immune-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of mold spores will remain - these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.
Please note: Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed.
How do molds affect people?
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can 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. They 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. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.
Reffernces
(2010) The Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Air Plus program
