Most people have seen mold in their shower at some point. It is usually harmless if a bit of mold has grown in the corners of the tub and is relatively easy to remove. But what is mold? What happens if there is mold somewhere other than a tiled surface and how can it affect the health of those around it?

What is mold?

Mold plays an important role in nature. It breaks down organic material so that too much debris is not able to accumulate. Mold spores are the method by which mold reproduces. Microscopic spores are released into the air and drift on the air until they land on a wet surface. Although there are numerous forms of mold, all require moisture to flourish. Once a mold spore lands on a warm wet surface it begins to feed and grow. The mold eats the surface it has landed on such as wood, insulation, carpets, food, and drywall. If it is allowed to grow unchecked it can eventually damage the surface it has landed on beyond repair.

How does mold affect my health?

Outdoors, mold is so dispersed it does not really affect your health. However, when trapped in an enclosed space such as a home they can have a serious impact on your health. Molds are both an irritant and an allergen and some forms have the potential to be toxic. An allergic response can be cause by touching the mold or breathing in the spores. While reactions vary, typical responses include symptoms which include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, and rashes.

If a person is exposed to high levels of mold over a long period of time they can develop serious health problems. This is especially true for people with a weakened immune system such as babies, the elderly, and patients with other underlying health conditions. In these individuals mold can cause a systemic infection most often located in the respiratory or digestive tract.

How do I get rid of mold in my house?

It is impossible to completely rid the home of mold spores because they are so prevalent in nature. However, it is possible to remove all visible signs of mold and limit the number of spores. They best way to remove the mold depends on the location. The most common locations for mold to occur in the home are in attics, basements, bathrooms, and near windows.

If the mold covers a large area such as a wall or is in the insulation due to a leak or flood, it will be necessary to remove those components completely. Once the affected materials have been replace be sure that what was causing the moisture to accumulate and facilitate growth has been removed whether this was a leaky pipe or roof. If the mold is on a small surface or on a tiled area such as a shower clean it with a commercial cleaner designed for mold and mildew removal or use a combination of one cup bleach and one gallon water.

How do I prevent mold?

The best way to prevent mold from thriving in your home is to make the environment as inhospitable for it as possible. Mold grows best in warm, moist environments. Reduce the humidity in wet areas of the home such as bathrooms and kitchens by installing proper ventilation and a dehumidifier if necessary. If you see mold beginning to appear, quickly use the methods outlined above to remove it before it has a chance to become invasive.

• Attics To prevent mold in attics or ceilings be sure to monitor for any leaks in the roof and repair them as quickly as possible to limit the amount of moisture that is able to enter your home.
• Bathrooms – Ventilation is crucial in an environment that is so frequently wet. Install proper exhaust fans or a window if possible. If additional ventilation is not possible, leave the door to the bathroom open when not in use and the lights on to discourage mold growth. Clean surfaces that are often moist such as shower stalls weekly with a cleaner capable of cleaning mold. This could be a commercial cleaner, vinegar, or bleach. Additionally, remove any carpet in the bathroom as it is almost impossible to keep the carpet dry enough to prevent mold from growing.
• Basements – There is often a lot of moisture in the basement of a home and very little ventilation. Constant vigilance and cleaning are the best options for reducing the spread of mold in this type of environment although a dehumidifier may also retard growth.
• Windows – Replace older windows with storm windows that have a tight seal or caulk existing windows to limit the amount of moisture able to enter the home.

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