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Mold &
Mildew
Stachybotrys Chartarum
growing on the back side of water damaged sheetrock behind a basement shower
stall. A high water table caused flooding in the basement
What
are molds?
Molds are microscopic
fungi that live on plant or animal matter. No one knows how many species
of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three
hundred thousand or more. Most are filamentous organisms and the
production of spores is characteristic of fungi in general. These spores
can be air-, water-, or insect-borne.
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How
do molds affect people?
Some people are
sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms
such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, or wheezing. Some people, such
as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe
reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large
amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around
moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath.
People with chronic illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may
develop mold infections in their lungs.
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Where
are molds found?
Molds are found in
virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and
outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid
conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places
where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found
where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.
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How
can people decrease mold exposure?
Sensitive individuals
should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles,
cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by
keeping humidity levels below 40% and ventilating showers and cooking
areas. Mold growth can be removed with commercial products or a weak
bleach solution (1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water). In situations
where mold exposure is unavoidable, sensitive people should wear a
tight-fitting face mask.
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Specific
Recommendations:
 | Keep the humidity
level in the house below 40%.
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| Use an air
conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
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| Be sure the home has
adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in kitchen and bathrooms.
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| Add mold inhibitors
to paints before application.
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| Clean bathrooms with
mold killing products.
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| Do not carpet
bathrooms and basements.
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| Remove or replace
previously soaked carpets and upholstery.
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What
areas have high mold exposures?
| Antique shops
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| Greenhouses
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| Saunas
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| Farms
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| Mills
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| Construction areas
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| Flower shops
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| Summer cottages
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For more information on Molds & Mildew, follow one of the
links below.
National
Center for Disease Control
Environmental
Protection Agency; "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"
Click one of the link below to see health maps.
U.S.
Mold Spore Map
NJ Air Quality
Map
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