No matter where you live, mold can appear in your home—on bathroom walls, in the fridge, or elsewhere. It may be black, green, white, or change color as it grows. The key question is whether it poses a health risk and, if so, what kind.
Understanding Mold
Mold, a type of fungal growth, thrives in damp, humid conditions and reproduces through tiny, invisible spores floating in the air. These spores begin to grow when they contact moisture. Outdoors, mold breaks down organic matter like dead leaves. Indoors, it must be controlled to prevent health risks.
Different types of mold produce allergens, causing reactions such as:
- Red eyes
- Hay fever (runny nose and sneezing)
- Dermatitis (skin rashes)
- Asthma
If left unchecked, mold can become toxic. While mold spores are always present indoors, they won’t grow without moisture. Regular cleaning of damp areas, like bathrooms, can prevent mold, but daily use often makes this challenging. For mold caused by water issues, such as leaks or faulty HVAC systems, professional repairs are often necessary. Moldy food, whether refrigerated or not, should be discarded.
Identifying and Addressing Hidden Mold
Mold isn’t always visible. It can grow behind wallpaper, paneling, drywall, above ceilings, under carpets, inside walls near pipes, behind furniture, in ductwork, or in roofing materials. Basements with high humidity are particularly susceptible. A musty odor often signals hidden mold before it becomes visible.
Cleaning and Removing Mold
Many mold issues can be tackled by homeowners, but the EPA advises limiting exposure to mold and spores. For minimal mold, basic precautions suffice, but extensive infestations require protective gear, including:
- N-95 respirators, available at hardware stores or online
- Long rubber gloves to avoid direct contact
- Goggles
Wear long pants and long sleeves to minimize skin exposure. For severe mold, use a biocide like bleach to destroy it, but avoid routine use of chlorine-based products, as the EPA warns. After killing mold, remove it completely by scrubbing, wiping, or scraping, as dead mold can still trigger allergies. Ensure surfaces are thoroughly dried to prevent regrowth.
Preventing Mold Growth
Prevent mold by quickly addressing damp areas and preventing water accumulation. Keep roof gutters clean for efficient rainwater drainage and ensure proper runoff to avoid water pooling near foundations. Maintain clean HVAC systems, regularly drying air conditioning drip pans and ensuring drain lines function properly.
Condensation on windows, walls, or pipes indicates high humidity. Dry these surfaces and reduce moisture by increasing air circulation with fans or open windows and doors. Insulate cold surfaces, like water pipes, to prevent condensation. To reduce humidity:
- Use dehumidifiers or air conditioners as needed
- Vent moisture-producing appliances (e.g., clothes dryers, kerosene heaters, stoves) outside
- Run bathroom fans or open windows during showers
- Open windows while cooking or using a dishwasher
When building a new home, consider using PinkWood products (https://www.pinkwood.ca/), which are treated with a non-toxic coating to resist mold and rot.
Testing for Mold
The EPA sets no federal limits for mold or spores in the U.S., but professionals can test samples using methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). If mold issues persist, seek professional help to ensure safe and effective removal.
Take mold seriously and act promptly to protect your home and health.
