Prevent Mold Growth For Optimal Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

The airtight nature of modern homes makes it especially important to pay attention to keeping air quality as pure as possible. Leaks and high indoor humidity can quickly lead to a mold problem. When you prevent mold growth, you help safeguard your family’s health from this common air pollutant.

Health hazards of mold

• Asthma: mold spores may cause asthma or make it worse.
• Allergies: some people develop allergies to mold. With or without these allergies, most people experience respiratory irritation in response to high mold spore counts.
• Infections: Mold can exacerbate or trigger biological infections.

Structural hazards of mold

Mold and the moisture allowing it to grow can damage the home. This includes:

• Weakened wood
• Damaged sheetrock
• Discoloration of wood, metal, grout and other building materials

Preventive measures for deterring mold growth The best way to prevent mold growth is to prevent and remove what it thrives on for growth. Mold requires moisture, an area where it will not be disturbed, and a source of food. Mold feeds off organic materials, such as paper, cloth, cardboard, food scraps and dirt.

Keep things dry: Repair leaking plumbing and use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around doors and windows where rain could enter the home. Use towels, fans and portable dehumidifiers to dry out areas where leaks have occurred. Use exhaust fans and other ventilation systems to remove moisture and keep air flowing through the home. If you are unable to keep indoor relative humidity below 50 percent, consider having a whole house dehumidifier installed.

Keep things clean: Mop or sweep up spills, wet or dry, promptly. Do not store cardboard, paper or fabrics in areas prone to dampness, such as bathrooms and basements. Throw out all porous, non-washable items that have developed mold or a musty smell. Clean moldy surfaces with detergent and water or a mild bleach solution.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems). Please contact us at Sobieski Services with more information about how to prevent mold growth and other indoor air quality issues.

Image Credit: jfernsler