Black Mold Precautions

Black mold and some other molds are a concern for homeowners because they can contain mycotoxins. Though there are only a few reports of severe health problems directly related to mycotoxins in mold, most families still don't want to take chances by allowing mold to remain in their home. Black mold has been reported to cause allergylike symptoms resembling hay fever and other problems such as memory loss.

Detecting

• Mold can be difficult to detect because it often grows in places where you don't readily see it. Mold prefers dark, warm and moist areas. It might grow under sinks, behind wooden paneling or above a suspended ceiling. Mold gets into your house through open doors and windows, or the spores can stick to people and animals who carry them inside. They can grow on paper products, wallpaper, cardboard, upholstery, on drywall and under carpeting. If the mold problem becomes severe, however, it can usually be seen or smelled.

Illness

• If you or someone in your family has a condition that you feel may be related to or worsened by the presence of mold, consult your doctor. He or she can make a diagnosis and advise you on steps to take. It's a good idea to attempt to clean the mold from your home, but if someone may have already been affected by it, you should first seek the advice of a medical professional.

Moisture

• To prevent the growth of mold in your home, control the moisture levels. You can buy dehumidifiers to use in very damp rooms of the house, such as the bathroom, which is a common place for mold to grow. Keeping the air moisture level under 50 percent can help to limit the growth of mold. You can't keep all mold spores from entering the home, but you can try to keep wet areas of the home dryer to discourage their growth. An air conditioner can help in warmer, humid months. Use products made to inhibit mold in your bathroom and kitchen and make sure these areas are well-ventilated. It is best not to carpet bathrooms, because the dampness can cause mold to grow under them.

Cleaning

• If you do find a moldy area in your home, you should attempt to clean it out. If items like newspaper or cardboard boxes have become damp and moldy, you should throw them away. Likewise, if mold starts to grow in your insulation, the only way to eliminate it is to have the insulation removed, the area cleaned thoroughly and all the insulation in that area replaced. Moldy surfaces can be cleaned with a solution of bleach and water.