Mold & Mildew Problems

Mold and mildew create unsightly discolorations in bathrooms, destroy wall surfaces or other items, and lead to health troubles for people who share their home or office with them. Getting rid of mold and mildew may require the help of trained professionals, as in the case of moldy air ducts. Because mold and mildew require moisture to live and to make the spores they use to reproduce, removing moisture from the air and fixing leaky appliances can help prevent these substances from developing.

Description

• Mold and mildew both belong to the fungus family, reproducing and spreading themselves by producing spores that migrate from one spot to another. As the spores digest organic matter in their new home, they can cause permanent damage to building materials. Molds can take on a wide range of colors, including black, blue, green or red, while mildew tends to appear white or grey in color, according to the Black Mold Removal Guide.

Environment

• Mold and mildew both grow in damp environments. Mold can grow on a wide range of objects throughout the home, while mildew tends to appear in bathrooms and around windows. A mold spore that lands in a wet area will grow and create new spores, infesting a continually widening area as long as moisture exists in that area, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They can digest many types of organic matter common to homes, including wood, paper or foods left out in the open.

Health Issues

• Mold and mildew may cause serious health problems in people exposed to them. Mild reactions may include a stuffy or runny nose, inflamed eyes and asthmatic reactions. Some people develop severe allergic reactions if they work around mold sources on a regular basis, developing breathing trouble, fevers and even lung infestations in people who have chronic lung problems.

Cleanup

• Mold and mildew cleanup should include certain safety precautions. To prevent an allergic reaction, a person engaged in mold cleanup activities should always use rubber gloves and a mask to filter inhaled air. Professional cleaning services can safely remove mold and mildew built up inside air ducts. The EPA points out, however, that insulated ducts may prove impossible to clean, calling for replacement of these components.

Prevention

• Controlling moisture in an environment plays a major role in preventing mold and mildew buildup. Homeowners should repair or seal leaky pipes, walls or fixtures that may provide breeding grounds for these biological pollutants. Air conditioners or dehumidifiers can lessen the moisture content in the air, but you'll need to clean these devices regularly, as they are possible mold and mildew repositories in their own right. Anything that increases air circulation, such as a fan, can help keep exposed surfaces dry.