Much moisture can be floating around in the atmosphere of a home in the winter. This could be because millions of us have switched from the occasional log fire in our living room fireplace to the occasional gas fire - either natural gas or propane. But it could also be because mold is always with us - just waiting for the environment to become perfectly moist so that it can move in quietly and unannounced.
Moisture doesn't quite cause mildew and mold, but it does make it comfortable for them to set up a colony! Mold is a problem that is not very good for us - especially those of us who have any kind of respiratory disease.
One obvious way to reduce levels of mold is to reduce levels of moisture. Nature has provided us with fresh air and sunlight for this.
Mold growth can actually be seen on surfaces and it is mostly seen as a patch of gray, brown, greenish or black discoloration. Mold thrives on leaves, wood, paper or dirt, all of which must have an element of dampness. Tiny spores are released into the air from these mold organisms and it is these that affect our lungs.
Moisture is particularly prevalent in bathrooms - due to bathing, showering and the steam emitted; it can also be hiding in the bathrooms beneath the surfaces where water may have once seeped undetected.
Humidifiers and the drying of wet clothes indoors is another common source of dampness, as is a leaking roof. Mold can and will affect health, particularly if it is widespread in a home. Apart from the tell tale discolored patch, there is also a musty smell associated with mold which is partly from the gasses given off by the microbes.
If you do have a mild problem that you are going to tackle, be sure to wear a respiratory mask. As you clean, you will dislodge the spores and your lungs and airways will be right where the airborne spores will be floating around. Try to buy an N-95 particulate respirator from the local hardware store for maximum protection.
Throw away or burn all moldy material, scrub down walls or non porous areas with a detergent; for uneven surfaces clean with a stiff wire brush. Renting a wet/dry vacuum is recommended and cleaning all your air ducts is also advisable. Clean all areas with a bleach solution and actively dry the area over a 2 day period. For this you may require to hire a fan heater that circulates warm air.
Cleaning up mold is a long and tiresome job, but it will prevent many respiratory problems such as wheezing, coughing and sore throats. Getting rid of mold may also improve susceptibility to sinus congestion and eye irritation.
Young children, asthmatics and older folk will be particularly susceptible to air-borne spores, but the longer that healthy residents breathe in this tainted air the more likely it is that they may develop allergies to it.
Virginia Wherland is an experienced Minneapolis real estate agent. Virginia and her team can help you find the property you need in the Burnsville MN real estate market. Get more information at AssociatesRealty.net. |
