Follow your nose; stop mold cold in its tracks

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

Florida’s warm temperatures and high humidity promote mold growth. Mold is a health concern, especially for those with allergies, so it’s important to understand how to prevent it and how to remediate it when it’s discovered.

Mold can aggravate allergies. It can act as an irritant and cause infections, congestion, coughing, rashes and eye irritation. Those with weakened immune systems and asthma should be especially careful.

Indoor mold can usually be seen or smelled. Look around air conditioners and check refrigerator drainage pans. If you notice a musty odor, follow the smell.

The best way to control mold is to control moisture. According to the Florida Department of Health, moisture is most likely to come from the following:

• Flooding from the outside (storm water, overflowing lakes, streams, storm surge, etc.)
• Flooding from indoors (overflow from sinks, tubs, toilets, air-conditioner drain pans or sewer systems)
• Condensation (caused by indoor humidity that is too high or surfaces that are too cold)
• Water leaks from outside the building (roof, walls, floors)
• Indoor plumbing leaks or broken water pipes
• Outdoor sprinkler spray hitting the walls, or indoor fire sprinklers
• Poor venting of kitchen and bathroom moisture (steam from shower or cooking)
• Humidifier use
• Drying wet clothes indoors, or not venting clothes dryers outdoors (including electric dryers)
• House plants (over watering, etc.)
• Moisture from our bodies (sweat, wet hair on pillows, breath)
• Warm, moist air from outdoors
• Liquid spills

The easiest way to control mold is by controlling dampness and humidity. Clean and dry up any spills within 24 hours. Use air conditioning. Most experts believe inside humidity should be less than 60%. Others believe it should be as low as 50%. It is not a good idea to carpet bathrooms.

If you think you might have a major mold problem in your home or are buying another home, especially one that has been vacant for a period of time with the air conditioning turned off, you should engage a qualified mold specialist to perform a mold assessment.

Enforcement of unlicensed activity for mold assessors and remediators began July 1. The new law stipulates that the individual or company providing the assessment cannot be the same company or individual to perform the remediation. Always use licensed contractors.