Identification

• Mold is blackish-green, blue, brown or white; it can be slimy, powdery or fuzzy. Mold manifests as discoloration and stains on ceilings, walls, floors and furnishings. Mold may grow in less visible areas such as in crawl spaces, within structural materials and behind or underneath appliances and flooring. Mold growth is typically accompanied by a musty, lingering odor that is more pronounced in enclosed rooms containing high concentrations of the fungus.
  
  

Significance

• Mold is an opportunistic fungus, able to grow and disperse quickly throughout a home. Spores land on furnishings, carpets, dust balls and textiles and are transported by air, pets, people and dust mites. Regular dusting, bleaching and vacuuming can reduce the number of spores circulating within a home. Dismantle air ducts, vents, heating and cooling systems, humidifiers, fans, gutters and appliances for thorough cleaning.
  
  

Considerations

• Basements, garages and other moisture-prone areas are breeding grounds for mold. Wood floors, carpets and tiles may need to be thoroughly dried and cleaned, or removed and replaced if water damage is apparent. Troubleshooting for plumbing leaks, spills, stagnant water, roof leaks, warped wood and door or window leaks can help identify potential areas for mold growth so repairs can be made. Replacing older appliances assists in reducing mold buildup.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Keeping indoor humidity levels under 55 percent decreases the potential for condensation that breeds toxic levels of black mold. Ventilating damp spaces while showering, cooking or cleaning by using fans, opened windows, dehumidifiers and air conditioners allows moisture to evaporate rather than remain trapped in one area. Stove tops, dishwashers, washing machines, showers, refrigerators, humidifiers, caulking, grout, tiles and wood should be dried and aired out regularly to prevent mold accumulation.
  
  

Benefits

• Using store-bought mold kits or hiring a professional mold detector are effective ways to find and treat mold at the onset. Seasonal inspections and mold testing of moisture-collecting areas--bathrooms, basements, roofs, attics, laundry rooms and kitchens--allows for prompt remediation. Preserving the structure of a home through proactive mold prevention reduces the risk of widespread mold growth, which can result in expensive repairs that may require a contractor or demolition.