Let’s talk about mold. As we begin to approach the winter season (aka the wet season), it’s important to remember that mold can become a huge problem if the proper precautions are not taken. Believe it or not, mold is still a problem that many Americans face, and awareness is very important.
According to the EPA, “Molds live in the soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying matter…[they] produce tiny spores to reproduce, just as some plants produce seeds. These mold spores can be found in both indoor and outdoor air and settled on indoor and outdoor surfaces. When mold spores land on a damp spot, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive…molds gradually destroy the things they grow on, you can prevent damage to building materials and furnishings and save money by eliminating mold growth.”
Did you know that mold spores are naturally found in the air we breathe both indoors and outdoors? When large amounts of spores grow that’s when it becomes a problem. Yes, mold can be killed, but if it is not removed properly, it can remain in the affected area and dry spores can be released into the air.
The spread of mold can be a serious health risk, causing symptoms such as allergic reactions, asthma, and various respiratory problems. The major source of mold spread is moisture and humidity. Whether it’s excessive rainfall or the recent influx of storms, mold is a threat with higher humidity.
While removing mold from your home can sometimes be a difficult task, there are several steps you can take to combat the threat:
- Keep all areas clean
- Reduce humidity in your home by 30-60%. Your options include “venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.”
- Clean up any sources of mold and moisture. Plug any sources of water leaks.
- Immediately clean up or dry any damp or wet areas in your home.
- Add insulation to reduce or prevent condensation.
Don’t wait for mold to infect your home. Be proactive by investing in an ED Lab Indoor Air Home Mold Test Kit to screen your home for mold and fungus. You can also combat the growth of mold by replacing your air filters with the FiltersFast.com Brand Air & Furnace Filters – MERV 11, which can reduce mold spores and improve your indoor air quality.
EcoBlueLife.com is a replacement water and air filter company located in the United States. The views and opinions contained herein are solely those of the original author and do not represent Eco Blue Life or its affiliates. This article was originally published on FiltersFast.com
