Mold and Moisture in Your Home

Should You Be Concerned? Mold growth is an indication of excess moisture Molds can affect your health Excess moisture can damage you home – wood rot and household pests

Mold and Moisture Mold and moisture can be seen in and around the home Mold and moisture can be seen in and around the home Mold is alive Mold is alive Mold grows on wet surfaces Mold grows on wet surfaces

Mold and Moisture Mold comes in different colors -- white, orange, green, gray and black Mold comes in different colors -- white, orange, green, gray and black It can grow out in open or grow in hidden places It can grow out in open or grow in hidden places Mold often smells musty Mold often smells musty Mold produces spores, that float through the air Mold produces spores, that float through the air

Mold and Moisture When spores get into lungs they can cause health problems When spores get into lungs they can cause health problems Watery eyes, runny or stuffy noses, sneezing, itching, wheezing, difficulty breathing, headaches and tiredness Watery eyes, runny or stuffy noses, sneezing, itching, wheezing, difficulty breathing, headaches and tiredness Asthma attacks Asthma attacks

Mold -- What weve learned Some molds can cause sever health problems Mold is everywhere, but it isnt healthy to live where mold grows

Where to look for mold: Bathrooms -- tubs, showers, walls, ceiling and floor Damp basements and crawlspaces Around leaky bathroom and kitchen sinks Attics under roof leaks Windows and walls where there is condensation In closets Under wallpaper or carpet In air conditioner Wet clothes not dried quickly

To keep mold from growing Fix moisture problems quickly, then clean and dry surfaces

Actions to eliminate mold Keep surfaces clean and dry Store clothes and towels clean and dry Dont leave water in drip pans, basements and air conditioners Check relative humidity in your home Wipe down shower walls after bathing or showering

Actions to eliminate mold Run a fan (vented to the outdoors) or open a window while showering or bathing Run a fan (vented to the outdoors) when cooking

Visit the Healthy Homes Partnership Web site: For more information on healthy home environments Special thanks to North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension for the original creation of these slides: Dr. M. Cassandra Wiggins Dr. Sarah D. Kirby Dr. Wilma S. Hammett