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MOLD CONTROL

 

 

 

 

 

Indoor

Mold grows in dark, humid, poorly ventilated areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, washer/dryers, stored furniture, rubber carpet underpads, suitcases, bathroom walls, window sills, sinks, kitchen refrigerator contents, ventilation duct systems, humidifiers, house plant soil, and fish tanks.

 

Tips to control mold growth indoors:

·         Keep humidity low (35%-50%), use a dehumidifier.

·         Maintain good ventilation

·         Repair all water leaks

·         Prevent water condensation

·         Remove free standing water

·         Use air conditioning during the summer

In the kitchen:

·         Use exhaust fan to remove water vapor

·         Clean refrigerator, empty water pan, remove spoiling food immediately

·         Empty garbage containers frequently

In the bathroom:

·         Use exhaust fan to remove humidity

·         Wash shower curtain, wall tiles, toilet tank, and ceiling with mold killing solution

·         Repair damaged caulking or grout

·         Do not carpet bathroom

In the laundry room:

·         Vent clothes dryer to the outdoors

In the bedroom:

·         Remove carpet

·         Remove stuffed animals

·         Remove plants

In the basement:

·         Use a dehumidifier

·         Repair seepage or flooding

·         On brick, use a paint with a mold inhibitor

Outdoor

Mold exposure outside comes from mold spores that become airborne.  The peak times for high mold spore counts are late summer and autumn, during breezy periods.

 

Mold grows in areas with:

Poorly maintained landscaping, large quantities of organic debris near the home,  highly shaded areas, and poor water drainage.

Avoid:

·         Mowing grass

·         Raking leaves, or playing in leaves

·         Camping or walking in the woods

·         Sleeping bags, green houses

·         Saunas, antique shops

Eliminate:

·         Vines

·         Compost piles

·         Sandboxes

·         Hay, fertilizers, and barns

Repair:

·         Areas of drainage problems near the house

 

Mold inhibitors for cleaning (fungicides): In case of strong smell, do not use these in the presence of an asthmatic person:

·         Phenolated disinfectants (Lysol)

·         Benzalkanium chloride (Zephiran)

·         REP 10 or REP 50

·         X-14

·         Halogens (Clorox)

·         Impregon

·         Mildew Stop Spray


Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Center.  University of Illinois at Chicago

Tel: (312) 996-6714      Fax: (312) 413-8694

 

 

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