Most homeowners have had to deal with a mould problem in their homes. The bad news is that getting through mould infestation is both slow and troublesome. However, gaining key knowledge about mould can help homeowners keep mould out of their homes. Here are 10 essential things to know about mould.
1. Mould is a fungus that is widely spread in nature, helping organic matter decompose. Indoors, however, mould can cause structural problems to buildings, as well as
health problems.
2. The health effects of mould exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, flu-like diseases, pneumonia, and other respiratory problems. Everyone who’s not allergic to mould can be affected by it.
3. Mould grows in moisture-prone areas, such as the basement and bathroom, and in flooded areas. Mould can also develop in hidden parts of a home, such as behind walls, under the floor, or in the HVAC system.
4. While indoor mould can’t be completely eliminated, there are ways to prevent it from growing in dangerous amounts. The way to do that is to control the moisture in the home.
5. To control indoor moisture and reduce mould growth,
the humidity should be kept between 30-60 percent by:
- Using air conditioners and dehumidifiers
- Changing the HVAC air filter regularly
- Increasing ventilation by using fans, opening windows, etc.
- Venting moisture-generating rooms– like the kitchen and bathroom – to the outside