Dealing with a mould problem can be complicated – whether you’re trying to prevent mould from growing or dealing with an existing mould issue, here are ten important things you should know:
- Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mould exposures include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints.
- There is no practical way to eliminate all mould and mould spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mould growth is to control moisture.
- If mould is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mould and eliminate the sources of moisture.
- Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent future mould growth.
- Reduce indoor humidity to decrease mould growth by:
- Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
- Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
- Increasing ventilation
- Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
- Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mould growth.
- Bleach is commonly marketed as a solution for eliminating mold, but it only works against mold on nonporous surfaces, like tiles and sinks. It doesn’t work on porous surfaces, such as wood or drywall. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
- Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces, such as windows, pipes, exterior walls, roof and floors by adding insulation
- In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting, such as near drinking fountains, classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation.
- Dead mould may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mould, it must also be removed.