Controlling Mold: Prevention is the Key

Decades ago, little was known about the causal relationship between mold and its effects on the body. Mold (also known as fungus) thrives in moist environments; therefore, you can still develop a mold problem even if you live in arid climates such as Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, or Colorado. Exposure to mold will eventually develop into cold or allergy-like symptoms. Left untreated, mold exposure can lead to severe respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis and asthma. .

The good news is that you can prevent and control mold. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following:

Keep the humidity level in your home and office below 40%.

During humid months, use an air conditioner or dehumidifier.

Ventilation is important, windows should be opened for a minimum of two hours per day. When ventilation is not an option, for example in bathrooms without a window, then invest in an exhaust fan.

An excellent way to prevent mold growth in the first place, is to add a mold inhibitor product directly into any paint used to paint the home. .

Do not carpet your bathroom, as carpet retains the moisture and mold will grow underneath it.

If you have a flood, remove the carpeting IMMEDIATELY and either allow it to dry out or replace it.

Use cleaning products that inhibit or kill mold. There are many natural varieties available.

The best defense is an aggressive one. Once mold infiltrates your home it is very difficult and expensive to cure.

It is strongly recommended that at the time of purchase, check your homeowners/office insurance policy to ensure that you have water accident coverage. Most carriers will pay for the water damage but not for the resulting mold damage. Mold damage can result in greater financial loss than the clean up involved in a water accident.

Be safe and be health-savvy.