Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Is There a Fungus Among Us?


Mold has taken hold! Not that the microbes have reached out and grabbed us, but rather they have captured our attention. A rash of recent high profile media stories have petrified many people with concerns for both their health and finances. While it is true in some situations that variations and concentrations of mold can kill us both physically and financially, in the vast majority of cases mold problems can be remedied simply and economically.


So what is a reasonable person to do? Much like a physical exam is the first step in a plan for personal health, a home inspection is the first step in a mold survey. The intent of the inspection is to seek out all sources of moisture that may contribute to an environment that is attractive to mold and to visually identify any existing mold colonies. Roof leaks, plumbing leaks, and improper sprinkler positioning are among the more common sources of mold-causing moisture problems. After identification of the moisture source, a reasonable and practical remedy can be prescribed.With a basic understanding of the management of moisture, household mold maintenance is simple. Molds have been around forever and will never be gone, and it is good that they are here. But like so many things, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Stay informed, but don't get caught up in the hype. Remember, it's about knowing!Wipe the surface dry then make sure that the floor underneath the linoleum and tiles is also dry. If necessary remove the linoleum covering and use fans hasten the drying process.Upholstery or leather furnishings that have water damage may not be dried immediately. Leather should not be dried using heat. Instead, dry leather slowly by using fans or by just wiping it with a dry cotton cloth. If furniture is too valuable, hire the services of a water damage restoration expert.All molds need two basic ingredients to grow, food and water. The favorite food of mold is cellulose. In our home, cellulose is a common constituent. Wood, paper, cotton, and drywall are plentiful in construction and are great sources of cellulose. Water is everywhere in our homes, both on the surfaces and in the air.Hard Surfaces with Linoleum and TilesFabrics

Copyright � Florida HomePro, Inc. and Wallace J. Conway. All rights in all media reserved.




Author: Wallace Conway


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