About Hardin County, OH

There is a very educational article on the Marion Star's website today from Marion City Health Department about mold, the Realtor's enemy. With the number of vacant properties on the market it is only appropriate that the number of properties with mold increasing. Since mold must be disclosed it is viewed as a bit of a plague by many potential buyers. Here is some of the information provided by the EPA about mold.

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  Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

  The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.

  1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
     
  2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
     
  3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
     
  4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
     
  5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
     
  6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
     
  7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
     
  8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
     
  9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
     
  10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

  If you have IAQ and mold issues in your school, you should get a copy of the IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit. Mold is covered in the IAQ Reference Guide under Appendix H - Mold and Moisture.

  Mold & Asthma

• Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals with asthma. People with asthma should avoid contact with or exposure to molds.

  Additional Resources:

  • Allergy & Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics (AAN/MA): (800) 878-4403; www.aanma.org
  • American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI): www.aaaai.org
  • American Lung Association: 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872); www.lungusa.org
  • Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America: (800) 7ASTHMA; www.aafa.org
  • Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation "Fighting Mold - The Homeowner's Guide" www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/momo/momo_005.cfm
  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: www.niaid.nih.gov
  • National Jewish Medical and Research Center: (800) 222-LUNG (5864); www.njc.org

  Mold growth may be a problem after flooding. EPA's Fact Sheet: Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems - discusses steps to take when cleaning and repairing a home after flooding. Excess moisture in the home is cause for concern about indoor air quality primarily because it provides breeding conditions for microorganisms. This fact sheet provides tips to avoid creating indoor air quality problems during cleanup. U.S. EPA, EPA Document Number 402-F-93-005, August 1993.

  Additional Resources:

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): (800) 480-2520; www.fema.gov Flood information - www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm
    
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Emergency Preparedness and Response page on "Protect Yourself from Mold" - www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/protect.asp and Key Facts About Hurricane Recovery - www.bt.cdc.gov/hurricanes/index.asp
    
  • University of Minnesota, Department of Environmental Health and Safety - www.dehs.umn.edu/iaq.htm Flood Information -www.dehs.umn.edu/iaq_fi.htm

  How do molds affect people?

  Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.