| Toxic mold is a living organism that requires edible | | | | a warm habitat. A cold environment is not conducive |
| matter in order to stay alive and flourish. It feeds on | | | | to the development of mold. |
| any organic material, but is particularly fond of paper | | | | 4. Significant moisture: Most types of mold need an |
| and wood. This common form of fungus is typically | | | | adequate level of moisture to grow - at least the |
| found in moist and warm environments, both indoors | | | | equivalent of 70% humidity content. The moisture |
| and outdoors. There are hundreds of types of mold | | | | level in your home is the easiest factor to control. |
| that are in fact not harmful to humans. However, | | | | How to Guard against Toxic Mold |
| there are some molds that are toxic and can cause | | | | The best way to protect our homes and our health |
| illness. Symptoms associated with toxic mold | | | | from toxic mold is to know how to prevent mold |
| exposure are numerous, and some mimic other | | | | from growing. Here are some easy, manageable tips: |
| illnesses, such as the flu. | | | | Water stains: If your house has ever had a water |
| Here are a few prevalent health problems caused by | | | | leak, there is a good chance that mold is present in |
| toxic mold: | | | | that area. A professional in the field of toxicity can |
| - Asthma | | | | test your home for mold growth. |
| - Nasal congestion | | | | Humidity: It is a good idea to invest in a humidity |
| - Sinus headache | | | | sensor which records the humidity levels in your |
| - Dizziness | | | | house. During the summer months, when using the air |
| - Skin rash | | | | conditioner, the humidity level should be less than |
| - Hives | | | | 55%. |
| - Fatigue | | | | Dehumidifier: If your basement or other areas of the |
| - Chronic coughing | | | | house, such as the bathroom, are damp, it would be |
| - Sore throat | | | | worthwhile to purchase a dehumidifier. |
| - Flu-like symptoms | | | | Water problems: Any leaky pipes, water spills, or |
| How Toxic Mold Grows | | | | broken gutters should be repaired as soon as |
| Toxic mold needs four elements in order to stay | | | | possible. Such water problems can encourage mold to |
| alive and flourish. By eliminating certain environmental | | | | settle in. |
| conditions, you can increase your chances of inhibiting | | | | Outdoor area: If you use sprinklers in your backyard, |
| the mold's growth, and avoid the potential negative | | | | make it a point to direct the water away from the |
| effects caused by toxic mold to your health. | | | | walls of your house and garage. Clear the gutters |
| 1. Mold spores: They are airborne and they are | | | | from all debris, and get rid of any stagnant water on |
| everywhere! Unfortunately, there is no reliable or | | | | your property. |
| cost-effective method of eradicating them from the | | | | Air conditioning: When using your A/C in the summer, |
| environment. | | | | set the temperature at 77F. Anything lower that 77F |
| 2. Mold food: In order to stay alive, toxic mold eats | | | | increases the level of humidity and subsequently |
| practically any matter that contains an organic | | | | leads to condensation in the walls and floors, making |
| substance. Something as ordinary as the oil or soap | | | | it an ideal place for mold to grow. |
| residue on your skin, which is left behind when you | | | | Fans: Use a ceiling fan during the summer to help |
| touch a surface, will feed mold. But mold most often | | | | circulate the air; it will make it easier for you to keep |
| propagates on the wall materials of your home, such | | | | that 77F temperature. |
| as wood and paper. | | | | Windows: Make sure that all windows are well sealed |
| 3. Suitable temperature: Mold, like humankind, requires | | | | in order to prevent the formation of condensation. |