Famiily and Consumer Sciences

Wet weather, such as we've been experiencing recently, provides a good opportunity for mold to grow in homes.

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds break down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores. The spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Molds do have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. It is possible to deny mold spores moisture on which to grow. Mold growth can be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back

Moisture control is key to mold control. When water leaks or spills occur indoors, act quickly. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried within 24-48 hours, in most cases mold will not grow.

Following are tips for preventing and controlling moisture and mold, taken from an Environmental Protection Agency online publication, "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home."

Clean and repair roof gutters regularly. Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.

Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.

Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive instrument available at many hardware stores.

If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes, act quickly to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture /water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible. Combustion appliances such as stoves and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.

Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed. Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.

Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering.

Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing.

To summarize the key points about mold:

* The key to mold control is moisture control.

* If mold is a problem, clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.

* It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

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Editor's Note: Ann Ludlum is a K-State Research and Extension Agent assigned to Bourbon County. She can be reached at (620) 223-3720 or by E-mail at aludlum@oznet.ksu.edu.