Molds are simple, microscopic organisms found indoors and outdoors. They can be found on plants, foods, dry leaves and other organic matter. Mold growths can be found in a variety of different colors – white to orange and from green to brown and black. To grow, molds need food sources (leaves, wood, paper), a moisture source and a place to grow. If moisture is available, molds can thrive and multiply. Therefore, moisture control is the key to controlling mold problems.

Sources of indoor moisture that may cause problems: flooding, backed-up sewers, leaky roofs, humidifiers, damp basements or crawl spaces, plumbing leaks, house plants, steam from cooking, shower/bath steam, wet clothes on indoor drying lines, clothes dryer vented indoors.

Mold spores are tiny and lightweight, and can become airborne. Depending on a person’s sensitivity, molds can cause respiratory irritations, allergic reactions and even toxicity. For some people, a relatively small number of mold spores can cause health problems, while for others it may take many more.

If you can smell or see mold, follow these general clean-up procedures:

• Identify and correct the moisture sources
• Clean, disinfect and dry the moldy area (Wear gloves and disinfect with a 10% bleach solution – remember to well-ventilate your work area as bleach fumes can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. While cleaning consider using a mask or respirator to protect yourself from breathing spores.)
• Bag and dispose of any materials that has moldy residues

For further information on molds, mold control and mold clean-up procedures please contact the following sources:

American Lung Association®: www.lungusa.org
American Lung Association® of Washington: 206-441-5100 or 800-LUNG-USA (in Washington State only)
Building Science Corp.: info@building science.com
California Department of Health Sciences: www.cal-iaq.org
Canadian Mortgage & Housing: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/cmhc ;1-800-668-2642
EPA’s Indoor Environments: www.epa.gov/iaq
Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse: 1-800-438-4318
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health: 1-800-356-4674
Washington State Department of Health: 360-664-8860