old
has existed since the dawn of time, but it's become a big issue on the home
front only in recent years with the improvement of building methods. Homes,
apartment buildings, schools and commercial buildings are all much more
energy-efficient than they were 20 years ago because they are better sealed
against outside elements. But just as they seal the weather out, they seal
in whatever moisture is generated inside, whether it's from water leaks,
condensation from air conditioning, or steam from the shower and the
stovetop.
Homes used to be built with solid wood frames and plaster walls. Wood must
become at least 30 percent saturated before it can grow mold and plaster is an
inorganic element that is impervious to mold.
In modern construction, particleboard and drywall with paper backing are the
rules. These materials are much better hosts for molds: particle board contains
bonding agents with sugars in them -- a favorite meal for mold; and the paper on
drywall will quickly spur mold growth with the slightest moisture.
Molds are also more prevalent because people are increasingly trying to make
living space out of the dampest area of the house- the basement. "Basements are
used for the laundry or a workshop," said Jim LaRue, a household
"troubleshooter" in Cleveland. Now, he said, "People have just slapped drywall
up against the (damp basement) walls."
Prevent mold growth by keeping moisture away, he said. Make sure rooms such as
bathrooms and kitchens are properly vented. Washer and drying machines and even
gas fireplaces need proper ventilation too.
"If we don't solve the moisture source, then cleaning up is almost useless,"
LaRue said. LaRue and other experts also emphasized that people should not
install any vinyl-backed wallpaper, anywhere. It prevents the give-and-take of
air on each side of a wall, trapping any condensation that might arise from
temperature changes and providing a perfect hidden breeding ground for mold.
"The basic message is, you shouldn't have mold growing in your home," said Mary
Smith, director of the Indoor Environment Division of the Environmental
Protection Agency. "If you're a homeowner, it's something you ought to be
concerned and vigilant about."
If the problem gets to the point where a professional is needed to clean the
mold, people should call a mold remediator, but only one who is specifically
certified through the Indoor Air Quality Association. A list of certified
remediators is on the group's website,
www.iaqa.org.
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