Trumbull County Health Department

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	The Mold Issue
	Trumbull County Health Department Division of Environmental Health

Learning about Mold
The accompanying information is to help people deal with the effects of water damage to their home and present health concerns related to mold exposure.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus which recycles organic material (plant and animal matter) through the decay process. They secrete chemicals (enzymes) which digest the matter or material they grow on. In their life process they produce tiny microscopic reproductive spores that are released into the air.

Health Concern

As a result of breathing in the spores, humans can develop allergic reactions, asthmatic effects, infections, and other respiratory problems. A person’s reaction to mold varies according to their sensitivity to the amount and type of mold. Also, some types of molds can produce toxins that can cause serious health problems.

Black Mold

Black mold (stachybotrys) is a toxic mold frequently talked about, which can cause serious health effects. This mold only grows on wood, wood based materials or paper. Black mold does not grow on plastic, vinyl, concrete, or ceramic tiles. It is black and often slimy and is not found in the green mold which can grow on bread or the black mold found on shower tiles.

Mold Conditions

In order to grow mold requires a source of moisture and food to grow on. Water leaking into your house or high humidity (60% or over) provides opportunity for mold to grow.

If you can see mold or if there is an earthly or musty odor, you can assume you have a mold problem.

Mold in my Home: What do I Do?

Solving the Mold Problem:

In order to resolve of the mold situation two basic things must be done:

1) Clean and remove the entire existing mold

2) Eliminate any intrusion of water or presence of moisture

Clean up Procedure

• Open windows, create good ventilation and circulate air in and out

• Wear proper mask (recommend NP95 mask), rubber gloves and eye protection

• Clean all mold surfaces with non scented household bleach

• Mix 1 cup bleach with 1 gallon of water approximately 70 degrees (if too hot chlorine will dissipate)

• Dish soap can be added to bleach water to cut dirt and oil that can hold mold

• Apply the bleach mixture with a sponge, let stand for 15 minutes, clean and thoroughly dry area

• Never mix bleach with ammonia, fumes produced together are toxic

• If there is no ventilation use soap and warm water so chlorine vapors do not exist

• Air dry with fans and continue using dehumidifier to keep area dry

• Keep children and pets out of area

• Water damaged walls, such as drywall, plaster, or paneling, or support structures must be replaced one foot above water line

• For grossly contaminated areas, seek professional assistance

• If the area can not be cleaned (porous or semi porous surface) or the area is to damaged, remove the damaged material, properly bag, throw it out, and replace with new.

The Mold Issue