How to control the growth of mold in your home
- Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50 percent—all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
- Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months
- Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans
- Add mold inhibitors to paints before application
- Clean bathrooms with mold killing products
- Do not carpet bathrooms and basements
- Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery
If there is mold growth in your home
Clean up the mold and fix any water problem, such as leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing. Controlling moisture in your home is the most critical factor for preventing mold growth.
To remove mold growth from hard surfaces use commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Use a stiff brush on rough surface materials such as concrete.
Use Protection
- Wear goggles, gloves and breathing protection while working in the area
Areas with high mold exposures
- Antique shops
- Greenhouses
- Saunas
- Farms
- Mills
- Construction areas
Flower shops
- Summer cottages
If mold in your workplace is making you sick:
- If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold in the building where you work, you should first consult your health care provider to determine the appropriate action to take to protect your health. Notify your employer and, if applicable, your union representative about your concern so that your employer can take action to clean up and prevent mold growth. To find out more about mold, remediation of mold, or workplace safety and health guidelines and regulations, you may also want to contact your local (city, county, or state) health department.
- You should also read the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guidelines, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, here.
If you are concerned about mold in your children’s school:
- If you believe your children are ill because of exposure to mold in their school, first consult their health care provider to determine the appropriate medical action to take. Contact the school’s administration to express your concern and to ask that they remove the mold and prevent future mold growth. You may also contact the health district school health & safety program at 509.324.1560, ext 4.
See these Web sites for more indoor air quality tools for schools: