What is mold?
Molds are microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere. Molds are necessary for breaking down dead materials. Mold growths appear in the form of discoloration ranging from white to orange and from green to brown to black.
Heath Risk?
Airborne mold spores in the home, when present in large numbers, can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems. Mold can also indicate conditions that may cause structural damage to your home.
Where is mold found?
Mold can be detected in the home visually or by its odor. If you can see mold or smell and earthy, musty odor, it is safe to assume that you have a mold problem. Look for previous water damage on porous materials or discoloration and leaching from plaster. Mold often grows behind walls or underneath materials previously damaged by water. Mold needs moisture to grow. Common sources of indoor moisture include:
What can be done?
The Minnesota Department of Health does not recommend mold sampling and testing as a first step to determine if you have a mold problem. Mold sampling is often expensive.
To remove mold:
- Identify and remove the moisture problem.
- Throw out mold-infected materials that cannot be cleaned and disinfected, such as absorbent materials.
- Where surfaces can be cleaned and disinfected, clean surfaces using a non-ammonia soap / detergent.
- Where surfaces can be cleaned and disinfected, use bleach (1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water). With any cleaning and disinfectant products, test the surfaces of the material to be cleaned/sanitized. Some surfaces or materials may be damaged by cleaning or disinfectant products.
- Dry out the affected area as quickly as possible.
Contacts:
A packet of material regarding indoor moisture sources, mold and cleanup can be obtained from the Code Enforcement & Public Health Division at 763-493-8070.
MS 273.11 & 123B.57
Minnesota Department of Health
Other mold information:
Environmental Protection Agency
