Mold and mildew (which is actually a type of mold) are very common in basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and sometimes kitchens because they thrive in moist environments. If you are sleeping or eating in the area, however, mold is not a problem you can afford to ignore, because large colonies of mold can have severe effects on human health.
Mold spores are in the air around us all the time. However, elevated concentrations of mold spores can irritate or infect the respiratory system. Residents of homes infested with mold, for example, have higher risks of developing bronchitis, as well as often experiencing higher rates of asthma and allergic reactions. In people with suppressed immune systems, airborne mold spores can actually attach and begin to grow on living tissue, leading to sinus, lung, and skin infections
For healthy people, the most serious health risks related with mold are caused by the poisons produced by the mold, called mycotoxins. It’s not known for sure why mold produces toxins, though it may be in order to weaken the organism the mold is growing on and make it easier for the mold to proliferate. In any case, if a mold infestation is allowed to proliferate long enough, it can produce a potentially harmful amount of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can affect people through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption.
The exact effects depend heavily on the kinds of toxins present, degree of exposure, and health factors of the individual such as age, weight, sex, general health condition, and other toxins they may be interacting with. However, it is known that mycotoxins inhibit protein synthesis, damage your human immune system (especially white blood cells), prevent your body from clearing particles you’ve inhaled from your lungs, and can increase your sensitivity to other toxins. In high levels mycotoxins can suppress growth and increase the risk of cancer.
If you are facing a large infestation of mold, or pathogenic mold, it’s best to let a professional handle the cleanup. However, you can take care of small problems—defined as less than 10 square feet of type 1 allergen mold—yourself. Here are some tips:
1.) Wear protective clothing and equipment, including long pants and sleeves, a face mask, safety goggles (if available) and gloves to prevent contact with the mold.
2.) Eliminate sources of moisture, such as leaky pipes, water heaters, piles of damp laundry or damp carpets. Also, let as much sunlight and air into the room as you can to dry it out and kill the mold.
3.) Spray white vinegar (or a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar in less sever areas) on the effected area to kill the mold and scrub the stains off. Follow up with a mixture of 1/4 cup bleach to one gallon water to disinfect the area.
4.) Let the area dry as thoroughly as possible before returning furniture or occupying it. You can assist the process with an electric fan, heater, or dehumidifier. It may be a good idea to operate a dehumidifier in the area in the future, to prevent mold growth.
If you pay attention to moisture levels in your home and maintain high sanitation standards you can prevent mold growth and keep everyone in your household healthy.