MOLD
HEALTH THREAT: Mold spores can contimate food, be inhaled into our lungs or absorbed through our skin, causing allergic reactions, chronic fatique, headaches, nosebleeds and loss of short term memory.
PROPERTY THREAT: Mold gradually damages any surface it can grow on, including strucutral walls, carpet, furniture and ceilings.
WHAT IS MOLD?
A fungus found both indoors and outdoors
There are tens of thousands different breeds of mold
Mold thrives in warm, damp, humid conditions
Mold spread rapidly through spores that travel through the air
WHERE IS MOLD MOST COMMONLY FOUND?
Anywhere humidity is high, such as above showers, basements, ventilated dirt crawl spaces and near plumbing.
SIGNS OF A MOLD INFESTATION
Visible mold growth on walls that appear cottony, velvet, granular or leathery
Color can vary from white, gray, brown, black, yellow or green.
MOLD PREVENTION TIPS
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Vacuum and clean regularly to remove possible sources of mold growth, especially in bathrooms.
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Repair water leaks in roof, windows and all other areas as soon as they are detected.
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Clear all gutters and downsprouts regularly so debris does not block the flow of water off your roof.
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Do not place gardens or plants too close to the foundation to prevent plant water from seeping in.
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Always use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms when producing a lot of moisture, such as showering or boiling water.
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Ensure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated.
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Cover soil in crawlspaces with waterproof polyethylene plastic. If your crawl space is ventilated, close the vents during the summer months, and open them in the winter.
COMMON TYPES OF MOLD
Penicillium
LOCATION: Air conditioning systems, soil and decaying food.
HEALTH THREAT: Allergic reactions.
Cladosporium
LOCATION: Food, dead plants, fiberglass and air ducts.
HEALTH THREAT: Causes nail fungus, asthma, heart and lung conditions, and skin rashes. Memnoniella LOCATION: Cotton, paper and wood.
HEALTH THREAT: Toxic to humans and animals. Stachybotrys LOCATION: Inside walls and the back of ceilings.
HEALTH THREAT: Causes cancer, asthma and headaches. Mucor LOCATION: Soil, animal droppings and dust.
HEALTH THREAT: People with low immune systems can develop lung infections. Alternaria LOCATION: Soil and plants.
HEALTH THREAT: Causes allergic reactions such as hay fever and asthma attacks. 
