Mold Is Ubiquitous
There are only four things that is required for mold growth. Moisture, temperature, food and oxygen must be present. If just even one of these elements is removed from the equation you will not be successful in growing toxic mold.
In order for mold to proliferate, it needs a moist environment such as humidity to grow.
Mold also needs oxygen to survive. Sure, mold needs moisture to live but, like us, they will drown if they are completely submerged in water. It goes without saying that removing oxygen would likely cause you more discomfort before affecting the mold.
Molds like comfortable temperaturesfrom which to proliferate. Unfortunately, the temperature range conducive to mold growth is the same range of temperatures that humans feel the most comfortable. You can control your indoor air temperature with a thermostat. However, changing the temperature to stop mold growth is also not an ideal solution as the temperatures that mold growth is inhibited are temperatures that humans are also uncomfortable with.
The only element that we can control, thus becomes, the food source. Remove the food source and there will be no mold growth.
Removing dust from surfaces (whether or not it contains mold spores) also removes the mold food.
The easiest way to remove mold is with the use of cleaning sprays.
However, there are certain safety considerations that need to be addressed. Using too much or using cleaners improperly may leave you with more mold growth than when you began your cleaning project.
Cleaners used on contaminated surfaces will likely kill any mold growth that the chemical touches but the moisture that is left over could actually assist in promoting more growth. Be sure that the surface is thoroughly dried after cleaning.
Carpets that have been shampooed that have not been thoroughly dried, can also retain enough moisture for mold to grow on.
Damp clothing is in danger of becoming moldy. Most closets do not have enough ventilation and this may account for the musty closet odors.
Painted or plastic surfaces can be scratched by harsh chemicals in the cleaners. As a result, water or humidity can infiltrate in. Dirt, dust or dry wall, can combine to provide a healthy substrate for the mold to grow on.
Even if no mold growth occurs, damage to walls may become visually apparent, such as bubbling under the paint. Once the surface is damaged, it will become easier for mold to grow next time.
Sometimes, allergic reactions from the toxic the chemicals in the cleaner can cause sneezing, etc.
Make sure that you have adequate ventilation when using chemical cleaners. Use gloves to minimize contact with the skin and eye protection to protect from splashes where appropriate.
Typically, there are thousands of mold spores that we breathe in every day. Mold is ubiquitous. It is close to impossible to remove all of the airborne particulates from your environment but you can prevent the proliferation of toxic levels of mold growth in your home or business.
