mold in homes (Frankfort: new house, allergies, cabinet)

[nawog]

I visited my folks in KY. Coming from Colorado, I was struck by the smell and appearance of mold growing on a ceiling and in the basement bathroom.

I think the residents are so used to it, they don't notice the smell anymore.

Now that my parents are failing in health and that house may need to be sold, do people expect mold in houses in KY or will it be impossible to get rid of?

[timelesschild]

People will NOT expect mold in houses, and you need to get rid of it.

[nawog]

In KY, I noticed that moldy smell everywhere, not just in houses.

I think my parent's house is too well insulated and traps it.

[kentuckydad95]

Originally Posted by nawog

In KY, I noticed that moldy smell everywhere, not just in houses.

What the hell does that mean? You want to know what you can do with the house?

[nawog]

Anywhere there was standing water, a leak, lack of ventilation. Noticed it in public areas, bathrooms...

I grew up in KY. Sorry to offend--that did sound dumb.

[nawog]

Originally Posted by timelesschild

People will NOT expect mold in houses, and you need to get rid of it.

I wouldn't want to live in a home with mold either. But in highly humid areas, I would think it would be pretty common.

I lived in a new house in Louisiana and I had to constantly hang up towels, wash clothes more often and open windows and use a humidifier whenever possible. And use lots of bleach.

[timelesschild]

Yes, it is the natural result of wet conditions. Still, people are repulsed by it and will not want a moldy-smelling house. Their noses will smell it as well as yours - I'm sorry, but it isn't the norm to just "accept" mold. Maybe in Costa Rica - not Kentucky.

[nawog]

My parents are elderly and I don't think they notice anything. (After living in a desert, I think I am supersensitive now). I am afraid the place will fall in on them before they will pay someone to repair it now that they can't fix things themselves.

Did some research on the CDC. Looks like mold isn't the death sentence it used to be, only toxic to those with allergies, suppressed immune systems and lung diseases. They recommend:

Keep humidity level in house between 40% and 60%.
Use air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in kitchen and bathrooms.
Use mold inhibitors which can be added to paints.
Clean bathroom with mold-killing products.
Do not carpet bathrooms.
Remove and replace flooded carpets.

I didn't know you could add something to paints to prevent mold.

[kygman]

The mold is why your parents are in failing health. have a friend who bought a house near here and found out the second bathroom has mold in it. According to what they were told she's looking at extensive work to get rid of it. All she can do for now, until her husband gets home from Iraq, is keep the door shut and kids and pets out of that bathroom. Said it won't be cheap!

[nawog]

Parents were sick with breast cancer and heart disease before building the home. They don't go into the basement where the problem is in a bathroom. I am sure mold wouldn't help them and they keep the door closed to the sunroom that has a minor mold problem.

I worry about my sister's young teens who use the moldy bathroom. I am going to encourage her to take some steps after realizing how bad it is.

But chances are, if you live in KY, you probably have some mold. Don't think a little will hurt you; like I said, it is everywhere. Where my parents live, they have had much more rain than usual in the past year. I think that is why the problem is so evident now.

from: Environmental Management Branch
275 E. Main St., HS1C-D
Frankfort, Kentucky 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4856


What are molds and where are they found?
Molds are fungi found both indoors and out, almost everywhere in the environment. They can grow all year long and grow best in warm, damp and humid conditions. Molds spread by making spores that can survive harsh environmental conditions that normally do not support mold growth.
In the home, mold is almost always present in the air and grows best in damp areas with high humidity levels, like bathrooms and basements. While there are perhaps thousands of species of mold, most common indoor molds include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria and Aspergillus.
How can I recognize mold?
Moldy walls and ceilings may be discolored or show signs of water damage. Green or black spots also may appear on walls. Mold has a musty, earthy smell or a foul stench.
How are people affected, and what can be done to decrease exposure?
Allergy sufferers are usually most affected most exposure. Symptoms may include nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, wheezing or skin irritation. More severe reactions may include fever or shortness of breath. People with health concerns that could become worse as a result of mold exposure should contact a health care provider for treatment and advice.
To decrease exposure to mold in the home, keep the humidity level of the home between 40-60 percent. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can also help lower indoor humidity. Always use exhaust fans when showering and cooking. Mold retardants for interior house paint are available at most home improvement stores and, when mixed with paint, reduce mold growth on walls.
How can I test for mold in my home?
Concerned homeowners should test their homes for mold. Mold test kits can be purchased at most home improvement stores. Homeowners also may hire specialized mold consultants conduct home mold test. When found, mold should promptly be removed.
How can I clean up mold in my home?
With mold growth is limited to a small area, most homeowners can clean up the problem themselves. It is important to take steps for your safety when cleaning up mold.
Protect eyes with glasses or goggles. Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves and wear outer clothing that can be washed afterwards.
Be sure the area is well ventilated before beginning. Remove and dispose of all porous items that are wet or previously had been wet for more than 48 hours that cannot be cleaned and dried.This includes carpet and carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, clothing, paper, wood and food. Hard surfaces may be cleaned using soap and water. To disinfect hard surfaces, use a solution of 1 cup household bleach to 1 gallon of water.
For more serious flooding and where mold infestation is severe, consider contacting a mold remediation consultant. A list of mold removal specialists is provided with this informational packet. Be sure when hiring a consultant to check references from previous work.
How do I keep the mold from coming back?
The key to mold prevention is moisture control. For flooding damage, ensure that the home is properly cleaned and dried out using the steps above. For small spots, remove the source of moisture. Mold cannot grow without a source of water. By removing the water source, the homeowner can ensure mold growth will not return. If mold growth persists, consider contacting a mold remediation professional for further advice. Moisture also can be hidden in the home and become a source of mold.
What is toxic mold?
The term toxic mold is incorrect. Certain molds may produce toxins called mycotoxins, but the molds themselves are not toxic.
The bottom line with mold contamination is that all mold should be removed from the home, regardless of what type it is. Any mold has the potential to cause negative health effects if left unchecked.
What does the government do?
Kentucky has not established laws or regulations concerning mold contamination. Currently, no federal standards exist for permissible exposure limits. With no statutes in place for mold exposure or remediation, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services has no authority over such issues.
Information sources:
Molds in the Environment
Protect Yourself From Mold
Mold Questions and Answers
What are molds and where are they found?
Molds are fungi found both indoors and out, almost everywhere in the environment. They can grow all year long and grow best in warm, damp and humid conditions. Molds spread by making spores that can survive harsh environmental conditions that normally do not support mold growth.
In the home, mold is almost always present in the air and grows best in damp areas with high humidity levels, like bathrooms and basements. While there are perhaps thousands of species of mold, most common indoor molds include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria and Aspergillus.
How can I recognize mold?
Moldy walls and ceilings may be discolored or show signs of water damage. Green or black spots also may appear on walls. Mold has a musty, earthy smell or a foul stench.
How are people affected, and what can be done to decrease exposure?
Allergy sufferers are usually most affected most exposure. Symptoms may include nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, wheezing or skin irritation. More severe reactions may include fever or shortness of breath. People with health concerns that could become worse as a result of mold exposure should contact a health care provider for treatment and advice.
To decrease exposure to mold in the home, keep the humidity level of the home between 40-60 percent. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can also help lower indoor humidity. Always use exhaust fans when showering and cooking. Mold retardants for interior house paint are available at most home improvement stores and, when mixed with paint, reduce mold growth on walls.
How can I test for mold in my home?
Concerned homeowners should test their homes for mold. Mold test kits can be purchased at most home improvement stores. Homeowners also may hire specialized mold consultants conduct home mold test. When found, mold should promptly be removed.
How can I clean up mold in my home?
With mold growth is limited to a small area, most homeowners can clean up the problem themselves. It is important to take steps for your safety when cleaning up mold.
Protect eyes with glasses or goggles. Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves and wear outer clothing that can be washed afterwards.
Be sure the area is well ventilated before beginning. Remove and dispose of all porous items that are wet or previously had been wet for more than 48 hours that cannot be cleaned and dried.This includes carpet and carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, clothing, paper, wood and food. Hard surfaces may be cleaned using soap and water. To disinfect hard surfaces, use a solution of 1 cup household bleach to 1 gallon of water.
For more serious flooding and where mold infestation is severe, consider contacting a mold remediation consultant. A list of mold removal specialists is provided with this informational packet. Be sure when hiring a consultant to check references from previous work.
How do I keep the mold from coming back?
The key to mold prevention is moisture control. For flooding damage, ensure that the home is properly cleaned and dried out using the steps above. For small spots, remove the source of moisture. Mold cannot grow without a source of water. By removing the water source, the homeowner can ensure mold growth will not return. If mold growth persists, consider contacting a mold remediation professional for further advice. Moisture also can be hidden in the home and become a source of mold.
What is toxic mold?
The term toxic mold is incorrect. Certain molds may produce toxins called mycotoxins, but the molds themselves are not toxic.
The bottom line with mold contamination is that all mold should be removed from the home, regardless of what type it is. Any mold has the potential to cause negative health effects if left unchecked.
What does the government do?
Kentucky has not established laws or regulations concerning mold contamination. Currently, no federal standards exist for permissible exposure limits. With no statutes in place for mold exposure or remediation, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services has no authority over such issues.
Information sources:
Molds in the Environment
Protect Yourself From Mold
Mold Questions and Answers