REVISITING MOLD

11.20.08

We seem to have had a wetter than normal year and since, what should be snow is coming down as rain at this time of year, I have been conscious of "damp smelling" basements and houses that I have been in lately.

Older homes with (porous) stone foundations and dirt/earth floors, or even cement floors, are particularly vulnerable to dampness and odors associated with this condition. Mildew and mold can form quite readily and odors emitted from this condition can migrate up through flooring and into the main floor environment.

Short of having all mold removed, dehumidifiers are a "weapon" to combat mold conditions. Here are some other points about mold:

Respiratory complaints are often associated with the presence of mold and mildew; moisture is the host that promotes mold presence; eliminating moisture helps prevent mold, therefore stopping moisture penetration is your best defense against its existence; bathrooms, wall-to-wall carpeting, and closets are other source-areas for mold presence.

Proper ventilation, prevention of condensation, and the complete removal of materials that collect and hold moisture are other things you can do to get rid of mold.

Complete removal, permanently, is all but impossible in our climate, so unless you are ultra-sensitive to it, you may not need, or want, to be too compulsive about this issue. After all it can grow on wood, paper, and foods, which pretty much covers something that is in everyone's home.

©: 2008 R. Leech features.