Joe | 
10 23rd, 2008| 
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional.
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Water damage to a house can occur in many ways. Even the most solidly built and well-maintained home can be damaged by a violent force of nature, such as a flood, hurricane, tornado, or wildfire. In other situations, a water pipe may burst, or your hot water tank may break while you’re away on vacation and do serious water damage to your home and possessions. There’s no way to predict exactly how a water-related emergency might occur. But, it’s a constant possibility and fact-of-life for homeowners.
At Gold Coast Flood Restorations we are here to help you with water damage. Please visit our website at www.GoldCoastFlood.com or call us today at 888-373-9243.
Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immune-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of mold spores will remain – these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.
Please note: Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed.
Recovery of Water-damaged Collections with Mold
* Active mold looks either fuzzy or slimy.
* Do not attempt to remove active mold.
* Dormant mold is dry and powdery. See safety precautions above for handling mold.
Stop mold outbreaks by improving environmental conditions. Humidity levels should be as low as possible below 50%. Use a dehumidifier. Low temperatures — below 68° F — are recommended.
Short exposure to sunlight and circulating air outdoors may help to dry moldy items more rapidly.
Note:There may be light damage (fading or discoloration); use this treatment only with materials where some light damage is acceptable.
When the mold has become dormant through drying it can be removed, using a vacuum cleaner and/or a soft brush. After vacuuming, dispose of bag. Clean brushes to prevent spreading the mold spores. Safety precautions are particularly important in this stage.
Water damage to materials may be irreversible. The treatment of items of high monetary, historic or sentimental value should be referred to a conservator.
