Creating a Healthy Home Environment: Mold and Mildew Free

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Creating a Healthy Home Environment: Mold and Mildew Free
    ATLANTA, July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Each summer, as temperature and
humidity rise, mold invades thousands of homes. Some 10% of the U.S.
population is sensitive to mold, and invisible mold spores cause countless
allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and sinus infections, according to the
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

    Mold also wreaks havoc on building materials. In nature, mold breaks
down decaying organic matter, but in a home, it can decompose floors,
walls, and other structures.

    Fortunately, mold growth can be controlled. "The key to mold control is
moisture control," says Steven Hong, home health specialist and president
of Sylvane.com (http://www.sylvane.com).

    Hong offers the following tips for creating a healthy home environment
that's mold and mildew free:

    Detecting Mold

    -- Recognize Visible Mold -- Mold grows in damp, dark environments.
Commonly found in bathrooms and basements, it's usually slimy or fuzzy in
appearance, and its color may be green, black, orange, or purple.

    -- Be Aware of Hidden Mold -- Mold can grow behind walls and wallpaper,
above ceiling tiles, and under sinks. If you notice a musty odor in a
particular room, it's likely coming from hidden mold. You can check for
mold with a Mold Test Kit.

    Preventing Mold

    -- Clean Up Spills Immediately -- If you have a spill, leak, or any
kind of water damage in your home, clean and dry out the area immediately.
Mold starts growing within 24-48 hours.

    -- Keep Indoor Humidity Low -- Dehumidifiers keep the humidity low by
removing excess moisture from the air. Keep your home's relative humidity
below 50% to prevent mold growth.

    -- Protect Your Basement -- Basements are notorious for mold and
mildew. Use a basement dehumidifier to prevent mold and mildew growth.

    -- Defend Your Crawlspace -- Crawlspaces are dark and damp -- ideal
environments for mold. Place a plastic vapor barrier on open earth to
reduce moisture. Many crawlspaces require a crawlspace dehumidifier to keep
the mold at bay.

    Cleaning Up Mold

    -- Carefully Clean Visible Mold -- If you see visible mold growth,
carefully clean it up with water and detergent. It's impossible to
completely remove mold from a porous surface such as drywall; this material
will have to be removed and discarded.

    -- Protect Yourself While Cleaning -- The Environmental Protection
Agency recommends wearing an N-95 respirator mask, gloves, and goggles
while cleaning mold. Black mold or toxic mold (usually found in buildings
with severe water damage) produces dangerous toxins that can cause
neurological symptoms and even death. If you encounter extensive mold
growth, or if you suspect that it may be toxic mold, contact a mold
remediation professional.

    "Indoor mold is a major cause of sinus infections, allergies, and
asthma attacks, not to mention structural damage to buildings," says Hong.
"But if you control your home's humidity, then mold doesn't stand a
chance."

    Sylvane.com (http://www.sylvane.com) is a leading online supplier of
dehumidifiers and other products for creating a healthy, safe and
comfortable home environment.




Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click
appropriate link.
Steven Hong
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=76654
SOURCE Sylvane.com
http://www.sylvane.com
CONTACT:
Don Goncalves for Sylvane.com,
+1-781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com