So even though September is more than half way over already, we felt it necessary to inform you that it is Mold Awareness Month.  September 5-October 5 has been deemed such by the industry because mold spores that commonly grow in summer humidity are often trapped as people close up homes and foundation vents in the fall. Just a few of these spores can make you and your family sick.  Mold is one of those problems that one should never ignore, so take the rest of this month – or however long it takes you! – to deal with that pesky mold problem you keep thinking will take care of itself.  Now some of you may be thinking, “Mold problems are blown way out of proportion!” but I’m here to give you some Facts on Mold so you’ll know it’s a big deal.

• Air Quality: According to the U.S. EPA, the air inside the average American home can be more than 100 times more polluted than the air outside. New homes usually have poorer air quality than older homes because they’re air tight, so spores can’t escape, providing a perfect breeding ground.
• Common household molds cause: asthma, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes.  Infants and the elderly are most the at risk, because they often have weaker immune systems.
• Mold is prevalent in most homes and it’s often difficult to eradicate, but all mold requires moisture to grow, so reducing moisture will reduce mold growth.
• Mold grows on Windowsills, closets, wall paper, flooring, in or around showers, dishwashers, washing machines, and even in the soil of potted plants.
• Mold can be caused by: slow dripping pipes, condensation, standing water on or under carpets and floor boards, leaky dryer vents, broken shingles and wet insulation.

And lastly, if none of these facts has convinced you to check on and deal with the mold in your home, consider the following court statistics:

• There are an estimated 10,000 mold-related court cases nationwide.
• There has been a 300 percent increase in litigation involving mold contamination over the past five years.
• The average mold claim costs $35,000 and many exceed $100,000.

Now that you’re thoroughly convinced that the mold growing your home can cause many a problem, here is how you can prevent and control mold in your home:

• When water leaks, ACT QUICKLY.  If you dry wet materials 24 – 48 hours after a leak or spill, mold will not grow in most cases.
• Clean and repair roof gutters and leaky roofs regularly.
• Point sprinklers away from the home and siding.
• Make sure landscapes slope away from your home’s foundation so water doesn’t collect.
• Keep relative indoor humidity low, if possible below 60 percent.  Humidity is measured most accurately with a moisture meter, a small $10 – $50 instrument found at most hardware stores.
• Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers regularly.
• Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering and up to 10 minutes afterward.
• Use exhaust fans or open widows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or even washing dishes.