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NANCY D. IN NEW HAMPSHIRE ASKS: The past few seasons have been so wet where I live, and reading the news, it looks like it’s really damp all over the country. Usually it’s dry here in the winter. This year, not so much. I’m concerned about mold exposure. Is it serious? How do I know if I have toxic mold?
MOM DETECTIVE ANSWERS:
Thanks for this question, Nancy. There are many different kinds of mold. Some outside mold does wonders for the ecosystem, and mold isn’t too shabby for things like medicine either. But indoors, mold, and especially toxic mold, can be less desirable. Those of us who live in very humid states may already know our mold basics, but most of the humidity you come across in New Hampshire probably happens in the summer—so here’s a refresher.
Mostly mold grows in humid and moist environments in any home. That’s why it pops up frequently in bathrooms (that shower vapor mist) and below ground basements (perpetually damp). These are often places without adequate ventilation too. Air is needed to dry up moisture, so mold thrives in stuffy places. Mold grows by the generation of small spores that float around indoor air. When those invisible spores find wet host surfaces, mold generates. Most people use mildew and mold interchangeably or to refer to a musty indoor scent—think of how most beach houses smell. But technically mildew is a specific strain of mold frequently found where there isn’t proper ventilation.
Is mold serious?
Yes, depending on the type. Mold exposure through inhalation or touch can trigger allergic reactions, including respiratory issues, like asthma attacks in people who have asthma, and skin rashes. Unfortunately, identifying what a random splotch on your ceiling from a leaky roof is isn’t the sort of determination the average person can make. So it’s hard to know what’s bad for your health and what’s just ugly. Still, if you see a little black mold on your shower door, you’re likely fine and don’t need to call in an emergency expert.
Toxic versions of mold exist but are rare. There’s a difference between the mold that may be discoloring your shower grout and the kind people colloquially call toxic mold or black mold. The more uncommon and harmful molds are known to produce dangerous mycotoxins. Their health impacts vary but can be stronger than other molds. Toxic mold tends to occur on consistently moist material that contains cellulose, such as paper, wood, and ceiling tile. Bathtub tiles don’t typically contain cellulose. But if you have black mold growing on a material containing cellulose in your home, especially if you have had a leak or other water damage, have it tested. There are a wide variety of mold testing kits on the market, but the Environmental Protection Agency says mold testing via sampling and analysis is best done by professionals. If you’re going the DIY mold testing route, wear precautionary gear and a mask. Molds of all kinds can provoke reactions in people with allergies and other respiratory problems. If any tested mold comes back as a dangerous strain, seek the help of someone who specializes in mold remediation, which usually involves removal, cleanup, and prevention.
How to reduce mold in bathrooms, basements, and beyond
If you’re looking to reduce or prevent mold to help with respiratory illness and protect the growing lungs of children in your home, you need to increase air flow. Spores of any variety won’t be able to grow in a dry environment. Ventilation, including fans and dehumidifiers, can drastically reduce moisture—from a flood, leak, or just a regular old damp basement.
Moisture in bathrooms should evaporate relatively quickly post shower with adequate ventilation. If you see droplets lingering, you don’t need a mold remediation company. Here are some ways to increase ventilation:
- Shower with the windows open on days when outdoor air quality is safe.
- If you have an exhaust fan, use it.
- If you don’t have a ventilation fan, especially in an interior bathroom without windows, invest in and use a small fan or a dehumidifier.
- Take a cold shower if you’re willing. Cold showers create less condensation than steamy ones.
- Wipe down the tub and walls with a dry cloth or a squeegee after you bathe.
- Post showers, leave the bathroom door open for air flow.
- Moisture can linger on shower curtains—let the tub dry out first, then close the curtain to help it dry.
- Condensation can happen outside the shower—if your cold toilet tank or pipes drip on hot days, take steps to reduce the moisture.
Open windows, fans, and dehumidifiers help all over the house, not just bathrooms. Not all dehumidifiers are created equal—make sure you choose the right one for your room size and placement. Most will show the moisture level in the room, helping you reach optimal levels. Air conditioners can also help reduce moisture. Inexpensive moisture meters can also help monitor your house humidity levels, which change with seasons and weather.
Other ways to reduce moisture in a home include checking the entire house for leaks—don’t forget the laundry room or the attic—and fixing them quickly. When it comes to damp basements, regrading the soil just outside the home can help move moisture away from the foundation of the house. Barriers like plastic sheeting and special paints can also block moisture from seeping through a foundation. Sealing cracks helps too. While the ideal floor in any basement is concrete, many finished basements have rugs. Carpet—especially wall-to-wall to in a flood prone and damp area of the house—holds moisture and is a breeding ground for mold, including black and toxic mold. Washable cotton rugs are a much better option for basements as well as mudrooms.
Kitchens can also be moisture zones—think of how steamy windows get when you boil water. Use your ventilation system and open windows. And anywhere you use a humidifier and notice condensation, the room is getting too moist. If you’ve increased air flow and musty smells persist, consider calling in an expert set of eyes. Let the mold remediation expert know you want to increase ventilation to reduce mold exposure, not use mildewcides containing toxic chemicals that will pollute your indoor air.
Extreme weather caused by climate change is increasing humidity. Join Moms Clean Air Force to advocate for reducing climate pollution—and keep humidity, flooding, and mold in check.