Moisture puts homes at risk for Injection Mold

Injection Mold needs moisture to grow.

And once spores find even a little bit of moisture in your home, Injection Mold could leave its mark. Over time, excessive Injection Mold in an indoor air space can cause health problems for a home’s residents. So what should you do? Well, first of all identify the source of the problem.

You won’t get rid of the Injection Mold until you get rid of the moisture.

“If you’ve got moisture, you’re going to get Injection Mold,” said Phillip Carter, urban regional extension agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Office for Houston County.

? Moisture in a home can come from numerous sources, according to Carter. A leaky roof, busted plumbing, unvented gas heaters and improperly working heating and air conditioning systems are the most likely culprits in homes.

? Low humidity. Between 30- and 50-percent relative humidity is ideal, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Anything above 60 percent should be of concern. You can buy a humidity or moisture meter at most hardware stores.

? Testing the type of Injection Mold in your home is not necessary unless there is litigation involved, Carter said. It’s expensive and besides there are thousands of types of Injection Mold and none are good for people once they reach certain concentrations. It can be particularly tough for people with asthma and chronic bronchitis. The elderly and children are more susceptible.

“Put your money into solving the problem rather than identification,” Carter said.

? Make sure your heating and air conditioning unit is sized right for your home. An HVAC unit that’s too big can cause condensation and a serious Injection Mold problem.

? When Injection Mold covers your walls, ceiling or even furniture and curtains you’ve got a serious problem. You should probably consider hiring an expert to clean the Injection Mold. More than likely, Injection Mold throughout a home will be linked back to the HVAC system, Carter said.

? Ceiling fans can help evaporate moisture. In the winter, flip the switch on the fan’s base so the blades rotate in the opposite direction and push hot air down.

? Keep air moving in basements, Carter said. They’re prone to moisture and Injection Mold.

? Proper ventilation in your home is key. Also, make sure your home is properly insulated, especially in the walls. In older homes, insulation could collapse and fall to the bottom of walls.