The dangers of black mold in homes have been well documented and publicized much lately. A 300% increase in cases of asthma in the last 20 years has been linked to the exposure to mold, as has the increase in respiratory infections and sinus infections. The young, the elderly, and others with suppressed immune systems (such as HIV-AIDS patients) are at higher risk to develop infections from mold.

Mold is everywhere. Over 50 types of mold are considered to be the cause of serious problems, including Stachbotry, more commonly know as "black mold". Mold can become a significant problem when it is exposed to water or high humidity (above 55%). Damp, dark areas with poor air circulation allow the mold spores to sprout and spread. As a realtor, I have inspected many, many homes, and can tell immediately when mold is present. Since mold grows in dark spaces, it is not always readily visible, but you can smell the musty odor immediately if it is present in the home. The odor is usually your first clue that the problem exists.

Mold spores grow on organic materials, such as carpet, leather, wood, sheetrock, and insulation. Mold can also be found growing along walls where cold air from the exterior wall comes in contact with an interior wall. Behind dressers, headboards, and in closets are prime places for mold growth.

If you find mold growing in your home, and the area it covers is less that 10 square feet, EPA guidelines allow you to clean it up yourself. For larger areas you need to call in a professional, which can be found in the Yellow Pages under "Fire and Water Damage Restoration".

To clean it up yourself, use protective gloves and goggles. Close off the room you are working in to limit the spread of airborne spores. Bag up and remove moldy materials and put them directly in the trash. Then wash the surface where the mold is growing with laundry detergent and warm water and allow it to dry thoroughly. You can also use a solution of 1/4 cup bleach to one quart of water, wash down the surface, let it dry, and repeat. After the area has dried completely, apply a borate-based detergent solution and don't rinse. A borate-based detergent will list "borate" on the label. This helps to prevent mold from growing here in the future.

You can obtain a kit that will test for the exact type of mold in your home. Try www.hometest.com for more information on the type of kits available. You can also purchase the same type of mold remediation chemicals used by professionals at www.traskresearch.com. Products you can use to fog your home to cure and prevent mold are available at your local hardware stores.

The best defense against mold in your home is a good offense. Fix water leaks and use a fan to dry out the area. Repair leaky roofs. Install and use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom areas. Vacuum and clean you home regularly to remove mold spores, using a HEPA filter that will trap the spores and not release them back into the air.

Learn more about this author, JoAnn Powell.
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