|
Written by SuperMold
|
The little hand-painted sign on Shannon Watson's house says "Home Sweet Home." But it's wise to stay away. Mold and mildew lurk inside.
Lime-green stains are seeping through the grain of her wood-paneled
walls, marring her work office. Black smears streak the closet floor in
her 6-year-old daughter's bedroom -- Samantha was sick for weeks.
That's misery, because of mold.
That's a very interesting reading: months after storms hit Florida,
people are still dealing with the terrible effects of water damage.
Read the whole story here.
The Florida Department of Health and The Federal Emergency Management
Agency provide a few useful basic tips if you find yourself in need to
handle a mold problem.
How to check for mold
# Search for stains or fuzzy growths on walls, ceilings,
building materials, furniture and other surfaces. Colors include black,
brown, gray, green, white and yellow.
# Look for water stains or signs of moisture.
# Inspect coils, drain pans and lines in air conditioners and furnaces.
# Beware of musty or earth-like odors.
How to clean mold
# Throw out porous materials including wallboard, rotten wood and paper.
# Scrub using a cleaning pad and non-ammonia soap or detergent in hot water.
# Dry thoroughly.
# Disinfect with a 10 percent bleach solution.
Mold safety tips
# Consider wearing gloves, goggles and
an N-95 particle respirator while cleaning mold. People with heart
disease or chronic lung disease should not use a respirator.
# Don't clean mold if you have asthma or similar allergies.
# Don't mix disinfectants and cleaners.
# Supply fresh air by opening windows and doors.
|
