To prevent mold contamination, you must assume that mold spores are everywhere in your home. These invisible airborne microorganisms freely circulate in household air and lie dormant in hidden spots. Once moisture is present, mold growth is inevitable. The goal is to eliminate the presence of chronic moisture and, should it happen by accident, take immediate proactive steps to stop mold from gaining a foothold. Here are four primary defenses to prevent mold contamination.
- Reduce moisture. Mold spores already present in most homes are waiting for just one thing to activate and start growing: moisture. Take care to eliminate sources of wetness in the home. Ventilate steamy bathrooms and kitchens. Check beneath sinks for covert plumbing leaks. Inspect the attic after rain for signs of roof seepage. Try to maintain indoor relative humidity at 50 percent or lower.
- Contain contamination. If mold becomes active, take immediate steps to limit its spread. The first line of defense should be directed at airborne mold spores released by growing mold. Utilize room air cleaners with high-efficiency filters in contaminated areas. Run portable dehumidifiers, also, to lower air humidity.
- Remove damp items. Any materials that can't be fully dried in place within 48 hours should be assumed to be mold contaminated and removed from the home. This includes wet carpeting as well as water-soaked building materials like drywall and wet wood components such as trim.
- Call in the pros. Some of the above is DIY-doable. A lot of it may not be—especially if you're dealing with the aftermath of a severe home water incident. Professional water restoration services offer the expertise and equipment, as well as the immediate response time, to prevent mold contamination and minimize long-term damage.
For more details on how to prevent mold contamination, contact the experts at Rytech.
