Prevention Is The Key To Eco-Friendly Mold Remediation
Posted on: 29 December 2016
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Mold growth can become a significant problem in both homes and buildings with public uses. When mold levels get too high, there can be negative effects on human health. When mildew, mold, or spores have become too overwhelming, the property owner or staff will often call for professional mold remediation services. With the advent of the green movement, however, many people have come to realize that mold removal might have a negative impact on the environment. There are two ways to address this concern. One way is to try to make mold remediation environmentally friendly. Another approach is to invest time and energy into mold prevention.
"Prevention is The Best Medicine"
Some methods exist for remediation that reduce environmental impact. You can wash moldy areas with vinegar and baking soda, certain essential oils, or professional "green" mold removal products for small-scale problems. For larger problems, dry ice blasting has become a popular, nontoxic method. However, there are still cases where full-scale professional mold remediation, including use of toxic chemicals, is necessary for health or building integrity. Ultimately, this is harmful to the environment. In the long run, therefore, the best thing for the environment is to prevent mold from growing in the first place.
Mold Prevention For Homeowners
The most important part of preventing mold in any building is reducing moisture. A guide posted by the EPA gives useful tips for this in the context of a home. Always be sure to clean spills and dry damp areas within two days of the spill. The gutters of the house roof will need to be properly cared for. When choosing a home, pick one where the yard inclines slightly down from the house's foundation. If the foundation is at the bottom of a slope, more water will gather there. Keeping humidity low is also important (for example, running a bathroom fan during showering, or airing out the kitchen when running the dishwasher). Another key is reducing condensation (which can be done, for instance, by opening windows or doors when feasible).
Mold Prevention For Schools and Commercial Buildings
An EPA page about mold and air quality in schools provides solid advice that can apply to schools as well as commercial buildings in general. Keep the humidity low inside, preferably keeping levels at 30-60%. Always be alert for sensory clues of mold, such as a moldy smell, patches of discoloration from moisture, or standing water in kitchens and bathrooms. Be sure to keep carpets dry, check for spills, fix plumping and water leaks, and replace absorbent tiles if they show mold. To keep condensation from building up, insulate cold surfaces like piping and flooring. These tips will come in handy for mold prevention.