Tips for Reducing Your Exposure to Mold

Many people are allergic to mold, and for some, mold can contribute to asthma symptoms or attacks. The slightest amount of mold in your home can trigger sensitivities and allergens. Mold remediation will restore the amount of mold in your home to safe levels, but it won’t remove it completely, which makes taking other mold-reducing measures crucial to your well-being. In this guide, we’ll go over some tips for reducing your exposure to mold and how to tell the difference between safe and unsafe levels of mold in the home.

Tips for Reducing Your Exposure to Mold

The best way to prevent allergens is to prevent mold from forming. Mold thrives in moisture-heavy environments. Locating and fixing any sources of dampness in your home can decrease the likelihood of it growing. Some tips for reducing your exposure to mold include:

Keep humidity levels low, and use an air conditioner or dehumidifier during particularly humid days or months. Ideally, the humidity in your home should be below 60% on any given day. You can buy a meter at your local hardware store to keep track of your home’s humidity.

Make sure your home has adequate ventilation. Check the exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen to make sure they’re working. Installing a bathroom exhaust fan that vents directly outdoors can help.

• Avoid carpeting any areas that are prone to moisture, including bathrooms, basements, and attics.
• The next time you redecorate, consider adding mold inhibitors to the paint.
• If you have house plants, avoid overwatering them. The excess water can contribute to mold growth.
• If you notice a small amount of mold growth on a hard surface, such as glass, plastic, or tile, clean it with a mixture of bleach, soap, and water. Cleaning it isn’t enough to keep the mold growth at bay, though. Try to locate the source of the mold and eliminate it. If you can’t locate the source or if you notice mold growing on drywall, it’s better to enlist the help of a professional.
• An air conditioning unit with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter attachment will trap outdoor mold spores and keep the air inside your home clean.
• The next time you’re outside, take some precautions to keep your home’s foundation dry. Rake any dead leaves from the ground, clear out thicker shrubs and plants, and make sure rainwater drains away from your house, not toward it.

When Does Mold Become Dangerous?

There are mold spores in the air we breathe. Lower levels of mold in the air might not constitute a health risk, but medium to high levels in the air can trigger allergic reactions and other adverse side effects. Mold really starts to become dangerous when it grows on surfaces due to excess moisture in the environment. If you notice any of the following signs of mold growth, we recommend contacting us to schedule a professional inspection and remediation:

Visible mold growth
A musty odor
Mold allergies or other respiratory problems
Water leaks
Past water damage

If you’re in need of mold remediation in Stamford, Connecticut, Connecticut Mold can help. We use the highest-quality cleaning products and restoration equipment to safely and effectively remove mold from your home. If you have any questions or want to book our sanitation services, call us today!