Mold

Although molds are always present in the air, those that cause mildew need moisture and certain temperatures in order to grow. Molds commonly develop in humid summer weather, especially in houses that are closed. Mold can be dangerous to your child's health.

What is Mold?

• Molds are growths that are part of the natural environment.
• Mold is made up of millions of spores, all growing together in a colony.
• Mold comes in a variety of color, depending on the type.

How Can Mold Affect My Child?

• Mold spores float through the air and can irritate your child’s respiratory system and cause difficulty breathing.
• Mold exposure can trigger asthma attacks.
• Over time, mold exposure causes fatigue and headaches, and in severe instances can lead to death.
• Allergic reactions to mold are common. All allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.

Where Could Mold Be Hiding?

Mold grows wherever it is damp, warm, poorly lighted, and/or where air is not circulated such as:

• Cellars and basements
• Crawl spaces of houses without basements
• Clothing closets
• Draperies and rugs in basement recreation rooms
• Shower curtains, tiles
• Damp clothes rolled up for ironing
• Ceilings, leaky roofs, attics
• Naturally occurs in humidifiers

Mold may be present in newly built homes because of moisture in the building materials and lack of air circulation.

What Can You Do About Mold?

Finding mold is not a cleanliness issue

• Mold exists because of moisture.
• Moisture control is key to mold control.
• When water leaks or spills occur indoors – act quickly.
• If wet or damp materials or areas are dried within 24 to 48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.

How Do I Clean Up Mold?

Cleaning up mold is an important task. Use these tips to safely clean up mild mold problems and lead your children to a healthier home.

If the surfaces you are cleaning are dry, or mostly dry:

• Lightly mist with water.
• Clean the affected area with soap to remove as much of the mold as possible.
• Apply a disinfectant to kill mold spores that are left behind.
• Clean all surfaces thoroughly in the areas that contain visible mold, and even surfaces that do not have visible mold.
• Dry the surface completely once it has been cleaned and disinfected.
• Be sure to protect yourself by wearing a mask and gloves.

For more information about mold clean up, if your home has a serious mold problem, or you have black mold in your home please contact your local health department before trying to remove the mold yourself.

Additional Resources

• Environmental Protection Agency
• Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
• Toxic Black Mold

• Home Safe Kids Curriculum
  Contact Kendra Moyses at 517-432-7654 or kmoyses@msu.edu

Mold Review

Please move your mouse over the choices to know the right answer

1. Mold is caused by dirty living conditions.
            True          False
2. Mold can cause respiratory problems, including asthma attacks.
            True          False
3. Mold can grow in humid, damp places.
            True          False
4. Mold is not a natural occurrence in our environment.
            True          False
5. Mold can be controlled by controlling moisture.
            True          False