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47% of homes in USA have unsafe levels of mold, expert warns
Mold is surprisingly prevalent in American homes. Unless you take the necessary precautions when dealing with it, you could put yourself at risk.
Maintaining a healthy living environment starts with the little things: changing your bedsheets regularly, so that moisture doesnt have time to build up and lead to mattress mold; decluttering to avoid the build-up of bad odors in secluded, damp corners; and so on. But if the situation has already spiraled out of control, what then?
Expert warns that nearly half of American homes have unsafe levels of mold
47% of homes in the United States have unsafe levels of mold, warns Daniel Ufland, founder of interior styling platform Flitch. This figure appears to be from a 2022 report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
1 in 5 asthma cases and a scary 93% of chronic sinus infections result from mold, he adds; mold also contributes to indoor air pollution, which the WHO estimates kills more than 3 million people a year, worldwide.
In most cases, mold results from a combination of high humidity and poor ventilation. Fungi love damp spaces.
As high humidity becomes a growing problem due to longer, hotter summers, mold is a growing problem as well, Daniel says. Literally. But winters also give colonies of microorganisms new and exciting opportunities for growth. The colder it is, the harder it can be to dry out a space. It’s also harder to find the motivation to ventilate a home when it’s cold outside.
You could have mold because your windows are leaking water into the house, or due to a damaged roof or poorly maintained guttering, Daniel says. Leaking pipes need to be spotted and dealt with.
But there are things you can do on a day-to-day basis to limit the growth of mold. They include:
- Opening the windows or turning on the extractor fan whenever you cook a meal or take a shower.
- Ventilate your home regularly even if youre not cooking or washing.
- Use a squeegee to remove excess water from your bathroom walls after a shower/bath.
What to do if you have mold growing in your home and what not to do
Disturbing the mold releases the spores into the air, Daniel warns. If airflow is not managed properly, these spores can be carried in the air and spread to other areas of your home. Mold removal needs to be dealt with correctly to prevent this.
In other words, you could make the problem worse if you dont tackle it properly.
Moreover, breathing in mold can cause several health issues, such as respiratory diseases like asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic sinus infections. For this reason, its important to take some basic yet necessary steps to protect yourself and the rest of your home from the potential health risks of mold spores.
Put on personal protective equipment (PPE)
This includes masks, elbow-length gloves, eye protection, and overalls.
Masks must have a filter to catch spores, separating them from the air you breathe, Daniel says. Meanwhile, gloves protect you from getting spores or harsh cleaning products all over your hands.
Eye protection will shield your eyes from products like bleach while wearing overalls means your normal clothes wont become contaminated by spores.
Ventilate the space
Manage the airflow. Open as many windows and doors as possible, ideally to create cross-ventilation that sucks the spores out of the house.
If youre really worried, seal up the cracks around the door with tape while youre inside cleaning, Daniel advises. Seal shut again for a while once youre done.
Use specialized mold removers
These might be labeled all-purpose or used for specific purposes. Follow the instructions on the label.
Use bleach
Mix one part bleach to one part water and use it to wipe away mold. Dry the area with a clean cloth. Daniel recommends trialing it on a small section of the wall to make sure it doesnt damage the paintwork or wallpaper.
Use vinegar
White vinegar can be an effective cleaning agent if youre avoiding harsh chemicals. Mix one part vinegar with one part water and apply it with a cloth. Just throw away any used wipes, or at least wash them thoroughly, since theyll be contaminated.
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