What are some of the common indoor molds in San Diego?

• Cladosporium

• Penicillium

• Alternaria

• Aspergillus

Some people are sensitive to different varieties of molds.  Exposure to molds can cause nuisance symptoms in people such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation.  People with serious allergies to molds may have more severe reactions.  Severe reactions may also occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay for example.  More severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath.  People with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease may develop mold infections in their lungs.

Where are molds found?

Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected year round both indoors and outdoors.  As we mentioned, mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions.  Outdoors mold can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing.  Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Sensitive people should avoid areas that are likely to have mold such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas.  Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%, and ventilating showers and cooking areas.  If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and eliminate the water problem or hire a professional to inspect the home.  Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.  If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners.  Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.

• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.

• Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.

• If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.  Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. You can get it free by calling the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318, or by going to the EPA web site at http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html.
  

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

Follow these recommendations to get rid of mold in the home:

• Keep the humidity level in the house between 40% and 60%.

• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.

• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.

• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.

• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.

• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.

• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

 What areas have high mold exposures?

• Antique shops

• Greenhouses

• Saunas

• Farms

• Mills

• Construction areas

• Flower shops

• Summer cottages

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