QUICK STEPS TO GET RID OF MOLD IN YOUR HOME

Molds can cause nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing or skin irritation in some people. Other people may have more severe reactions. Find out about getting rid of mold in your home.

To find mold that might be growing in your home:

• Search for moisture in areas that have a damp or moldy smell, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Look for water stains or colored, fuzzy growth on and around ceilings, walls, floors, windowsills and pipes.
• If you smell a musty odor, search behind and underneath materials such as carpeting, furniture or stored items.
• Inspect kitchens and bathrooms for standing water, water stains and patches of out-of-place color.
  
  

To control moisture problems and mold:

• Fix any water problems immediately and clean or remove wet materials, furnishings or mold.
• Clean up spills or floods within one day. If practical, take furniture that has been wet outside to dry and clean. Direct sunlight prevents mold growth.
• Dry all surfaces and fix the problem or leak to prevent further damage.

Links to More Information About Mold

• A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Facts about Stachybotrys chartarum and Other Molds - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Biological Pollutants in Your Home - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Mold Resources - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Texas State Department of Health Services - Mold Web Site