For mold growth to occur, all of four elements (moisture, temperature, food supply, oxygen must be present. Just by removing one of these elements from the equation you will not have a toxic mold issue.

In order for mold to proliferate, it needs a moist environment such as damp clothes to grow.

Mold must breathe. Sure, mold needs moisture to live but, like us, they will drown if they are completely submerged in water. It goes without saying that removing oxygen to get rid of the mold would likely cause you more discomfort before affecting the mold.

Molds like comfortable temperatures. Unfortunately, the temperature range conducive to mold growth is the same range of temperatures that humans feel the most comfortable. If you have a thermostat, you can control your indoor temperature. However, this is also not an ideal solution as the temperatures that mold growth is inhibited are temperatures that humans are also uncomfortable with.

The only element that we can control, is the mold’s food source. Remove the food source and there can be no mold growth.

Removing dust from surfaces (whether or not it contains mold spores) also removes the food that the mold feeds on.

The most common method used to remove mold (or, more accurately, the mold growth medium) is via the use of chemical cleaners.

However, there are certain safety considerations that need to be addressed. Using too much or using cleaners improperly may leave you more mold than when you began your cleaning project.

Chemical cleaners on contaminated surfaces will likely kill any mold growth that the chemical touches but the residual moisture may help to promote future mold growth. Prevent this from happening by making sure that the surface is wiped and dried off immediately after spraying.

Carpets that have been shampooed that are damp, can also retain enough moisture for mold to grow on.

Laundry hung in the closet, before it has been thoroughly dried, is good for mildew. Most closets do not have enough ventilation and this may account for the musty closet odors.

Surfaces can be scratched by cleaners. As a result, water or humidity can seep back in. Dirt, dust or fabric, can combine to provide a nice environment for mold spores to proliferate from.

Even when growth does not occur, damage to walls can result as evidenced by warping. Once the surface is damaged, it will be easier for mold to grow next time.

There can be allergy symptoms from chemical cleaners can cause rashes, etc; similar to the symptoms you can experience when exposed to toxic mold.

Make sure that you have adequate ventilation upon using chemical cleaners. Use gloves to minimize contact with the skin and eye protection where appropriate.

Typically, there are thousands of mold spores that we breathe in every day. Mold spores are ubiquitous; everywhere. You can never successfully remove all of the mold spores from the air you breathe but you can take measures to reduce the allergens in your home or business environment and prevent them from reaching toxic levels.

Filed under: General Health

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