humidity and mold with a newborn baby?

Question

We have lived in our rental home for over 1 year. About a week ago we noticed mold growing in the corner of a closet and upon searching our home noticed it was behind some wood furniture. Our landlord is going to replace the carpet and get a dehumidifier. According to a temp gage our house is currently at 70% humidity. We have a 3 month old baby. we have been trying to decide if we should just move out or see what happens with the dehumidifier and the new carpet. Everyone is giving us different advice. It would be very costly to move right now and we really like this house. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Answer 1

Move. No doubt about it. Don't believe me? Then read these links....

http://www.aehf.com/articles/APMmold.htm
http://healthandenergy.com/health_effects_of_mold.htm
http://healthandenergy.com/mold's_harmful_effects.htm
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1626423
http://www.filterair.info/articles/article.cfm/ArticleID/9ABFF3B3-24BE-46DE-8E9E71BFB509F920/Page/1
http://www.metcouncil.net/factsheets/mold.htm
http://www.lamold.com/health_effects.html
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1892134
http://www.realtor.org/gapublic.nsf/pages/moldhealth

If you aren't convinced yet, you never will be... And did you consider that you can get your landlord to pay for your move, since it is his place that has mold....???

One last thing: Mold inhalation can cause sudden infant death syndrome... Do you like the rental home that much???

Good luck... happy packing!

Answer 2

I'm going to go out on a limb here, but you should see what happens with the changes, i.e. new carpet and dehumidifier. Sure, there are toxic molds, but a lot of the black mold is sensationalized hype. That is not to discount the how serious a problem it can be, but don't overreact to something that can be be solved and controlled simply.

First off, seventy percent humidity in a home is ridiculous. You could have a brand new home, but if you have a corner or space that doesn't have any airflow (like behind furniture or in a closet), you will get mold or mildew. That's why places like Florida have air conditioning vents in the closets and vented doors on the closets.

Next, if you have air conditioning, use it. That will help tremendously in getting rid of the moisture.

Finally, make sure your landlord gets a dehumidifier that's capable of removing that much water from the air in your home. Depending on the size of your home, you may need a 40 to 65 pint unit. You might also want to consider some smaller units designed for small spaces like closets that don't use any power at all (Look for an Eva-dry 500 model).

Best of luck!

Answer 3

Mold, especially black mold associated with what you have is around the corners of your rooms, then it's maybe ten times worse or worse if that's believable, behind the walls where you can't see it. The inside of your walls are most likely infested with mold. It's very bad for anyone, especially for a baby that is just starting to mature it's lungs. I wouldn't put the baby in any of the rooms that are in question, it's really very bad for the lungs.

You may be able to clean the mold off the inside walls and hold the humidity down but, I'm afraid it's still there by the ? there's no way to stop it on the inside of the walls and it will go into the air you breathe.

Your summer humidity should be around 30% or less, winter 40%

Molds, and you may check with your pediatritian, are very bad for a baby, whether it's costly or not, the baby is more important, I'd move.

"Oredigger" says black molds are oversensationalized and overhyped? he should really check his facts. black molds are dangerous and can send an asthmatic into sizures. Come down to a ER sometimes and see what happens when a person goes into asthmatic sizure from molds in the air, it's not pretty. We're speaking about a baby here with immature lungs.

Answer 4

Mold is nothing to mess with. May I suggest you find another place to stay until the carpet and mold is removed. Maybe stay with relatives. Right now where you are isn't healthy for anyone especially
your 3 month old. Mold can become airborne and
get into your lungs causing serious health issues.
For the sake of your baby find another place to stay.

Answer 5

Sorry their is no way to remove mold from the walls, other to cut it out, we had existence damage after a hurricane we tried everything and in the end we just had to hire a company that tore out the wall and treated the mold in the air. Moving might be expensive but the health of your baby is worth it

Answer 6

If u have central air, run that at like 60 degrees for 2 days and that should dry stuff out. And get the mold tested. It could be really dangerous.

Answer 7

The longer the better just so your baby can breath fresh/moist air. Especially, of your baby is congested ..the moisture will help loosen up the nasal passageway. If ur worried about using too much electricity then while u take a hot shower she can be in the bathroom with the steam filling the room.

Answer 8

I agree with what everyone else had to say. Mold is dangerous, specially for such a young baby. Do what is best for your child, when it comes to our children, many sacrifices have to be made for their well being.
Good luck!

Answer 9

have the mold tested, it could be toxic and deadly, it's not worth the risk with a child, the landlord is responsible for the cost, perhaps he is insured for mold.

Answer 10

this might sound really weird, but call your local health department and see what they have to say