I have an older home and unfortunatly the basement was flooded. It has since had a mold problem which allows spores to get into the A/C ventalation system.
2007-07-29 10:54:43 · 6 answers · asked by Keith 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
Mold is produced to high levels of moistuire. If your basement flooded and you have mold on walls then the levels of moisture are high.
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
Some facts about mold:
Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
Install an air purifier in the basement, running 24 hours a day to get rid of mites that can pollute the environment. Exposure to mold can produce respiratory illnesses and in time affect the tissue of the lungs.
2007-07-29 13:38:26 · answer #1 · answered by cruisechloe 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have to get rid of any items that mold spores are colonizing due to moisture. (Like drywall etc) Once those moldy items are gone, next is to fix all the leaks or moisture intrusion. Next is to dry out the structure and clean the air. Fans, dehumidifiers and air scrubbers are what everyone uses on mold jobs. After all is done, change your air filters and you should be good to go. If you need a clearance test performed, the test is performed after the work is all done and air is as good as you believe it can be. (Usually, before you put all the drywall back in).
There is no magic way to get rid of mold other than the hard way. If it sounds easy, it usually doesn't work.
Sorry for the bad news.
2015-12-02 12:47:36 · answer #2 · answered by luyi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prepare a solution of chlorine bleach & water :-
By taking one part bleach to 3 parts water – or get hold of a household detergent like Domestos bleach spray with bleach as an active ingredient.
Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the infected area. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
2016-02-07 20:02:09 · answer #3 · answered by Davis Miller 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While that is one heck of a great plan, it won't stop the mould from coming back...heat and humidity are the number one culprits that bring on mould. However, this plan will slow it down a little. Get a dehumidifier in that room and run it 24/7, which will further slow it down, but of course, won't eliminate it completely and forever.
2016-04-01 08:33:09 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need to scrub down your basement with bleach to kill the mold , as far as the ac ducts I'm not too sure about that , i would think replacing the infected duct work would be quicker and easier then trying to disassemble and clean it.
one of my friends worked at the fema call center , she took calls from the Katrina victims , the people were begging for help and all that she was supposed to tell them was to scrub all the surfaces with bleach.
2007-07-29 11:09:22 · answer #5 · answered by Curious George 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is the basement have a good vent to dry out ? If not then it's not going to air out and your going to have this problem.
2007-07-29 11:06:11 · answer #6 · answered by freekin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋