Duraclean Journal of Marketing, Management and Technical Topics

If you're looking for a cheap and easy way to improve indoor air quality, look no further than the common houseplant, says a study by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA).

Indoor exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions and even infections. Taking precautions, however, can limit exposure and help prevent health problems. The potential for indoor exposure to mold has increased in recent years because of the way we live. Buildings are being built tighter to conserve energy, and the tighter the building structure, the greater the risk of exposure to indoor mold. The use of synthetic building materials literally seals buildings and reduces air movement. The result is a higher moisture content, which is a condition favorable for mold growth.

Poorly designed or maintained heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems contribute to indoor mold exposure as well. Air filters and air filtration devices appear to provide a comfortable habitat for mold, especially in high humidity conditions. HVAC systems may recirculate air that contains mold spores and toxins if there are no effective filter systems to trap them. If systems aren't properly maintained and cleaned, mold growth can go unchecked, and mold will continue to be circulated in the indoor air.

Humidity, of course, is also a major issue. Mold thrives in humid conditions. Human factors contribute to mold exposure as well, including the fact that we spend so much time indoors, and many of us have compromised immune systems from diseases and medications.
And, finally, you have to take into account the emergence of new and harmful mold organisms.

Prevention
There's no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. But controlling excess moisture is a key way to stop indoor mold growth and reduce the presence of mold in the workplace or at home. Ventilation and dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture indoors.

Cleaning also helps reduce mold. Remember, when cleaning mold, always wear the proper PPE, which includes gloves, eye protection, and a mask to protect against airborne spores.
Another mold-fighting strategy is to quickly fix leaks. Leaks are a major source of mold because the moisture provides an ideal environment for mold growth.

Yet another way to deal with small, recurring mold problems is to seal surfaces with a substance such as paint to which fungicide has been added.

Cleanup
A small, localized mold problem can be cleaned up fairly easily and safely using a 10 percent solution of chlorine bleach. Just make sure to use appropriate PPE and dry surfaces completely after cleaning.

Big mold problems, however, need professional treatment. A variety of recommended procedures are currently available for large-scale mold contamination remediation, including use of oxidizers, fungicides and bactericides, and shielding compounds, which seal the antimicrobial agents within the treated surface.