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Mold and Moisture


Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.

It is not possible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors, but mold will only grow if moisture is present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

The Weatherization Assistance Program is not a mold remediation program. The use of DOE funds for the removal of mold and other related biological substances is not an allowable Weatherization expense. If necessary, Weatherization services may need to be delayed until the existing mold problem can be referred to another agency for funding of remedial action. DOE funds may be used to correct energy-related conditions to allow for effective weatherization work and/or to ensure the immediate health of workers and clients.
 

Guidance and Standards

Mold Training

This training contains six lessons as well as resource materials. The lessons are PowerPoint presentations while the support materials are in Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat PDF formats.

Links to Organizations

Links to Articles

Links to Training

Recommended Reading and Tools

  • A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture & Your Home – EPA
  • A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture & Your Home(Spanish) – EPA
  • Mold and Mildew Release (English)
  • Mold and Mildew Release (Spanish)
  • Diagnosing Wall Moisture, Home Energy Magazine, January/February 2001
  • Minnesota Mold Busting, Home Energy Magazine, May/June 2002
  • Missteps with Mold, Home Energy Magazine, July/August 2002
  • Moisture Assessment Software Tools, Home Energy Magazine, January/February 2001
  • Moisture Problems in Manufactured Housing, Home Energy Magazine, March/April 2002
  • Mold, A Poltergeist, Home Energy Magazine, January/February 2001
  • New Handbook Breaks the Mold, Home Energy Magazine, March/April 2002
  • Public Housing Breaks the Mold, Home Energy Magazine, September/October 2001
  • Public Housing Breaks the Mold, Part II: Veterans Era Housing, Home Energy Magazine, November/December 2001
  • Remediating Mold: A Clip-Out Checklist for Building Professionals, Home Energy Magazine, July/August 2002
  • Watching the Humid Climates, Home Energy Magazine, September/October 2002


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