Problem/Question:

Does mold in the house affect your health and can it cause any diseases?

 

Hypothesis:

We think mold carries diseases and can affect your health, and it could become dangerous for the people living there. 

 

Observations:

During our investigation we found out that mold can have different shapes, colours, and odors.

• Musty Odor
• Visible discoloration or staining
• Size determines the severity of the problem
• Damp Walls, Upholstery, Floor, or Cabinetry
• Moisture Condensation 
• Taste
• Allergic reactions and rashes to human 

 

Communication:

Photos, infographics, definitions, charts.

 

How do you deal with house mold?

It's pretty common to have mold in your house the problem is pretty simple, you just need to buy some products to clean the mold with, but sometimes if the mold is very severe you may need to get an expert to clean it off. If you see mold somewhere in your house then you should clean it as soon as possible or there will be serious conditions such as irritated eyes or even cancer.There are easier ways to get rid of mold than others.It depends on the surface:

Walls: Stick to dish soap and water and apply using a sponge of microfiber cloth. Don’t scrub too hard, but work in the solution as best you can. Then rinse and leave to dry. If this hasn’t done the trick, you can also dilute baking soda and water, before letting it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and drying. Simply mix one quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda into a spray bottle of water before shaking the bottle to dissolve the baking soda

Wood:First, using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner, vacuum any loose spores from the surface.After this, you can potentially remove the mold with a simple combination of dish soap and water. Apply the solution using a microfiber cloth and a spray bottle, but try not to saturate the surface as you do. Dry as best you can with a towel and then leave to air dry. Diluted vinegar can also be an effective cleaner in this instance, although the wood may absorb the smell for a while. Apply using a microfiber cloth once again, then rinse with a damp cloth and leave to dry. Do not use bleach to remove mold from wood — it will struggle to penetrate the surface, so it won't clean effectively. 

Shower:You can scrub the mold away using dish soap, warm water and a scrubbing brush such as the Amazer Scrub Brush, then rinse and dry afterwards with a microfiber cloth. You can alternatively use a dedicated mold and mildew cleaner such as Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover.

(tomsguide website)”

 

How do you know if you have mold in your house?

 

• Musty Odor
• Damp Walls, Upholstery, Floor, or Cabinetry
  If surfaces feel damp—walls, floors, furniture, cabinetry—the level of humidity in the home is too high.
  To help reduce humidity, add a dehumidifier or run your HVAC system more frequently. Clean or remove any mold growth found.
• Leaky Plumbing
  Even a small, slow leak can add enough moisture to encourage mold growth. 
• Moisture Condensation
  If you see droplets of water on walls, windows, windowsills, or around a refrigerator, freezer, or air conditioner coils, mold is sure to follow. Condensation occurs because the surfaces are typically colder than the air or other surfaces in the home.
• Taste
  If your cup of coffee tastes off, it could be there is mold in your coffee maker.
• Allergic Reactions
  If someone in your family begins to show signs of an allergic reaction - sneezing, coughing, rashes - that won't go away, it could be because of mold.⁴ Consult with your physician and if mold exposure is the cause, take action to remove the mold

 

When do I need professional help?

When do I need professional help for mold?

Depending on the type of building, the size of the area, or how long it takes, you may need professional help to clean and remove mould.

1. Less than 1 square foot of mould that is close together (contiguous):

• You or regular cleaning staff can easily clean these areas by scrubbing surfaces clean with soap and water. It’s a good idea to wear personal protective equipment (PPE, such as a face mask). Wash your hands as soon as you’re done the work.

2. Between 1 and 10 square feet of mould that is close together (contiguous):

• You or regular cleaning staff can easily clean these areas by scrubbing surfaces clean with soap and water. People doing the work should be trained on clean-up methods, personal protection, and possible health hazards. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should include a disposal N95 respirator and disposable gloves.
• Babies younger than 12 months old and people with weakened immune systems, long-term lung problems, or allergies should stay out of the area. Seal door openings, ventilation system openings (like vents and grills), and other openings that let air move.

•  

• PPE: Wear a full-face N95 respirator and disposable gloves.
• Limited containment: Isolate the work area (keep it separate from other areas) using floor to ceiling plastic sheets with a slit entry and covering flap. This stops dust and debris from spreading. Cover any ceilings, walls, or floors that are not affected by mould.
• Isolation: Use barriers and signs to keep the area separate and don’t let anyone in who doesn’t need to be. This also stops mould particles from spreading through the air. Seal openings or pathways that let air move, such as the HVAC system vents and grills, pipe chases, electrical outlets.
• Pressurization control: Use negative pressure so air can move into but not out of the work area. Block supply and return air vents within the area.
• Dust suppression: Mist (don’t soak) surfaces before you start the work to stop mould spores from travelling through the air.
• Cleaning: When the work is finished, HEPA vacuum or clean the work area and nearby areas with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution. Make sure all exposed surfaces that are part of the building are wiped dry.

• For rental home, public facilities (such as schools, daycares, hospitals), and commercial buildings, follow this advice:

• You need to hire a professional contractor that knows how to clean and remove mould and an environmental consultant. The consultant is an independent professional who provides quality assurance and quality control. This means they let the building owner and Alberta Health Ser

Depending on the type of building, the size of the area, or how long it takes, you may need professional help to clean and remove mould. Size determines the severity of the problem.

1. Less than 1 square foot of mould that is close together (contiguous):

You can easily clean these areas by scrubbing surfaces clean with soap and water. It’s a good idea to wear personal protective equipment (PPE, such as a face mask). Wash your hands as soon as you’re done the work.

2. Between 1 and 10 square feet of mould that is close together (contiguous):

You can easily clean these areas by scrubbing surfaces clean with soap and water. People doing the work should be trained on clean-up methods, personal protection, and possible health hazards. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should include a disposal N95 respirator and disposable gloves.

3. Between 11 and 99 square feet of mould that is close together (contiguous):

If you own and live in the home, it’s best to hire a professional contractor who knows how to clean and remove mould and an environmental consultant. 

 

Mold is a living organism that can produce more of itself and spread

Mold Is EVERYWHERE!

Lemons, Baking soda, and essential oil will 100% remove mold!

Bleach will not remove or clean mold of any surface

There are more than 100,000 different kinds of mold!

Painting over any kinds of mold will not remove it!

Mold is linked to cancer so it is best to stay away from mold.

Molds are small living things that can grow outdoors or indoors  wherever moisture and oxygen meet. They are types of fungi

Molds thrive on moisture and reproduce by sending tiny, lightweight spores through the air. You’re exposed to mold every day.

Mold is mostly seen in winter and spring because it’s attracted to moisture.

you really think mold is dark and has no color but actually mold is very colorful!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Based on our research and observations, our hypothesis was confirmed. As illustrated in the chart from Cleveland Clinic, mold can cause irritated eyes, allergies, severe rashes, and other health issues. Also, the severity of the problem depends on the size of the mold infestation. If the mold covers a larger area, it is crucial to contact a professional for proper removal and repair.  

 

• Visited websites:

• Cleveland clinic 
• New York Health Government 
• The sprouce.com
• tomsguide.com
• Alberta Health 

 

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