Avoid Toxic Mold

You'll breathe much easier with better indoor air quality.

Photo: Bruce Becker / Istock

By Brian Clark Howard

Mold isn't just something that turns bread and peaches bad. It can seriously threaten indoor air quality, and even lead to death in rare cases. So make sure your home and work spaces are free of the nasty stuff.

Spurred by moisture, mold can develop rapidly and unnoticed. It is much more common in humid areas, but can form anywhere there's a little moisture and some type of organic-based material, be that fabric, wood or even some paints. Mold likes dark places, and frequently develops in areas that are out of view.

The best solution is prevention, so make sure you don't have any leaks or pipes that promote condensation, as well as cracks in basements or low-lying areas that can let moisture in. Don't leave wet clothes or towels lying around. If you are suffering from worsened allergies or suspect poor air quality, you may want to do a mold test. Your best bet is probably to call in a professional, but you can purchase a do-it-yourself test kit from the Internet.

Getting rid of mold once you have it may be as simple as drying the area out and scrubbing with strong natural cleaners (use bleach if you must). Extensive mold requires replacement of surfaces and structures, however, and you may need professional help. Both Ed McMahon and Erin Brockovich have suffered serious damage to their homes from mold, so the problem can strike anyone.

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