Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

1. Mold requires four conditions to grow and flourish: moisture, a food source, warm temperatures and receptive surface.

2. Almost all single cell microbes, including mold, bacteria, algae, and fungi are negatively charged.

3. The Mold Shield Antimicrobials molecularly change the surface on any substrate that they are applied to, creating a positively charged polymer surface that kills mold, bacteria, algae and fungi and contact. This new surface electromagnetically draws microbes to its surface and kills mold and mold spores.

4. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.

5. The most practical way to eliminate mold and mold spores in the indoor environment is to control moisture. 

6. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

7. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth:   
   Vent bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside.
   Use air conditioners and de-humidifiers.
   Increase ventilation.
   Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing or cleaning.

8. 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 that are moldy, such as ceiling tiles, may need to be replaced.

9. Prevent condensation:  
   Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces by adding insulation (e.g., around windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors). 
   In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (e.g., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).

10. 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.