I’m hiding a recent newspaper that reports houseplants are banned at the Jefferson College of Health Science in Roanoke, Va. Several of the school’s dormitories were built in 1950 and have had problems with mold so officials are taking no chances. They maintain plants that have been over-watered can sometimes produce mold.
My problem is that my husband would love to find a reason to diminish the number of plants in our house. He maintains that National Geographic calls often to check on setting up a wild live hunt or feature in our house.
Molds are a normal part of the natural environment. They play a role in nature by breaking down dead organic matter outdoors. But molds should be avoided inside because they can be especially harmful to our respiratory system and skin.
Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. In addition, mold exposure can irritate eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.
It is important to completely dry water damaged areas and items within 48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles and carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
All indoor pollution sources release gases or particles into the air, much like mold does, and are the primary cause of indoor air problems in homes. Inadequate ventilation, for example, can increase indoor pollutant by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor pollutants out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.
In addition to mold, there are many other sources of pollutants in the home. Obvious ones are chemicals, cleaning products, and pesticides. Less obvious are pollutants caused by such simple tasks as cooking, bathing, or heating the home. Fortunately, there are easy steps that everyone can take to reduce the potential for indoor air pollution and to improve the quality of the air they breathe. In fact, it is easier to reduce indoor air pollution in our homes and businesses than to reduce outdoor pollution.
My problem is that my husband would love to find a reason to diminish the number of plants in our house. He maintains that National Geographic calls often to check on setting up a wild live hunt or feature in our house.
Molds are a normal part of the natural environment. They play a role in nature by breaking down dead organic matter outdoors. But molds should be avoided inside because they can be especially harmful to our respiratory system and skin.
Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. In addition, mold exposure can irritate eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.
It is important to completely dry water damaged areas and items within 48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles and carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
All indoor pollution sources release gases or particles into the air, much like mold does, and are the primary cause of indoor air problems in homes. Inadequate ventilation, for example, can increase indoor pollutant by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor pollutants out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.
In addition to mold, there are many other sources of pollutants in the home. Obvious ones are chemicals, cleaning products, and pesticides. Less obvious are pollutants caused by such simple tasks as cooking, bathing, or heating the home. Fortunately, there are easy steps that everyone can take to reduce the potential for indoor air pollution and to improve the quality of the air they breathe. In fact, it is easier to reduce indoor air pollution in our homes and businesses than to reduce outdoor pollution.