Extension Focus

Can you smell a musty odor or see mold in your home? Then you have a mold problem.

Everyone should minimize their exposure to mold. High risk populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly, as well as those with existing respiratory sensitivities are at particularly heightened risk for adverse health effects from mold.

People can react to both living and dead molds. Symptoms of mold exposure can mimic that of a cold and cause respiratory problems, nasal and sinus congestion, watery eyes, sore throat, coughing, and skin irritations. Additionally, mold exposure can trigger asthma attacks.

Mold grows on organic materials like paper, wood, and soap scum. As you are probably aware, mold grows on moist materials. Any flooded area that was not completely dried within roughly 24 hours is likely to have mold growth. Areas that have water stains should be examined for mold growth.

Mold can commonly be found growing under cabinets, behind baseboards, inside walls, in carpet padding, and under vinyl wall coverings. As moisture seeps through concrete walls and floors, it creates the perfect condition for mold to grow on or in walls, carpeting, and materials stored in basements.

You may see a light-colored salt deposit on your basement floor or wall as a result of moisture coming in. These deposits should dissolve quickly and disappear when wet with water, if they are indeed salt deposits.

Mold must be removed, and it is important to be cautious during the removal process.

To protect your health, be sure to wear a mask or respirator that will filter out mold spores. Wear eye protection, rubber gloves, and clothing that can be immediately laundered.

Porous surfaces such as drywall and carpet padding should be removed and discarded, as it is impossible to completely remove mold. However, mold can be removed from hard surfaces like glass, metal, and counter tops.

Upon the removal of mold, be sure to disinfect the area. A bleach and water solution is effective, but the amount of bleach varies. Call our office for more information on appropriate ratios. Adequate ventilation while disinfecting is a must! Be sure to wear rubber gloves, too. Once disinfected, rinse and thoroughly dry the area.

There are mold spores everywhere, and mold grows on any wet organic surface. By keeping things dry, you can prevent mold growth.

Information obtained from North Dakota State University Extension.

Jessica Kootz is the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in the Midway Extension District. For more information on this article or other Family and Consumer Sciences related questions, email Jessica at jessicak@ksu.edu or call a Midway Extension District office at (785) 472-4442 or

(785) 483.3157.