By guest blogger, Jennifer East
Mold is a common toxin, present to some degree in up to 70% of US buildings, and a rise in extreme weather events including flooding is causing even more homes to be affected by potentially harmful fungal growths. Mold thrives in any damp area of a building home and, if left untreated, can reduce air quality and increase health risks for residents.
EPA studies show that over a fifth of asthma cases may be attributed to household mold and, due to the allergens they produce, molds can cause allergic reactions ranging from mild irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat to more serious symptoms in people with chronic lung conditions.
From industrial bleach solutions to diluted vinegar, there are already many methods of removing and preventing mold growth. However, new research, advances in technology and the rediscovery of organic fungicides in natural and eco-friendly products are all helping householders to find new and inventive ways of preventing, controlling, and eliminating mold growth, and removing the serious health risks that it can pose.
Adopting the Latest Smart Technology to Remove Excess Moisture
Whether it’s caused by extensive flooding or the slow leak in a pipe, the intrusion of water into a home can cause significant damage, especially if it is not dealt with promptly. As mold spores need a mixture of water and organic material to thrive, mold and mildew will quickly take hold on damp drywall, wood joists, and carpets. After identifying the source of the water, dampness needs to be removed as soon as possible and this process can be speeded up with fans, drying machines, and dehumidifiers.
Dehumidifiers are also useful in preventing mold as they can be used to draw excess moisture from the air when humidity levels rise above 50%. When combined with the latest smart technology, Wi-Fi-compatible dehumidifiers can be operated remotely with apps and voice control, allowing for easier management of the machine and monitoring of moisture levels. They can be set to switch on automatically once a certain level of humidity is reached and some even feature a laundry mode for removing the moisture from damp clothes, blowing them dry, and expelling warmer air into the room.
Discovering the Natural Antifungal Properties of Aromatic Compounds
While advanced technology is useful in tackling the causes of mold, innovative ways of using familiar organic products can help prevent mold growth without potentially harmful chemicals. The antifungal properties of cinnamon, eucalyptus, and lavender can be harnessed in the form of essential oils or infused in a spray which, as well as making a home smell nice, can help to limit the growth of certain common molds. When cinnamon is diluted in water and used to spray areas vulnerable to mold, such as showers curtains, or kitchen grouting, active compounds including cinnamaldehyde act as fungicides and help to prevent mold from forming.
Severe cases of mold will require professional treatment but for everyday cleaning, using natural ingredients can help to maintain a healthier living environment by preventing harmful mold without adding further pollutants to the atmosphere.
Creating New Solutions for Removing Mold from Household Objects
Recent conservation research has discovered the optimal combination of enzymes and surfactants for removing mold stains from paper, resulting in a cleaning rate of over 50% and no remaining visible residue. While this research is aimed at cleaning heritage pieces, the mixture created could also be useful for restoring common household objects such as books, paintings, and photographs that have been damaged by mold.
In the meantime, another unconventional method of dealing with mold spreading on books is to freeze them. Although this doesn’t kill the mold, it does halt its growth until the affected pages can be cleaned and dried at a later date.
As an increasing number of homes are affected by mold, finding innovative ways to prevent and treat potentially toxic outbreaks is becoming more important. Focused scientific research could improve the treatment of paper objects damaged by mold. And while advanced technology improves the efficiency of appliances to remove excess moisture, existing natural but effective remedies for the spread of mold are also being unearthed.
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