Remove mold immediately

Immediately remove mold, as otherwise serious illnesses threaten

14.02.2012

In cold weather forms by condensation on the windows and doors particularly fast mold. This should be removed immediately as the mold spores can pose a significant health risk. In addition, only by an immediate elimination of mold infestation, a further spread can be prevented, say the experts like Rolf Buschmann of the consumer center North Rhine-Westphalia in Dusseldorf. In addition, a timely removal of the mold is also advisable from the point of view of energy consumption, as can be caused by this so-called cold bridges, which significantly increase the heating demand.

Remove mold as soon as possible
Many tend, according to the expert of the consumer center to remove the mold only in better weather in the spring, which is basically the wrong approach. Those affected should have the mold removal „Do it as fast as possible, otherwise the problem will only get bigger“, Rolf Buschmann told the news agency „dpa“. In addition, go with the mold a not to be underestimated health risk and also form the infested seals or moldy corners in the room usually a cold bridge, which can increase the energy consumption significantly, explained the expert. However, the connection can also be exactly the opposite here. Namely that accumulates on existing cold spots due to the temperature gradient increased condensation and therefore forms mold. In any case, it is important to remove the cold bridges immediately.

counselor „Moisture and mildew“
For the correct handling of mold in living rooms, the Consumer Center has its guide „Moisture and mildew“ updated listing all necessary actions. For example, mold on metal, ceramic, glass or lacquered wood is relatively easy to remove with an ordinary household cleaner, according to the guidebook. As a rule, special chemical agents are not required here, especially since the chlorine compounds contained therein may in turn affect the health of the consumer. After the mold has been removed, the cleaned surfaces should be rubbed off with an 80% ethyl alcohol and then dried thoroughly, the experts continue. For silicone as a sealing material, the affected areas should be completely removed and re-sealed, the guide recommends „Moisture and mildew“.

Superficial treatment of the mold is often not enough
While smooth, sealed surfaces such as metal or ceramic wiping with a house-neck cleaner is quite sufficient, removing mold on other surfaces is often a real challenge. For example, according to Rolf Buschmann, simple cleaning is usually not enough for untreated wood. Here, the problem is usually not only superficial, but the mold has moved into the material, explained the expert. After the superficial mold has been removed, it is therefore urgent to consult a specialist who checks whether mold has formed even in deeper layers of the material. Also, the expert should determine the causes of the mold, to prevent its occurrence in the future.

Threatening health risks from mold
The potential health risks of mold are extremely varied and under no circumstances should be underestimated. For example, the literature mentions mold-related diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, bronchitis, cough, fever, shortness of breath, irritated eyes with corresponding reddening of the eye, irritation of the skin (atopic dermatitis) and an increased susceptibility to infections. Also, infant asthma could be triggered by the mold, reported US researchers last year in the journal „Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology“. Furthermore, concentration disorders, chronic fatigue and fatigue are considered possible consequences of the white horse. Also, muscle pain, gastrointestinal discomfort and numerous other allergies can be caused by the mold. If mold is discovered in the living areas, hurry is urgently required and urgent provision must be made for a timely removal. (Fp)

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Image: Mo Freiknecht