Mold & Mildew

Mold and Mildew

Molds and mildew grow in damp, darkplaces. Molds and mildew can cause lung problems – especially in people whohave allergies or asthma. You can prevent the growth of molds and mildew inyour home by controlling humidity.

Tipson mold and mildew:

• Control moisture. Use a dehumidifier during the summer. Use an exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathroom. Vent the clothes dryer to the outdoors and make sure the vent pipe is not clogged.

• Fix plumbing leaks before mold grows.

• Don’t store firewood inside. Bark contains millions of mold spores.

• More on molds and mildew.

Tips On Chemical

Chemicals can enter the air in your home when youpaint, use cleaning solvents, install pressed wood, install new carpets and usenew fabrics. These chemicals can irritate your eyes, throat, and nose. High levelscan give you a headache or make you feel dizzy.

Tips onchemicals:

• Make sure your home has lots of fresh air.

• Use safe paints, cleaners and other products. Look for those with the fewest warnings.

• Read labels. Some chemicals should only be used in well-vented spaces. The label may tell you if the chemicals can cause cancer or other health problems.

Factsheets of common toxic chemicals

Tips Of Asbestos

Asbestos

Asbestos is used in heating insulation, pipe wrap,floor tiles, slate siding, slate shingles, and ceiling tiles. Asbestos isharmful when it is damaged and fibers enter the air. Breathing air thatcontains asbestos fibers over several years can increase your risk of lungcancer.

Tips onAsbestos:

• If you think you may have asbestos in your home, contact a certified asbestos inspector to find out what actions are needed.

• Don’t try to remove asbestos by yourself. Only trained professionals should do this work.

• If asbestos is present and in good condition, it may be best to manage it without removal.

Tips Of Asthma

Asthma

For a comprehensive report on asthma inWisconsin, see the recently released:

• Asthma is an illness that causes wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing. More than 3,000 young people are hospitalized every year in Wisconsin with asthma. Pets, molds, pollen, and cockroaches can trigger asthma. Smoke, chemicals, ozone, and exhaust fumes can also trigger asthma.  More information on asthma in Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Asthma Program at the Department of Health Services can be found at the “new” asthma website. 

Tipsfor People with Asthma:

• If a person with asthma is allergic to cats or dogs, the family pet may need to be removed from the home. At least keep pets out of the person’s bedroom.

• Consider adding a high efficiency air filter to your heating system.

• Control humidity. Keep the humidity below 50% and fix moisture problems. This will reduce dust mites, molds and mildew.

• Reduce air pollutants like smoke, solvents, and pollen in your home.

• Get rid of cockroaches by carefully cleaning (especially in the kitchen) and removing trash every day. Use pesticides as a last resort.

• Damp mop, damp dust, and vacuum often. Use mattress and pillow covers. Remove carpets, drapes, books, stuffed animals, and feather or down pillows and covers from the bedroom. Wash bedding once a week using hot water to kill dust mites.