E X T E R I O R & I N T E R I O R CA R E - 3
CAY M A N 2 0 0 7
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MOLD & MILDEW
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that occurs naturally
in the environment and can leave a musty
odor, discolor fabrics, stain surfaces and cause
considerable damage to the motorhome.
What Does Mold Need to Grow?
Mold requires a food source to grow such
as grease or soil. Synthetic fabrics, such as
acetate, polyester, acrylic and nylon, are mildew
resistant, but soil on the surface of these fabrics
are susceptible to mold.
Temperate climate and moisture also help
to cultivate mold growth. Moisture in the
motorhome can result from unattended spills,
leaks, over ows and condensation. Moisture
allowed to remain on a growth medium can
develop mold within 24 to 48 hours. Minimizing
moisture inside of the motorhome can reduce
or eliminate favorable mold growth conditions.
Good housekeeping and regular maintenance
are essential in the effort to prevent or eliminate
mold growth.
Consequences of Mold:
All mold is not necessarily harmful, but
certain strains of mold have been shown
to cause, in susceptible persons, allergic
reactions, including skin irritation, watery eyes,
runny noise, coughing, sneezing, congestion,
sore throat and headache. Individuals with
suppressed immune systems may risk infections.
Some experts contend that mold causes serious
symptoms and disease which may even be life
threatening. However, experts disagree about the
level of mold exposure that may cause health
problems, and about the exact nature and extent
of the health problems that may be caused by
mold. Moreover, the Center for Disease Control
states that a casual link between the presence of
toxic mold and serious health conditions has not
been proven.
Standards or threshold limit values for
concentration of mold or mold spores have not
been set. Currently, there are no EPA regulations
or standards for airborne mold contaminants.
There is simply no practical way to eliminate
all mold and mold spores in the indoor
environment. For example, studies have shown
that ozone cleaners are not effective at killing
airborne mold or surface mold contamination.
Controlling Mold Growth:
The motorhome owner should eliminate
mold growth in the motorhome. Take the
following steps to eliminate mold growth in the
motorhome:
1. Carefully examine items for signs
of mold before loading them in the
motorhome. Potted plants (roots and
soil), furnishings, clothing and linens,
as well as many other household items,
may contain mold.
2. Regular vacuuming and cleaning will
help reduce mold levels. Mild bleach
solutions and most tile cleaners are
effective in eliminating or preventing
mold growth.
3. Indoor humidity can be reduced by 30
to 60% when venting clothes dryers
to the outdoors. Ventilate the kitchen
and bathroom by opening windows,
using exhaust fans or a combination
of both. Operating the air conditioning
will remove excess moisture in the air,
and help facilitate evaporation of water
from wet surfaces.
4. Promptly clean up spills, condensation
and other sources of moisture.
Thoroughly dry any wet surfaces or
material. DO NOT let water pool or
stand in the motorhome. Promptly
replace materials that cannot be
thoroughly dried.
5. Inspect for leaks on a regular basis.
Look for discolorations or wet spots.
Repair leaks promptly. Inspect
condensation pans (refrigerators and
air conditioners) for mold growth.
Take notice of musty odors and any
visible signs of mold.
6. Should mold develop, thoroughly
clean the affected area with a mild
solution of bleach. First, test to see if
the affected material or surface is color
safe. If mold growth is severe, call on
the services of a quali ed professional
cleaner.
7. If mold cannot be removed from an
item, throw the item away.
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