Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month

Several states are now designating September as National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month as an opportunity to increase consumer awareness about molds and mycotoxins.

While every homeowner knows the danger fire can pose to a house, and while the vast majority keep working smoke detectors in their home, fewer people are aware of what water damage can do to their home - not only structurally, but as a instigator of mold. Mold spores and other airborne byproducts can be toxic to humans and animals alike, and more states and agencies are trying to raise awareness of how mold is formed and the dangers it can pose.

Excerpt from the Environmental Protection Agency's Guide:
"Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed."

Excerpt from the Center for Disease Control's Mold FAQ:
"Exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs."

Excerpt from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's news release "Mold: A Health Hazard":
"While it may seem that your house is safe from mold, your health may still be at risk because of the lingering effects of mold. When water damage infiltrates a structure, the long lasting effects can be detrimental to the composition of the building."

Excerpt from Nevada's 2009 bill to designate September as National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month:
"WHEREAS, People of all ages and backgrounds throughout the world have developed illnesses because of exposure to indoor toxic mold, and it is estimated that 500,000 deaths occur annually in the United States as a result of such exposure ... That the 75th Nevada Legislature designates September 2009 as National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month ... and recognizes that by increasing awareness about indoor toxic mold, we can prevent needless hazardous conditions that take the lives of thousands every year and adversely affect the health and well-being of many more."

Government agencies including EPA, FEMA, and CDC agree that mold starts to grow and spread 24 to 48 hours after water damage. You can better protect your home by using a Zircon Leak Alert™ water detector to alert you upon the first sign of water leakage. Place it anywhere there is a danger of floods or leaks: near water heaters, under sinks, and in basements. It emits a very loud alarm (similar to a smoke detector) when it gets wet, and will sound the alarm for up to 72 hours. In the event of a flood, the Leak Alert™ will float and continue to operate until the battery is depleted.

For more information on the Zircon Leak Alert™ water detctor, please click here.