Did You Know?
Mold depends on moisture to
grow. Mold can trigger asthma
and allergy symptoms.
Action Plan
- Reduce moisture and increase ventilation (airflow): open windows slightly when showering, use exhaust fans.
- Consider using a dehumidifier if humidity in your home is consistently high, with a target of < 50% relative humidity.
- Fix water leaks. Renters, report leaks to your landlord.
- If you see mold:
- Eliminate the source of moisture/water first.
- Scrub mold from hard surfaces with soap and water. Dry completely.
- Avoid using bleach (unless you are cleaning sewage).
- Do not paint over mold.
- Discard moldy objects (like carpets).
- After a flood or water leak: remove wet items and dry the area within 24 hours.
- If mold covers over 3ft x 3ft, hire a professional mold abatement company. If you rent, report mold to your landlord. If conditions are not fixed, ask your local building department or code enforcement official to inspect your home for water damage or leaks.
Resources
Learn more about identifying and getting rid of mold: epa.gov/mold
health.ny.gov and search “Mold and your home”
For more information, visit: nyscheck.org/rxs
How to measure humidity in your home:
Low-cost humidity meters are available online and at hardware stores.
Humidity levels should be kept at 30% – 50% to prevent mold growth and dust mites.
You can lower humidity with an air conditioner or dehumidifier.
