HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM UNHEALTHFUL MOLDS

lo- Keep water out. Fix anyleaks within 24 hours.

lo. Be on the lookout fordiscoloration of walls, ceiling,or anything made
of woodor paper. Mold growth canbe almost any color: white,black, green,
fluorescent.

Do- Look behind cabinets orpictures on cold outside walls,where
condensation can
occur. Keep furniture awayfrom outside walls.

IN- Check around air handlingunits (air conditioners, furnaces)for stagnant
water. Keep theseunits serviced with regularcleaning of ducts and air
filters.

lo- Be aware of odors. Mildewhas been described as
pungent, or "aromatic."

IN- Know the symptoms ofmold-related illness, which

can range from chronic sinusinfections and asthma tonosebleeds, extreme
fatigue,severe headaches, dizziness,rashes and central nervoussystem
problems. Do thesymptoms get better whenyou go on vacation and worsewhen
you come home?

10@Tb get your house checkedfor mold, contact the

American Industrial HygieneAssociation for a referralto a certified
industrialhygienist (703-849-8888,or www.aiha.org). Testingcosts $200-$500.

CLICK ON THE WEB
For more informationabout household mold,visit the EnvironmentalProtection Agency's
Indoor Air Quality site,www.epa.gov/iaq.
USA WEEKEND - Dec. 3-5,1999