It seems that there is a great deal of media attention being given to mold and its effects on the average person. When I was younger mold was never talked about. My mother and grandmother would just get out the bleach or Spic and Span and clean any mold they found and go on with their day. It seems that more people are susceptible to allergic reactions to mold and have greater more serious symptoms when exposed. Mold has become a serious health risk in the United States.

Basements and attics are prime breeding grounds for mold infestations due to their less frequent traffic, tendency to be shut up for longer periods of time (not aired out), and places for moisture to collect. The first place moisture will go when you have any kind of roof leak is in the attic.

Any leak around your foundation will show itself first in the basement. Because mold will grow wherever moisture is available, any problem in your attic or basement will create problems and you will see mold in your attic and mold in basement.

Studies over the years have shown that the presence of mold in a house can create overall poor air quality whether you know the mold is there or not. Studies commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency have shown that the air in the average home has more than two hundred percent more pollutants than the outside air.

Why is this the case when we have steadily been reducing pollution in the environment? Scientific advances in energy conservation have lead to more efficient building materials, windows with multiple panes and inert gases in between to prevent energy escaping, and have created homes that no longer breathe.

Homeowners seal any sign of a draft with a vengeance so as to keep the interior at the desired temperatures and to keep utility costs down. Homes used to breathe and we used to keep the windows and doors open with screens to keep insects out in the summer. Now we yell at our children to make sure they keep doors shut and do not stand in a door way with the door open. It is no wonder that we have created more breeding grounds for mold in our homes.

Even in most new homes the most common problem is mold in the basement. There are publications that explain how you can expect mold to grow in areas towards the outside of the home away from the heating and cooling systems. Outside rooms do not receive as much heat in the winter or air conditioning in the summer and the relative humidity in those rooms as a result is much higher than the rest of the home. Also make sure to look for signs of condensation any where in the home as this can be the moisture source that mold uses to grow its colonies.

What should you do about mold in the basement? First of all learn more about basement mold removal. Your first step is to identify the location of all molds. Investigate the conditions that are allowing the mold to grow in the first place. If it is a condensation or humidity problem, address it by using a dehumidifier in the summer to keep relative humidity levels below sixty percent.

Many new dehumidifiers come with filter options that can help keep contaminants out of the air and prevent future mold growth. Once you have addressed what is causing mold in the basement you will need to gather some supplies. Make sure you have some rubber gloves, a face mask that covers the nose and mouth, a spray bottle, liquid soap or detergent, a brush with stiff nylon or metal bristles, vinegar and a bucket.

Start by spraying the mold infestation with a detergent and water solution. This will prevent any toxic particles from being released into the air when scrubbing the affected area. Scrub the affected area with the brush. Wipe the area clean with clear water and then spray the area with a vinegar solution to kill any remaining mold that can not be seen without magnification. The vinegar will dry without any remaining odor.

It's time for you guys to learn how to remove black mold once and for all!